Published by Michelle Caruso on 14 May 2008 at 02:18 am
Many Types of Attorneys
Attorneys are individuals who have trained in legal matters; some people refer to them as attorneys or advocates, sometimes as legal advisors. The term advocate is used when a lawyer acts on behalf of the person he is representing in a courtroom; although they are all licensed to represent parties in court, some appear in court more frequently than others. There is a slightly different set of circumstances if they provide legal counsel, when they are referred to as legal advisors; clients use them for suggestions on available courses of action relating to legal issues which affect them.
Those who specialize in courtroom procedure are called trial lawyers; of particular importance in trial work is the ability to think quickly and speak with ease and authority. Trial lawyers actually spend more of their time outside the court; conducting research, interviewing clients and witnesses plus handling other details in preparation for trial.
The law in all its guises affects every aspect of modern society; whether you are buying a house or making an insurance claim, but because lawyers are in a position of authority they must abide by very strict rules to govern their conduct. Some areas of law are so highly specialized that legal representatives may never have to appear in a courtroom; although they are all licensed too represent in court when required
Today’s life and law is becoming ever more complex creating new subject areas for the attorneys to practice in; such as: Constitutional Law, Health Issues, Contract Law, Divorce Law and Fraud. The need to practice every area of law in a courtroom is minimal! Environmental law for instance employs experts who will represent private, government and individuals; a few examples are listed here: Public-Interest Groups, Federal Agencies and Oil Companies.
Often this work will be mundane as it involves planning applications and licenses for example; however, they also protect companies where claims for damages are being sought.
Attorneys are also involved with laws protecting intellectual property rights, an area much in the news of late; property like digital media, CD’s, computer games and software for instance, are particularly at risk since the advent of the Internet. Legal departments within insurance companies also employ specialist lawyers; they investigate the legality of insurance transactions, writing insurance policies to conform with the law and protect companies from false claims.
Most attorneys work in the private sector working on criminal or civil law; persons charged with crimes are represented by criminal lawyers on both sides one for the defense and one for the prosecution; civil law assists clients experiencing litigation problems with wills, trusts, contracts, mortgages, titles, and leases for example.
Many individuals prefer very high profile, “public interest cases” both criminal and civil; this can be where a large company or government body may be involved with actions that have affected the general public. Still other lawyers use their skills working for non-profit organizations and other charitable bodies; they help to look after the legal rights of disadvantaged and less fortunate people around the world.