What do Lawyers really do?

Answer 1

In the UK there are two different types of lawyer a solicitor and a barrister.

The main working activities of a solicitor include:

• Meeting clients (this may initially involve establishing whether the support or advice wanted can be provided)
• Advising clients on the law and taking instructions
• Drafting and reviewing documents and contracts and analysing information
• Negotiating with clients or others
• Undertaking research to ensure that accurate advice is given and that procedure is followed correctly
• Acting on behalf of clients and sometimes representing them in court
• Instructing barristers to provide representation in court and attending court to sit behind the barrister
• Keeping up to date on changes and developments in the law by reading and attending courses.

The main working activities of a barrister include:

• Understanding and interpreting the law and keeping up to date on changes and developments in the law
• Reading legal briefs (details of a case) and getting to grips with them
• Researching points of law relevant to a case
• Preparing cases for court
• Presenting arguments in court and examining and cross-examining witnesses
• Drafting legal documents
• Negotiating settlements
• Writing opinions and advising solicitors and other professionals.