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Lawyer

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A lawyer is a professional qualified to provide legal advice. They draft important legal documents and represent individuals in legal matters. The specific duties of a lawyer change based on their legal jurisdiction. A jurisdiction is a specific area or territory with its own set of laws. A lawyer's work also depends on their specific area of practice. Some lawyers focus on solving specific problems using abstract legal theories. Others work to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights.

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

Becoming a lawyer requires significant education and training. In many places, a person must first complete an undergraduate law degree. Some paths require postgraduate education and specialized professional training. In many jurisdictions, a person must also pass a bar examination. This exam proves they are ready to practice law. The requirements vary by country and specific legal system.

Juris Doctor diploma
Juris Doctor diploma

The history of the legal profession is very old. You can trace the role of lawyers back to ancient Greece and Rome.

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

In England, the legal profession was quite complex during the Middle Ages. By the 19th century, England evolved into a system with two main divisions. These divisions were known as barristers and solicitors. Since then, some countries have fused these roles into a single profession. For example, France merged its jurists in 1990 and 1991. This change happened because of competition from Anglo-American legal systems.

Legal systems are often divided into common law and civil law traditions. In common law systems like England and Wales, lawyers often have two roles. A barrister is a lawyer who specializes in arguing cases before higher courts. A solicitor, or attorney, prepares cases and provides legal advice. In some places, solicitors also represent clients in court. In other common law countries, these roles are fused. The United States, India, and Pakistan have fused professions. In these places, one lawyer can perform both roles.

Men throwing black paint at a woman seeking justice Wellcome V0050338
Men throwing black paint at a woman seeking justice Wellcome V0050338

Civil law jurisdictions operate differently than common law systems. They do not always use the term "lawyer" in the American sense. Instead, they have many different kinds of legally trained persons called jurists. Some of these jurists are advocates licensed to practice in courts. In some civil law countries, a distinction exists between advocates and procurators. This shows how different cultures organize their legal experts.

Quentin Massys - Portrait of a Man - National Gallery of Scotland
Quentin Massys - Portrait of a Man - National Gallery of Scotland

There are many specialized types of legal practitioners. These include patent attorneys and trademark attorneys. Other roles include conveyancers and notaries. Some jurisdictions even use titles like scriveners or legal executives. In the United States, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines, people often say "attorney at law." This is usually shortened to "attorney" in everyday speech. The word "attorney" comes from the verb "to attorn." This verb means to transfer one's rights and obligations to another person.

Titles used to address lawyers also vary across the globe. Historically, many European lawyers were addressed as "doctor." This tradition began with the University of Bologna in the 11th century. Law was one of the first subjects taught at that university. Because of this, lawyers in Portugal, Italy, and Malta are often called "doctor." This practice also moved to many countries in South America and Macau. In the United States, the most common degree is the Juris Doctor. While it is a doctorate, most American lawyers do not use the title "doctor." Instead, they often use the suffix "Esq." for Esquire.

Abraham Lincoln head on shoulders photo portrait
Abraham Lincoln head on shoulders photo portrait
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Juris_Doctor_diploma.jpg
File:New York Court of Appeals hearing oral arguments.jpg
New York Court of Appeals hearing oral...
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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 -...
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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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