Lawyers offer legal guidance, assistance with documents and resolution of legal disputes for people, businesses and government agencies. Lawyers may work in law firms, individual client practices or independently.
Many new lawyers start off as court clerks, gaining invaluable experience for future careers. Others begin working at large law firms where associates typically move quickly through the ranks.
Courtrooms
In many countries, lawyers work in courtrooms. Criminal trials require attorneys to be present so they may question witnesses. Civil cases often call upon attorneys for evidence or arguments to present. Judges usually wear robes in these environments and often utilize wood panelling; witness tables, jurors’ boxes and the judge’s bench are typically arranged around a circle with an open space between known as the well to signify respect towards their judges; attorneys should never cross that space without prior permission as doing so would be considered disrespectful of them.
Lawyers work in businesses known as law firms. Law firms may range in size from 500+ lawyers to medium and small practices; each law firm might specialize in different practice areas like corporate, family, real estate, criminal defense or employment law. Lawyers may be paid hourly using billable hours structures or contingency fees. Solo practitioners also exist.
Offices
Most lawyers work in private law firms that specialize in client litigation. These firms may specialize in corporate, civil rights, family, real estate, trusts and estates law as well as labor and employment, tax, environmental or intellectual property law – depending on their size; some law firms employ hundreds of attorneys while smaller ones may only employ several dozen. Some attorneys also pursue public interest legal work through pro bono arrangements with non-profit organizations and community groups.
At its core, law can be emotionally draining work; as lawyers frequently deal with cases that involve human suffering or tragedy. This can often lead to burnout and depression – particularly among high-demand practice areas – so finding a balance between work and life is of utmost importance for lawyers. Your office should reflect your firm’s brand; in New York City where world-renowned firms such as Sullivan & Cromwell and Skadden, Arps, Slate Meagher & Flom are located, your office should make a powerful statement of excellence about your commitment towards excellence!
Meetings with Clients
Lawyers play an essential role in any organization – be it an in-house legal team, law firm or government agency – by meeting with clients. Physical meetings may occur but more commonly attorneys use phone or video calls to discuss cases with both clients and colleagues.
At client meetings, it’s vital for lawyers to remain calm and attentive, providing prompt answers to queries. Furthermore, clients may feel nervous discussing sensitive information with their lawyer; in such an instance, it is crucial that their legal representative can assure them that their case will be managed confidentially.
After each meeting, it is vital to send a customized follow-up email that summarizes key points and clarifies action items. This will ensure all issues were covered and both parties understand their responsibilities. Also, keeping to your scheduled agenda can keep meetings productive by preventing questions from running out before being answered; extended meetings can become frustrating for both attorneys and clients.
Research
As law firms rely less on external legal research services in favor of internal resources, some observers worry that demand for legal research lawyers will decline. Others remain more optimistic, noting that as long as “the Law” remains complex, ever-evolving and often contradictory – meaning no single attorney knows everything – skilled legal researchers will remain necessary.
Legal researchers work in law firms, government, universities or businesses and review documents while keeping up to date on changes to case law and legislation, creating databases of office documents to store them all and keeping client files. Indeed provides more details.
Some research attorneys serve as supervisors, mentoring students and junior lawyers as they learn their craft. Others take part in pro bono projects and other community service activities as ways of giving back for having access to so much legal knowledge; many find these opportunities through employers while others pursue them independently.
