attorney

An attorney is a person authorized to practice law and to represent clients in legal matters. In many countries the term is synonymous with lawyer, while in others it denotes a lawyer who is qualified to appear in court on behalf of clients. The exact powers and titles vary by jurisdiction.

Education and licensing: Most jurisdictions require an undergraduate degree followed by legal education at an accredited law school, leading to a professional degree such as a Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws. After graduation, candidates must pass a bar examination and meet character and fitness requirements. Ongoing professional education and adherence to ethics rules are typically required to maintain licensure.

Roles and practice: Attorneys provide legal advice, draft and review documents, negotiate settlements, and advocate for clients in court or administrative proceedings. Many attorneys specialize by area of law—criminal defense, civil litigation, corporate law, intellectual property, family law, or tax, among others. They may work as trial attorneys, transactional lawyers, or in-house counsel for organizations.

Ethics and privileges: Attorneys are bound by professional rules that govern confidentiality and the attorney-client privilege, duties of loyalty, and avoidance of conflicts of interest. They must act in the best interests of their clients while upholding the integrity of the legal system. Licensure is typically administered by state, provincial, or national bars, with disciplinary processes for violations.

Context and variants: In some jurisdictions, the roles of solicitor and barrister differentiate advisory work from courtroom advocacy; in others a single practitioner handles both. Public defenders, prosecutors, and corporate counsel are all commonly referred to as attorneys. Pro bono work and alternative dispute resolution are common ways attorneys serve clients outside formal litigation.