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Lawyer
Alternative Titles:
Legal Practitioner
Lawyers provide advice, write documents and conduct
negotiations on legal matters, and may represent clients in
court and tribunal proceedings.
Lawyers are described as solicitors or barristers,
according to the work they do.
The distinction between solicitors and barristers varies
from state to state. In NSW, Victoria and Queensland, lawyers
practise as either a solicitor or a barrister. In SA, WA,
Tasmania, the ACT and NT, the work of barristers and
solicitors is usually combined, with many lawyers describing
themselves as 'barrister and solicitor'.
Lawyers may specialise as a:
Solicitor who may specialise in areas such as
property, probate, worker's compensation, family law, personal
injuries litigation, commercial or criminal law. Most
solicitors practise in partnerships called 'firms', while some
are employed by companies or by Commonwealth, state or
territory governments.
Barrister who provides legal advice and drafts
documents in complex matters. They conduct negotiations and
appear in courts and tribunal hearings on behalf of clients.
Generally, the barrister's client is a solicitor, who briefs
the barrister on behalf of a company or private person when a
case requires specialist research or advocacy skills. A
barrister may also undertake research and consult with clients
and witnesses. Although self-employed, barristers usually
practise in chambers with other barristers.
Barristers wear wigs and gowns in some courts, while
solicitors do not. Generally, people practise as a solicitor
for a few years before becoming a barrister.
Required Skills - Lawyer
- good oral and written communication skills
- able to understand, analyse and use facts quickly and
logically
- able to work under pressure and deal with a variety of
people
- integrity and good character
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