An attorney is that a lawyer practices law. Other names for lawyers include “attorney,” “barrister,” “counsel,” “counsellor,” and “solicitor.” A lawyer is licensed to practice law in a specific area and has a degree in law.
A lawyer can be contacted for guidance if a person has a legal issue. A case is the name given to a legal issue. A person can hire a lawyer to help them start a case against someone else or help them with an existing case. The lawyer will represent the client in court if the case goes to trial. The attorney will use their knowledge of the law to persuade the court that the client is correct. Lawyers also help people “settle out of court,” which means that both sides agree to settle the dispute before a trial so they don’t have to.
A person who is accused of a crime is represented by a defense attorney to argue that they did not commit a crime. The prosecutor is the lawyer who argues that they committed the crime.
Legal documents are also prepared by lawyers for their clients. Examples: making a will or purchasing or selling property In England, certain lawyers, known as “commissioners of oaths,” are allowed to take legally binding statements from witnesses that can be presented to the court.
Lawyers are employed in various settings. Some work independently, while others are employed by law firms. Private businesses and hospitals employ some lawyers. In-house counsel is usually the name given to lawyers who work for private businesses.
Lawyers typically charge a fee for their services, but there are times when they provide free advice, known as “pro bono,” which translates to “for the public good.” If a person is accused of a crime but is unable to afford a lawyer, the government in many countries will use tax money to pay a lawyer to represent them.
