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Career Details : Lawyers

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Description

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, and manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

Education

A bachelor's degree is the minimum formal education required for these occupations. However, many also require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Tasks

  • Conducts case, examining and cross-examining witnesses, and summarizes case to judge or jury.
  • Gathers evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions.
  • Advises clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending law suits, or legal rights and obligations.
  • Interviews clients and witnesses to ascertain facts of case.
  • Examines legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuit.
  • Studies Constitution, statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies.
  • Evaluates findings and develops strategy and arguments in preparation for presentation of case.
  • Represents client in court or before government agency.
  • Searches for and examines public and other legal records to write opinions or establish ownership.
  • Acts as agent, trustee, guardian, or executor for business or individuals.
  • Probates wills and represents and advises executors and administrators of estates.
  • Prepares opinions on legal issues.
  • Prepares and drafts legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.
  • Prepares and files legal briefs.
  • Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and business.
  • Presents evidence to defend client in civil or criminal litigation.
  • Presents evidence to prosecute defendant in civil or criminal litigation.
  • Confers with colleagues with specialty in area of legal issue to establish and verify basis for legal proceeding.

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    Important Abilities

    General Work Activities

    Important Skills

    Frequent Work Context

    • Consequence of Error
    • Job-Required Social Interaction
    • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
    • Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
    • Objective or Subjective Information

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