Lawyers, or attorneys, are professionals who are licensed to practice law in a particular jurisdiction. Practicing law generally means representing a client in a court of law or giving legal advice.
An attorney performs many tasks and provides many services in the course of their everyday legal practice. While some lawyers practice in many different areas of law, others may specialize in just one or a few areas.
An attorney may work:
- In a group of attorneys, referred to as a law firm;
- With a partner; or
- By themselves in a solo practice.
What Are Attorneys Allowed to Do?
Only attorneys are permitted to practice law. Legal services include providing legal advice and representing clients in court.
Non-lawyers are only permitted to practice law in very limited circumstances. Certain situations may allow a non-lawyer to provide legal information.
A non-lawyer may represent a government agency during hearings in many states.
What Is the Difference Between an Attorney, a Paralegal, and a Notary Public?
A lawyer is different from a paralegal and a notary public. A paralegal is a professional with some specialized legal training that allows them to assist an attorney with their daily tasks.
Research and writing are typical tasks performed by paralegals.
A notary public assists with the authentication of documents by notarizing them. These documents usually include:
- Wills;
- Contracts;
- Deeds; and
- Other items which require certification.
An individual should decline an offer of legal services from a notary public or paralegal and report the individual to the state bar for unauthorized practice of law.
How Do I Get a Law License?
The practice of law is heavily regulated since attorneys assist the general public with sensitive and complex legal issues. According to the 10th Amendment to the Constitution, each state regulates matters that are not specifically prohibited or reserved for the federal government.
States have governing bodies, called state bars, that regulate the practice of law there. The practice of law requires attorneys to be licensed.
A licensed attorney may practice federal law as well as state law. Admission to a federal court district is not automatic.
Attorneys may not practice another state’s law unless they are licensed to practice in that state. An attorney can practice in two states if they have reciprocal agreements with them, typically neighboring states or jurisdictions.
Each state bar sets its own licensing requirements. Most states regulate the bar examination and require candidates to:
- Pass a state bar exam;
- Pass an ethics exam; and
- Undergo a comprehensive background check.
A state bar can also:
- Regulate continuing education for attorneys;
- Handle discipline for attorneys;
- Maintain a directory of attorneys;
- Publish attorney disciplinary actions; and
- Publish a bar journal.
In some states, attorneys are required to belong to and pay dues to a bar association. While some states do not regulate the above issues, others do.
The First Step: Getting a Legal Education
Before taking the bar exam, prospective attorneys typically need a bachelor’s degree from an undergraduate institution. A prospective lawyer must then prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), which primarily tests logic and reasoning skills.
LSAT scores will be considered along with other educational and other achievements when applying to law school. Typically, the individual must then graduate from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
Law school is usually a three-year program that teaches the future attorney:
- Critical thinking;
- Legal advocacy;
- Persuasive writing;
- Oral argument; and
- Ethical responsibilities.
Some law schools offer part-time programs that may extend the education period by a year or two. Students who graduate from law school receive a degree called a Juris doctorate.
Some states do not require a law school degree to sit for the bar exam. Most states require a certain amount of study under another attorney or under the supervision of a judge.
Attorney candidates are eligible to take the state bar exam after graduating from an accredited law school or completing the state’s legal education requirements. State bar exams consist of a state law test as well as a multistate test covering points of law common to all jurisdictions.
Additionally, most states require a separate civics exam called the multistate Professional Responsibility Exam. The bar exam may not be available to students who do not graduate from an accredited law school.
How Can I Find the Right Civil Attorney?
When searching for a qualified civil attorney, it is important to confirm that they have the proper licenses and credentials. It is a good idea to check with your state bar association first. A lawyer’s background is checked by state bars to ensure compliance with laws and expected codes of conduct. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are looking for an attorney.
Graduation from an Accredited Law School
A civil attorney must have graduated from an American Bar Association-certified law school. Nowadays, dozens of “fly-by-night” law schools graduate aspiring attorneys to cover tuition costs.
In order to receive ABA accreditation, an institution must meet several requirements, such as:
- Having a favorable teacher/faculty ratio
Teaching certain required basic and advanced subject areas
Must have attendance requirements for all students
Bar Passage
Each state requires civil lawyers to pass the bar exam. Lawyers in every state are required to take a difficult written test known as the state bar. Some states, such as California, require the test to be taken over three days. The only way to become a civil attorney is to pass the bar.
People who hold themselves out as lawyers without passing the bar exam may commit a crime.
Candidates who fail to meet certain standards must retake the test. It is estimated that 15 to 60 percent of test takers do not pass the exam, depending on the state. Typically, a successful bar candidate prepares for the exam for two to three months.
As well as passing the bar exam, prospective attorneys must also pass a multiple choice ethics test and undergo a comprehensive background check, which assesses their character as well as their fitness to practice law. Other legal professionals or individuals often vouch for the candidate’s character.
To put it another way, a prospective attorney will have to pass a background check for a criminal record, as well as have references willing to testify on their behalf.
Minimum Continuing Legal Education
Civil attorneys are required to maintain a minimum level of continuing legal education (MCLE). Every three years, the California Bar requires lawyers to complete 25 hours of educational courses on legal ethics, the prevention of substance abuse, and the promotion of fairness and justice.
Good Standing with the State Bar
Civil attorneys must maintain good standing with their bar association by adhering to the rules of professional conduct. Violations of the rules of professional conduct will lead to attorney sanctions and punishments. Your state’s bar association can often provide you with information about a civil lawyer’s negative record.
How Can I Find the Right Lawyer?
To connect with the right lawyer, present your case online within minutes at LegalMatch. You can review the profiles of attorneys in your area after presenting your case. By using LegalMatch, you can start resolving your legal issues today.
