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Lawyer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 5754185attorney9.91attorney or counsel or lawyer2.47legal1.95lawyer1.79associate attorney1.45273981766723000.00107919.56255000.00YEARLY7957492025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Lawyer, or Attorney, is responsible for using their specialized knowledge of national, state or local laws to help their clients receive fair representation in a court of law. Their duties include meeting with clients to determine their needs, coordinating with Legal Assistants and other legal professionals to compile documents and speaking on behalf of their clients in court.

Lawyer duties and responsibilities

Lawyers perform many administrative and legal tasks to prepare cases and perform well in court or official proceedings. Their duties and responsibilities often include:

  • Preparing all documents required to file cases, including briefs and other court documents
  • Working closely with team members to prepare a comprehensive brief on each case that goes to trial
  • Scheduling and conducting depositions of witnesses and experts
  • Researching legal concepts, case law, judicial opinions, statutes and regulations
  • Providing proper legal citation and statutory interpretation
  • Maintaining accurate case files, notes and reports
  • Negotiating cases to meet the needs of the firm and the client
  • Making sure all parties are carrying out their court order sentence and paying the necessary fines
  • Writing legal documents such as contracts, lawsuits, deeds, wills and appeals

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Lawyer Job Description Examples

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What does a Lawyer do? 

Lawyers typically work for law firms to assist clients in developing a case for criminal or civil court. They work closely with other legal professionals to interview witnesses, review laws or regulations and collect evidence prior to a hearing or trial. Their job is to represent their client in court and interview witnesses on the stand. They may also be responsible for traveling as a part of their job to find witnesses or obtain important documents.

5754185attorney9.91attorney or counsel or lawyer2.47legal1.95lawyer1.79associate attorney1.45273981766723000.00107919.56255000.00YEARLY7957492025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Lawyer skills and qualifications

Lawyers use their transferable soft skills and industry knowledge when working on cases and supporting clients. Some skills and qualifications may include:

  • Professional attitude with a strong sense of discretion to keep sensitive information secure and private
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills when working with clients, members of the court and other employees
  • Strong organizational abilities and time management skills to handle many cases at once
  • Workable knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet tools, presentation software and other technologies
  • Good research skills and techniques, including using case studies to make supporting claims and arguments
  • Knowledge of various legal contracts, documentation, processes and policies
  • Analytical ability, logical reasoning and sound judgment when professionally handling their clients’ cases
  • In-depth knowledge of their legal specialty, including tax law, real estate, environmental justice and criminal law

Lawyer salary expectations

A Lawyer makes an average salary of $76,695 per year. Salary may depend on level of education, experience and geographical location.

Lawyer salary expectations

2025-10-0123000.00107919.56255000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 107919.56 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 23000.00 - 255000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Lawyer education and training requirements

In most states, a Lawyer is required to have graduated from law school and earned a Juris Doctor (JD). They must also pass the bar exam for the state they want to practice in. Law school prepares candidates with in-depth knowledge of local, state and federal laws, the legal system and the responsibilities and limitations of a Lawyer. They also perform in-depth case studies and practice researching, writing and developing arguments. Many candidates also gain practical training through moot court events, practice trials and internships.

5754185attorney9.91attorney or counsel or lawyer2.47legal1.95lawyer1.79associate attorney1.45273981766723000.00107919.56255000.00YEARLY7957492025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Lawyer experience requirements

Entry-level Lawyer candidates likely have completed law school and gained experience through practical learning opportunities and internships. Other entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience working as a Lawyer, Legal Assistant or Paralegal. Roles in specialized areas like tax law, finance, health care or corporate law may require candidates to have previous experience. Depending on the complexity of the caseload, many years of experience may be required.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Lawyer job description sample isn’t quite what you’re looking for, you can look at the following related positions:

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Frequently asked questions about Lawyers

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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