The Job of a Lawyer
What Does a Lawyer Do?
A person trained in the law and licensed to represent others in legal cases. Lawyers are also known as attorneys and solicitors.
When considering a career in the law, it is important to consider your personal interests and long-term goals. Additionally, it is advisable to research practice areas and the current job market to determine the best fit for you.
Education and Training
Lawyers need to be able to absorb and assimilate large amounts of information quickly. Law school education teaches students how to do this. However, lawyers must also be able to organize and structure the information they need for specific projects. This is why it’s important for students to gain experience before they attend law school. This could include volunteer work, internships or part-time jobs.
The education requirements for becoming a lawyer vary by state and law school. Students should review the curriculum and ensure that it suits their future career goals. In the UK, it is possible to become a solicitor by getting a bachelor’s degree in any subject (three years) and then completing a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), which takes another two years. Other routes include undertaking a law conversion course or taking on a solicitor apprenticeship. Some lawyers also choose to complete a Master of Laws (LLM) or Doctor of Juridical Science, which broadens their knowledge of specific areas of law.
Job Duties
Attorneys represent clients and fight for their rights in court or other legal forums. Their job duties also include preparing legal documents and analyzing laws and regulations for their clients. They must have strong written and verbal communication skills. They often work long hours to meet deadlines and client expectations.
They analyze case law and determine possible outcomes of the case based on previous rulings, requirements and a good defense or prosecution strategy. They use their research skills to find relevant primary and secondary sources using a citator and prepare a legal document for the client.
They often attend arraignments, trial proceedings and depositions to support their clients in court. They must be able to answer questions from judges, witnesses and the jury in a convincing manner. They also provide consultation and expert advice to businesses on technical, systems-related topics. They must have the ability to solve problems quickly and be resourceful to resolve issues.
Working Conditions
Lawyers work a long day in and out of courtrooms, legal offices, and libraries. They may also be required to travel for research and consultations. Most lawyers work a variety of overtime hours to prepare for cases and draft documents. Those who practice law on their own or as independent contractors schedule their own workloads, while those who work for law firms are assigned a caseload and may have to stay late when clients call.
Working conditions have changed over the years with technological advances allowing quicker access to information. Despite the improvements, lawyers continue to work a lot of hours.
Criminal attorneys typically work long hours as they handle a high number of cases. They often sacrifice their evenings and weekends to assist their clients who are preoccupied with their 9 to 5 jobs and can’t take time off to seek help.
Salary
For those seeking a high-paying job, a career as a lawyer can be a lucrative choice. Starting salaries range from a low of $45,000 to a high of $180,000. Entry-level lawyers are likely to start with a law firm although some employers now hire in-house general counsel to save on legal costs.
A law firm’s size can impact salary. Large firms usually offer higher wages than smaller ones. Salaries vary by state as well, with those living in big cities earning more than those working in rural areas.
Attorneys can also increase their salary through a number of ways including advancing within their current employer, getting management experience and earning advanced degrees. Additionally, it’s possible for attorneys to earn vacation or annual leave based on their level of federal service and the length of time they’ve worked in the job. Attorneys can expect to get a minimum of 13 days of sick leave a year.
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