A lawyer provides counsel and represents businesses, individuals, and government agencies in legal matters and disputes. A lawyer’ss main duties are to uphold the law while protecting a client’s rights. Lawyers advise, research, and collect evidence or information, draft legal documents such as contracts, divorces, or real estate transactions, and defend or prosecute in court. Lawyers can specialize in a number of areas, such as corporate, family, bankruptcy, or environmental law.

In order to practice law in the United States, a Juris Doctor degree (JD) is usually required. Some lawyers also hold a Master of Laws (LLM). The majority of individuals holding a JD must pass a written bar examination to be authorized to practice law in a given U.S. state. To become licensed in more than one state, a lawyer must usually comply with each state’s bar admission requirements. Lawyers typically have strong written and verbal communication skills, as well as excellent problem-solving skills.