The Practice of Law
A lawyer is a person who has passed the bar examination and earned the title of bar lawyer in their state where they practice law. In this position, a lawyer can serve as the primary legal representation for their client in a state or federal court of law. In addition to their direct involvement with the individuals they represent, lawyers also serve as spokespersons for many of the institutions they work with. They give legal advice to individuals who are represented by the firm and also give educational lectures on the law, how to handle cases that may arise, and the importance of maintaining a strong and impressive public perception. In many ways, lawyers are considered public relations specialists.
An attorney is also a licensed professional who has met all of the requirements of the state where he practices law. In order to become licensed to practice law, a lawyer must pass the state bar exam. In most states, the application for license requires completion of a well-written curriculum vitae, a well-written ethics statement, and a competitive Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). Once an attorney has been admitted to the bar, he or she will complete the requirements of taking the state bar exam, take the necessary examinations, pass the final qualifying exam, and become a practicing lawyer in good standing.
There are many different types of attorneys, including family attorneys, corporate attorneys, criminal law attorneys, and family law attorneys. Within these categories, there are different sub-specialties within each specialty. Family law, for example, includes matters relating to adoption, child welfare, juvenile delinquency, spousal abuse, and juvenile law. Corporate law includes matters related to corporate policy and practice, management, corporate frauds, and litigation in general. Criminal law includes civil law and criminal law proceedings, including murder, manslaughter, arson, assault, embezzlement, theft, and so on. Civil law includes all matters between private parties, including divorces, annuities, and so on.