Lawyers sue and defend people, as well as write legal documents. They work for businesses, schools, the government and individuals. They can be found in courts, negotiating contracts, and writing wills. They are considered experts in the law and are often called upon to explain complicated legal issues.
The term lawyer can refer to anyone who has been trained in the law, whether they are licensed or not. However, the word attorney has a specific meaning, and it is only those who have been licensed to practice the law who are called attorneys.
To become an attorney, one must complete a law degree program and pass the bar exam. This is a two to three day test that determines whether someone has the knowledge and skills to practice the law. Many law school students gain experience by working in a law firm or participating in a clerkship or externship. This allows them to prepare for the bar exam and get hands-on experience in a law office.
Attorney-client privilege is a confidential communication between an attorney and their client. It protects the patron’s right to privacy and ensures that the attorney will not disclose any information from their case to another party without permission from the client. However, this privilege can be waived or lost through certain exceptions. For example, if the patron is engaging in criminal or fraud activity, the attorney may be required to disclose this information. Also, if the patron’s communication with their attorney includes a threat of future harm to themselves or others, the privilege can be waived in order to prevent the threat from occurring.
In some states, there are programs that allow low-income citizens to receive free or reduced-cost legal help in matters like landlord-tenant disputes or divorce cases. These programs are typically connected to state bars and run by volunteers, or provided by nonprofit organizations and public defenders. Attorneys may charge a flat or fixed fee for uncomplicated services, such as drafting incorporation papers or filing a simple bankruptcy. When hiring an attorney, always request a written fee agreement and make sure to understand exactly what services the fees cover.
Some attorneys specialize in a particular area of law, such as family or bankruptcy law. Others may focus on personal injury or business litigation. Some attorneys work on a part-time or contract basis, while others maintain their own private practices. Most attorneys are members of the state bar, and most states have online directories that allow the public to search for an attorney’s licensing information and disciplinary history. Some of these directories also offer a free background check service for members of the public. This service can be particularly useful when trying to determine if an attorney is legitimate. A nationwide background check can also be helpful, especially if you are considering hiring an attorney who has worked in other states. Anwalt