Lawyer
Nature of the Work
"The legal system affects nearly every aspect of our
society, from buying a home to crossing the street. Lawyers form the backbone of
this system, linking it to society in numerous ways. They hold positions of
great responsibility and are obligated to adhere to a strict code of ethics.
Lawyers, also called attorneys, act as
both advocates and advisors in our society.
As advocates, they represent one of the parties in criminal and civil trials by
presenting evidence and arguing in court to support their client. As advisors,
lawyers counsel their clients about their legal rights and obligations and
suggest particular courses of action in business and personal matters. Whether
acting as an advocate or an advisor, all attorneys research the intent of laws
and judicial decisions and apply the law to the specific circumstances faced by
their clients.
The more detailed aspects of a lawyer’s job depend upon
his or her field of specialization and position. Although all lawyers are
licensed to represent parties in court, some appear in court more frequently
than others. Trial lawyers, who specialize in trial work, must be able to think
quickly and speak with ease and authority. In addition, familiarity with
courtroom rules and strategy is particularly important in trial work. Still,
trial lawyers spend the majority of their time outside the courtroom, conducting
research, interviewing clients and witnesses, and handling other details in
preparation for a trial.
Work environment. Lawyers do most of their work in
offices, law libraries, and courtrooms. They sometimes meet in clients’ homes or
places of business and, when necessary, in hospitals or prisons."
Needed Training and Qualifications
"Formal requirements to become a lawyer usually include
a 4-year college degree, 3 years of law school, and passing a written bar
examination; however, some requirements may vary by State. Competition for
admission to most law schools is intense. Federal courts and agencies set their
own qualifications for those practicing before or in them."
Employment
"Lawyers held about 761,000 jobs in 2006. Approximately
27 percent of lawyers were self-employed, practicing either as partners in law
firms or in solo practices. Most salaried lawyers held positions in government,
in law firms or other corporations, or in nonprofit organizations. Most
government-employed lawyers worked at the local level. In the Federal
Government, lawyers worked for many different agencies but were concentrated in
the Departments of Justice, Treasury, and Defense. Many salaried lawyers working
outside of government were employed as house counsel by public utilities, banks,
insurance companies, real estate agencies, manufacturing firms, and other
business firms and nonprofit organizations. Some also had part-time independent
practices, while others worked part time as lawyers and full time in another
occupation."
Earnings
"In
May 2006, the median annual earnings of all wage-and-salaried lawyers were
$102,470. The middle half of the occupation earned
between $69,910 and $145,600. Median annual earnings in the industries employing
the largest numbers of lawyers in May 2006 were:
Management of companies and enterprises
$128,610
Federal Government
$119,240
Legal services
$108,100
Local government
$78,810
State government
$75,840
Salaries of experienced attorneys vary widely according
to the type, size, and location of their employer. Lawyers who own their own
practices usually earn less than those who are partners in law firms. Lawyers
starting their own practice may need to work part time in other occupations to
supplement their income until their practice is well established."
Related Occupations
"Legal training is necessary in many other occupations,
including paralegals and legal assistants; law clerks; title examiners,
abstractors, and searchers; and judges, magistrates, and other judicial
workers."
Source
"Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook
Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Lawyers, on the Internet at
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos053.htm (visited March 31, 2008)."
