Attorney
San Francisco Attorney
Most people, at some time during their lives, find themselves in need of an
attorney. Whether...
- drafting a will
- fighting a custody battle
- buying real estate
- forming a company
- battling a criminal charge
...a good lawyer can be an excellent ally in fighting for your rights, or
just helping you make good financial decisions.
However, many people are not familiar with the numerous ways in which a
lawyer might assist you, nor do they know when they should seek the advice of an
attorney. Following is some general information about attorneys, what they do
and the many different situations for which their services are most commonly
sought after.
An attorney, otherwise known as a lawyer, barrister, solicitor, or counselor, is
a “licensed professional who advises and represents others in legal matters”
(Family Legal Guide, 2002). Attorneys can specialize in a range of areas from
contracts and claims, to family law, to accident/injury, to corporate business,
and can be found in private firms, large companies or even working for the
government. Despite common perceptions, many lawyers never spend time in a
courtroom but instead are employed writing and preparing legal documents, giving
advice to individuals and companies, as well as a number of other jobs outside
of the courthouse.
In order to become a lawyer there are a number of requirements, each slightly
different depending on the state. In most states, one must first attend law
school (after receiving a bachelor’s degree or higher) and then, upon
graduation, pass the bar exam in whichever state they plan on working. All
lawyers are also required to pass a character and fitness review and take an
oath swearing to uphold all laws as well as the state and federal constitutions.
Knowing when to involve a lawyer can be tricky, but often legal problems can be
altogether avoided when a lawyer is consulted beforehand. Below are some of the
most common situations for which people seek the advice and counsel of an
attorney. If you find yourself involved in any of these, you may want to
consider visiting your lawyer to talk it over with him or her.
- The sale or purchase of a home, real estate, or a business
- The formation of a business
- The drafting of a will, trust, or estate plan
- A domestic or marital problem
- A tax problem
- An accident involving personal injury or property damage
- An arrest or questioning by law enforcement officials concerning your
conduct
(Family Legal Guide, 2002)
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