An attorney is a person who practices law and represents clients in legal proceedings. This is a highly-skilled profession that requires a law degree and bar exam to practice, as well as extensive continuing education courses. An attorney can work in private practice, in a corporate legal department, or as part of the government. Some attorneys specialize in particular areas of the law, while others are generalists who handle several types of cases.
An attorney can represent clients in lawsuits and other civil matters, as well as advise clients on contractual and employment agreements. They may also work with criminal and immigration matters. They are often required to meet statutory deadlines, as most states have time limits for filing lawsuits and other legal proceedings. An attorney may be called upon to gather evidence, depose witnesses and provide expert testimony in cases involving personal injuries or other complex issues.
During a consultation, an attorney can help you decide whether they are the best fit for your legal issue. It is important to find out how much they charge for a consultation and what the fee structure is for their services. Some attorneys bill by the hour, while others have set fees for more straightforward tasks, such as drawing up a will. It is also a good idea to ask about the experience level of the attorneys in their firm, as well as their reputations.
Before hiring an attorney, you should always check the state bar association to see if they have any complaints or violations of the law. You should also look at their professional photo to get a sense of how they present themselves. This is not the time for puffery or delusions of grandeur, but you should try to give a potential client a glimpse of who you are as a person. Anwalt