Legal representation requires strong critical thinking skills and an unyielding dedication to upholding the law. Attorneys usually perform several key job functions such as research, legal advising and settlement negotiation.
Learn what it means to be an attorney and how you can find one suitable to your needs.
Legal Advice
Legal advice is provided by lawyers licensed to give it. Their opinion is based on specific laws as applied to an individual case, while taking into account individual client circumstances. Legal advice must only ever be offered by licensed attorneys.
Attorneys provide their clients with legal services that include advice regarding what steps should be taken when facing legal disputes, document preparation services and representation in court proceedings.
When seeking legal advice from lawyers, clients must either schedule an appropriate consultation or establish an attorney-client relationship before seeking services from said lawyer. To provide such services and be paid accordingly for their advice. In certain instances, attorneys publish disclaimers on their websites indicating they do not provide legal advice or establish attorney-client relationships when receiving requests without first consulting or creating one first.
Document Preparation
Document preparation involves creating legal documents such as contracts, pleadings and wills for clients’ use that accurately reflect their intentions while complying with all relevant laws and regulations. Lawyers also prepare exhibits and witnesses in preparation for trial by creating document packages.
Legal document preparers (also called paralegal assistants) provide assistance with various legal tasks like filing paperwork and drafting documents. Since their services tend to be cheaper than hiring an attorney for such tasks, legal document preparers may be the more economical choice in cases requiring minimal legal advice.
All businesses providing this service must register with the state. Along with providing all the required information, they must include in their advertising a statement which demonstrates they do not hold legal authorization to practice in this state and cannot represent anyone for legal matters.
Negotiation
Negotiation is an ongoing dialogue with the goal of finding some form of resolution for legal disputes. Parties involved offer and accept concessions in order to reach an agreement that benefits all sides involved, so negotiation often results in cases being settled without needing to go to court. A good negotiator will prepare by thoroughly understanding their adversary’s position before crafting results that satisfy both clients.
Negotiators listen carefully to what each party has to say without dismissive or antagonistic responses, while understanding the need to strike a balance among various interests. Negotiation may occur before filing of lawsuit or even after being filed if necessary.
Advocacy
Advocacy (AD-v-kite) is a Latin term meaning to give voice. Modern-day advocates represent clients, their causes and points of view in legal proceedings; assist in negotiations; negotiate settlements as appropriate and fight hard on their clients’ behalf for legal proceedings and pleas for justice.
Legal advocates participate in trials and hearings to present arguments, cross-examine witnesses, support their clients’ positions, draft legal documents such as contracts, pleadings and wills that comply with legal requirements; engage in legislative advocacy to lobby for or against laws; work with non-profit organisations to advance social change and justice initiatives; engage in legislative advocacy to lobby legislators or to lobby lawmakers about specific bills. They may also work alongside non-profit organisations promoting change & justice projects through non-profit advocacy; as well as informal/formal campaigns on behalf of family, friends or even environmentalists/human rights Defenders/environmentalists etc.
Research
Research is an integral component of legal work and involves searching for information regarding laws, court cases and legal rules. Attorneys utilize their research skills to find solutions for their clients that conform with legal guidelines when presenting cases before courts; this requires strong critical thinking abilities as they assess situations and determine the most beneficial course of action. Legal professionals utilize digital research tools like Google Scholar to locate relevant data that supports cases they’re working on – lawyers must interpret this data, as well as prepare memos for their clients outlining it all as it unfolds further in cases.
A review could include searching for updated citations, noting whether a case has been overturned, upheld or challenged.
