Licensure

To qualify for the bar examination in most States, an applicant must earn a college degree and graduate from a law school accredited by the ABA or the proper State authorities. ABA accreditation signifies that the law school—particularly its library and faculty—meets certain standards. With certain exceptions, graduates of schools not approved by the ABA are restricted to taking the bar examination and practicing in the State or other jurisdiction in which the school is located; most of these schools are in California.

When I was a very young lawyer, I had a senior partner who advised me never to get mad, except on purpose.

Warren Christopher

Nature of the work

The legal system affects nearly every aspect of our society, from buying a home to crossing the street. Lawyers form the backbone of this system, linking it to society in numerous ways. They hold positions of great responsibility and are obligated to adhere to a strict code of ethics.

Lawyers, also called attorneys, act as both advocates and advisors in our society. As advocates, they represent one of the parties in criminal and civil trials by presenting evidence and arguing in court to support their client. As advisors, lawyers counsel their clients about their legal rights and obligations and suggest particular courses of action in business and personal matters. Whether acting as an advocate or an advisor, all attorneys research the intent of laws and judicial decisions and apply the law to the specific circumstances faced by their clients.

What is this job like?

Lawyers give people and companies advice and tell them what they can and can't do under the law. Sometimes, they hire lawyers to take their side in court against other people or companies, or against the government.

Lawyers spend a lot of time doing research. To be a good lawyer, a person must be good at finding facts in books, on computers, and in other places. Lawyers also interview people to get information.

After doing research, lawyers make arguments to show that the people they work for should win in court. Some lawyers speak in court, but many lawyers don't.

Lawyers also write legal documents like contracts and wills. They need to be very specific and well-written.

Lawyers do most of their work in offices, law libraries, and courtrooms. They sometimes meet in clients' homes or businesses. Some lawyers meet clients in hospitals or prisons. Lawyers often work long hours, especially during a trial in court.

Lawyer tv commercial.... SERIOUSLY!!

Just came across this and thought it was pretty funny...
ENJOY!

5th top law firm

Baker and Mckenzie

Baker & McKenzie is an international law firm, founded in Chicago in 1949 by Russell Baker and John McKenzie. It is home to more than 3,750 lawyers spread over 69 offices in 41 different countries.

As a transnational operation, no single nationality dominates the firm, and more than 80 percent of its lawyers practice outside the United States. The lawyers come from 60 countries and speak more than 75 languages, with English in common.

The firm saw US$2.104 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2010. As of 2006, Baker & McKenzie was the second largest law firm in the world by number of attorneys, Among U.S. firms, it was ranked the second largest by number of attorneys as of 2008 and, as of 2010, the largest by revenue. As of 2006 it was also the largest international law firm in Asia, with 14 offices, and in Latin America, with 16 offices.

Demand

One lawyer exists for every 300 people in the US. About 25 percent of attorneys are self-employed, the BLS reports. Competition among law schools is fierce, with colleges and universities recieving far more applicants than they have openings. And the employment climate continues to be brutal, with law schools cranking out an average of 40,000 graduates every year, Weedman-Davis says. Many lawyers create their own opportunities by establishing practices in small towns. Other law school graduates have found success in unrelated feilds, such as legendary football coach Vince Lombardi, rock musician Ray Manzarek of the Doors and TV personality Ozzie Nelson.

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