A lawyer is someone who has been trained in the law and is licensed to provide legal advice and representation to clients on a wide range of issues. Lawyers have in-depth knowledge of legal principles, regulations and procedures. They often specialize in a particular area of the law. A lawyer may also be known as an attorney-at-law, or by the more formal title, “attorney.”
Lawyers work on a variety of issues that are both civil and criminal in nature. They may be hired by individuals, corporations or government agencies to represent their interests in court or before governmental committees. Lawyers may also be engaged in the negotiation of contracts and other agreements, or the drafting of wills and other legal documents.
When choosing a lawyer, it is important to find one that has experience in the specific area of the law in which you need assistance, and one who works well with you. A good place to start is by asking friends, family and colleagues if they know of a good attorney. It is also a good idea to interview the lawyer before hiring him or her. During the interview, pay attention to how the attorney listens and responds to your questions. If the attorney appears to be avoiding your questions or using too much “legalese,” consider choosing another lawyer.
You can also look for attorneys on the internet or in your local telephone directory. Most communities have referral services that will recommend an attorney to you based on the type of legal matter you need help with. Rechtsanwalt
