Legal Definitions - lawyer

A lawyer, also commonly known as an attorney or counselor, is a professional who has been formally educated in law and licensed by the state to provide legal advice, represent clients in legal matters, and advocate on their behalf within the legal system. Lawyers serve as officers of the court, meaning they have duties not only to their clients but also to the proper administration of justice. They are expected to possess a reasonable understanding of the law and legal procedures, apply their knowledge with skill and care, and act in their clients' best interests, while adhering to ethical rules.

Here are a few examples illustrating the role of a lawyer:

• Business Formation: A group of entrepreneurs wants to start a new technology company. They hire a lawyer to advise them on the best legal structure for their business (e.g., LLC, corporation), draft essential documents like partnership agreements and terms of service, and ensure they comply with all relevant regulations. This illustrates a lawyer providing expert legal advice and drafting documents, leveraging their authorized knowledge of business law to protect the clients' interests from the outset.
• Personal Injury Claim: Sarah is injured in a car accident caused by another driver's negligence and needs to seek compensation for her medical bills and lost wages. Sarah hires a personal injury lawyer. The lawyer investigates the accident, gathers evidence, negotiates with the insurance company, and, if necessary, files a lawsuit and represents Sarah in court to argue her case. Here, the lawyer acts as an advocate, representing Sarah's interests, navigating complex legal procedures, and using their authorization to practice law to pursue a claim on her behalf.
• Estate Planning: Mark wants to ensure his assets are distributed according to his wishes after his death and wants to appoint guardians for his minor children. Mark consults an estate planning lawyer. The lawyer advises him on options like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, drafts these legal documents, and ensures they are legally sound and properly executed to achieve Mark's objectives. This example shows a lawyer applying specialized legal knowledge to create legally binding documents that reflect a client's personal decisions, demonstrating their role in providing tailored legal solutions and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.