Lawyer

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is a legal professional who holds a law degree. The term is often used broadly to describe anyone who provides legal services, but how a lawyer practices law may depend on what additional licensing they’ve completed and what area of the law they focus on.

Attorneys, for example, are lawyers who have successfully completed the state bar examination and are qualified to represent clients in court. But you don’t need to be an attorney to provide legal counsel. Some lawyers work for large corporations advising them on compliance issues related to their business, while others may focus on reviewing contracts and other legal documents. Some lawyers choose to work at law firms, while others may work for government agencies, universities, or even for themselves.

There are many different types of lawyers, including estate planning lawyers, criminal lawyers, family law layers, and even tax lawyers. The type of lawyer you seek out will largely depend on the type of legal counsel you need.

FAQs

What's the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?

The terms lawyer and attorney are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t exactly the same. While both lawyers and attorneys are law school graduates, attorneys are legal professionals who are licensed to represent clients in court. Non-attorneys may choose to use their law degree to work in legal research, advise corporations or individuals on their legal rights, or teach law, but don’t assist in legal proceedings.

A good way to think about the difference is to remember that all attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys.

How much does a lawyer cost?

The exact cost will depend on what kind of lawyer you’re employing, the type of legal services you need, the state in which they practice law, and whether they work for a law firm or for themselves.

Generally speaking, you should expect to pay a few hundred dollars an hour for the services of a lawyer. Some offer flat rates for certain services, or sliding scale arrangements.

Do you need a lawyer to represent you in court?

You have the right to represent yourself in any legal proceedings. And if you’re going to court over a minor legal matter, such as a parking ticket, you may be able to do this successfully.

That said, there are a lot of scenarios where you may want a member of the legal profession on your side. If you’re involved in a serious court dispute such as a divorce or a criminal trial, having an attorney who understands the complexities of the law is invaluable. Out of court, lawyers can help with tasks like estate planning, which can be difficult to navigate on your own.