Lawyer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Lawyer, 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.

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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

Lawyer Job Description Examples:

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Lawyer

Seeking an in-house business lawyer to work in Beverly Hills for high net worth Individuals handling personal & business affairs.

Responsibilities will include doing legal emails, letter writing, negotiations, court filing, following up on items for personal & business.

Working tentatively Tuesdays & Thursdays from outside. Up to 20 hours per week.

Salary is TBD.

Basic Requirements:

  • Strong understanding of local & international banking laws a plus.

  • Ability to project manage and handle multiple assignments at a given time

  • Based in LA

    Along with the understanding of keeping a busy international individuals life in order.

    Interviews start asap.

    Job Type: Part-time

    Salary: $0.00 to $100.00 /hour

    Language:

  • English (Required)

    Additional Compensation:

  • Other forms

    Work Location:

  • One location

    This Company Describes Its Culture as:

  • Detail-oriented -- quality and precision-focused

  • Outcome-oriented -- results-focused with strong performance culture

  • Stable -- traditional, stable, strong processes

  • Team-oriented -- cooperative and Day Other
    • ×

    Lawyer

    Small Washington DC-based law firm with clients primarily in digital media and technology seeks a part-time lawyer for project-based work. The position offers flexible working hours and you can work from your home. Ideal for freelancer, stay-at-home parent, or legal professional looking for project-type work. This position is not full-time but could grow into more hours. Candidates are required to have three or more years practicing law and awareness of the latest trends in digital media and technology. Firm is based in DC with clients in DC and New York City, prefer a candidate within that geographic corridor.

    Duties

    1. Drafting and negotiating contracts involving technology businesses, such as software license agreements, SaaS contracts, advertising technology services, data processing agreements.

    2. Privacy and data security compliance work, including drafting and reviewing data policies, privacy policies, terms of service, and advising clients on compliance with Gdpr, Ccpa, and other privacy laws.

    3. Corporate compliance advising for technology businesses, including corporate and partnership structuring.

    4. Interest in and ability to publishing content on the firm’s social media account preferred but not required, as part of establishing the firm’s expertise in privacy, digital media, and technology subject areas.

    Qualifications

    Law Degree plus Bachelor’s degree. At least 3 years’ experience practicing law in the above areas necessary. Candidate should be tactful, exercise good judgment, and establish and maintain good personal relationships with colleagues and clients. In addition to strong familiarity with social media, the candidate must have the ability to write concisely and creatively. Having your own computer is essential. Facility with computers and internet technology a must, particularly use of Microsoft Word (including tracked changes), Google Docs, Dropbox and other cloud-based systems.

    Compensation

    TBD based on experience.

    To apply, please email resume, in PDF format only (essential), compensation requirements, and 3-5 sentences as to why you would be a great fit.

    Job Types: Part-time, Contract

    Experience:

  • technology law: 3 years (Required)

    Education:

  • Bachelor's (Required)

    License:

  • Active member of a State Bar Fully Remote
    • ×

    Lawyer

    Telecome Associate Opportunity

    Boutique telecommunications law firm is searching for a hardworking, detail oriented, client-focused attorney with experience in telecommunications or similar field. Herman & Whiteaker, LLC is currently seeking an Associate to join our small, but growing firm.

    Located in Bethesda, MD, the firm offers excellent benefits and a casual office environment. This position will handle regulatory and compliance issues for our clients.

    Duties will include legal research, writing, advocacy and counseling clients on regulatory, contractual and transactional telecom matters.

    Must have JD, 4-7 years of telecommunications legal experience, or other similar regulatory experience. Must be a self-starter, able to work clients, and be able to handle the ever growing and changing legal matters in the telecom industry.

    Please submit resume and salary requirements. No phone calls please. No Recruiters.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Salary: $78,557.00 to $100,000.00 /year

    Experience:

  • Legal: 5 years (Required)

    License:

  • JD (Required)

    Benefits:

  • Health insurance

  • Dental insurance

  • Retirement plan

  • Paid time off

  • Flexible schedule

  • Other

    This Company Describes Its Culture as:

  • Detail-oriented -- quality and precision-focused

    Schedule:

  • Monday to No

    • 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.

    Lawyer 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 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.

    Lawyer 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:

    Frequently asked questions about Lawyers

     

    What are the different types of Lawyers?

    There are several areas Lawyers can specialize in. Here are some examples of the different types of Lawyer specialties:

    • Environmental Lawyer: Environmental Lawyers work closely with construction companies or corporations to ensure they adhere to environmental laws and regulations.
    • Corporate Lawyer: This professional typically works for corporations on a permanent basis to represent them in lawsuits or other legal situations.
    • Personal Injury Lawyer: Personal Injury Lawyers represent clients who suffer physical or psychological injuries on behalf of another person or entity (company, government agency).
    • Intellectual Property Lawyer: This type of Lawyer works with corporations or individuals to advocate for their use of a patent, trademark or copyrighted materials.
    • Criminal Lawyer: Criminal Lawyers represent clients who committed crimes or had crimes committed against them.
    • Family Lawyer: This type of Lawyer specializes in overseeing adoptions, divorces or custody disputes between families.

     

    What are the daily duties of a Lawyer?

    On a typical day, a Lawyer starts by speaking with their Secretary or Legal Assistant to receive messages from clients, witnesses or court employees. They respond to time-sensitive messages and review their appointment schedule. Throughout the day, Lawyers work with their legal team to create a case for their client. They interview witnesses and update their clients on their progress. Lawyers may also spend their day in a courtroom to participate in a hearing or trial with their client.

     

    What qualities make a good Lawyer?

    A good Lawyer is someone who has excellent written and verbal communication. These qualities enable them to compose motions in pre-trial hearings and allows them to speak before a Judge, jurors and a court audience. They also have the ability to persuade others through their speech in order to plea their client’s case in a courtroom. Further, a good Lawyer has compassion for their clients but knows how to maintain professional boundaries. This means that they can sympathize with their client while refraining from developing personal relationships.

    A good Lawyer also has an investigative mindset that motivates them to review evidence, track down witnesses and perform tests to either support or deny a claim.

     

    Who does a Lawyer report to?

    Lawyers who work for law firms typically report directly to the Firm Manager to receive case assignments. If a Lawyer operates a private practice, they may report directly to their client and indirectly to their state’s bar association to uphold legal practices.

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