As the country of law suits, United States seems to have the most lawyers. It almost seems too easy to become a lawyer in America since there are too many around and the common perception that people have about what lawyers do is just arguing very well. But actually, earning the right to practice law and the responsibilities they carry are very difficult things to do.



In United States, law is taught at law schools. Law schools in America are graduate schools where a BA degree, most often Bachelor Degree of Laws, is a perquisite for admission. Though most of the law schools are part of a University, few of the law schools are independent institutions. The degree received upon graduation is a J.D. (Juris Doctor) a Ph.D is not available for the study of law because the degree in law does not require the submission of a full dissertation based on original research. There are other post doctorate degrees such as LL.M, the Legum Magister, or the S.J.D., the Scientiae Juridcae Doctor for those who are interested in studying and receiving credentials in a specific area of law. After going through an internship at a firm to earn experience, the lawyer can take his or her own stand.

The lawyers have many responsibilities regarding law. They not only practice oral arguments in courts but they must research, write, counsel and give legal advice to others. The oral argument is practiced in courts where a lawyer represents their client. Often times, the lawyer must brief a court in writing on the issue in the case before it can be orally argued. The argument is based on the law so the lawyer must do research where the lawyer looks for relevant facts and law and prepare for an oral argument accordingly. During the research, the lawyer must maintain a good relationship with the client and through that, the lawyer will discover facts, clarify what the client wants to accomplish and their expectations and start developing claims or defenses.

Aside from what they do in court rooms, the lawyers give legal advice to people where a lawyer gives advice to their clients about what action they must take. The lawyers also protect intellectual properties such as filing patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. The lawyers negotiate and draft contracts between the buyers and sellers as well as settling a case with two parties. In some places, the lawyers carry out the intent of the deceased, where the lawyer help out people to write wills and trusts and the lawyer will ensure the efficient disposition of a person's property after their death.

The lawyers carry a lot of names. A person learned in the law, an attorney, counsel or solicitor, or a person licensed to practice the law. The lawyer must abide the law but sometimes they must use the law against the rightful to defend their clients. Though it is a lawful practice, it is not a pleasant sight to see. But in the end, when the dust clears, the rightful will be taken care of.