Lawyer is a man or a woman licensed to represent people in a court of law or to counsel them on matters of law. He or she is also called an attorney, a counselor, or a solicitor. A person who seeks a lawyer’s services is called a client. In the United Kingdom, a lawyer who has the right to argue cases in higher courts is called a barrister. The lawyer’s duty is to make sure that all points of law and facts that favor the client’s case are brought to the court’s attention, and that justice is done.
A lawyer’s duties usually cover all legal matters, including contracts, wills, and business matters. A lawyer tries to avoid lawsuits by giving legal advice that will keep the client out of trouble. Legally, anyone may act on his or her own behalf in any court. But authorities say it is not wise for an untrained person to do so, except in small claims courts or other courts where procedure is informal and arguments only establish facts.
Learning to become a lawyer requires several years of study. In the United States, all but a few law schools admit only students who have college degrees. Law school usually takes three years to complete. Graduates receive a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) degree. Almost all states require lawyers to pass a state bar examination before they practice.
