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Lawyer

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A lawyer is a person who helps others with the law. They offer advice and write important legal papers. Some lawyers represent people during legal matters. Their work changes based on where they live. Different parts of the world have different legal systems. Some lawyers focus on specific areas of practice. They might work to protect human rights. Others work to uphold the rule of law.

New York Court of Appeals hearing oral arguments
New York Court of Appeals hearing oral arguments

Becoming a lawyer requires much study and training. Some people must finish an undergraduate law degree first. Others go on to complete postgraduate education. Many lawyers must pass a big test called a bar examination. This test shows they are ready to practice. Once they pass, they can start their work. They apply legal theories to solve real problems. This helps people navigate complex rules.

Juris Doctor diploma
Juris Doctor diploma

This job has a very long history. You can trace lawyers back to ancient Greece and Rome.

Sarcofago avvocato Valerius Petrnianus-optimized
Sarcofago avvocato Valerius Petrnianus-optimized

In England, the legal profession was very complex during the Middle Ages. By the 19th century, England had two main types of lawyers. These were known as barristers and solicitors. Some countries have since joined these roles together. This creates a single type of lawyer.

Pieter Brueghel the Younger - Village Lawyer - WGA3633
Pieter Brueghel the Younger - Village Lawyer - WGA3633

Different countries use different names for these experts. In England and Wales, a barrister argues in higher courts. A solicitor prepares cases and gives advice. In the United States, people often use the term "attorney." This word comes from a verb meaning to transfer rights. In some places, lawyers are called jurists. These people might be advocates in a court.

Clara Shortridge Foltz
Clara Shortridge Foltz

Other specialists include patent attorneys and notaries.

Titles for lawyers can also vary widely. In many European countries, lawyers were historically called doctors. This started with the University of Bologna in the 11th century. Law was one of the first subjects taught there. Because of this, lawyers in Italy and Portugal are often called "doctor." In the United States, many lawyers hold a Juris Doctor degree. However, most do not use the title "doctor" in daily life. Instead, they might use the suffix "Esq."

Abraham Lincoln head on shoulders photo portrait
Abraham Lincoln head on shoulders photo portrait
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File:Juris_Doctor_diploma.jpg
Juris_Doctor_diploma.jpg
File:New York Court of Appeals hearing oral arguments.jpg
New York Court of Appeals hearing oral...
File:UK budova.jpg
UK budova.jpg
File:Clara Shortridge Foltz.jpg
Clara Shortridge Foltz.jpg
File:Abraham Lincoln head on shoulders photo portrait.jpg
Abraham Lincoln head on shoulders photo...
File:American Bar Association 3c 1953 issue U.S. stamp.jpg
American Bar Association 3c 1953 issue...
File:Men throwing black paint at a woman seeking justice Wellcome V0050338.jpg
Men throwing black paint at a woman...
File:Pieter Brueghel the Younger - Village Lawyer - WGA3633.jpg
Pieter Brueghel the Younger - Village...
File:Quentin Massys - Portrait of a Man - National Gallery of Scotland.jpg
Quentin Massys - Portrait of a Man -...
File:Sarcofago avvocato Valerius Petrnianus-optimized.jpg
Sarcofago avvocato Valerius...
File:Initial N- James I of Aragon Overseeing a Court of Law - Google Art Project.jpg
Initial N- James I of Aragon Overseeing a...
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