A professional who conducts criminal and civil lawsuits, draws up legal documents, advises clients as to legal rights, and practices other phases of law. Responsibilities include:

• Gathers evidence in divorce, civil, criminal, and other cases to formulate defense or to initiate legal action.
• Conducts research, interviews clients and witnesses, and handles other details in preparation for trial.
• Prepares legal briefs, develops strategy, arguments, and testimony in preparation for presentation of case.
• Files brief with court clerk.
• Represents client in court and before quasi-judicial or administrative agencies of government.
• Interprets laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.
• May confer with colleagues with specialty in area of lawsuit to establish and verify basis for legal proceedings.
• May act as trustee, guardian, or executor.
• May draft wills, trusts, transfer of assets, gifts, and other documents.
• May advise corporate clients concerning transactions of business involving internal affairs, stockholders, directors, officers, and corporate relations with general public.
• May supervise and coordinate activities of subordinate legal personnel.
• May prepare business contracts, pay taxes, settle labor disputes, and administer other legal matters.
• May teach college courses in law.
• May specialize in specific phase of law.