When searching for a qualified attorney to handle your legal case, it is important to select one who specializes in your specific area of law (personal injury, family law, criminal defense). In addition, it’s best to interview several attorneys before making an on-the-spot decision. This will help you learn more about their background, how they would approach your case and the steps they plan to take to get you the outcome you want.
The term attorney has its roots in French and means “agent” or “servant.” Attorneys are formally trained and educated in law, and they also act as practitioners in a court of law. Although the terms lawyer and attorney are often used interchangeably, there are some distinctions between these two professions that you should be aware of.
To be an attorney, you must complete law school and obtain a Juris Doctor degree (JD) or a Bachelor of Laws (LLB). You then become a member of the bar by passing a series of tests pertaining to your character and fitness. The criteria and process for becoming an attorney varies from state to state, so it is important to check the regulations of the states where you intend to practice.
Generally, an attorney must prepare and file court pleadings for their clients, interrogate witnesses and argue cases in front of judges and juries. They must also attend all pretrial hearings and hearings for their clients. If they cannot make it to a hearing, they must request a postponement or have another attorney appear on their behalf, if allowed.
An attorney can be appointed to act on behalf of a client through the granting of power of attorney. The person designated as an attorney-in-fact should be someone who you trust, such as a family member or close friend. If you are appointing more than one individual, it should be noted if decisions can be made by a majority or must be unanimous.
A common mistake that many attorneys make in writing their biographies is becoming too wordy and using lengthy paragraphs to detail their education, credentials and experience. This can be avoided by keeping the content organized so that manageable chunks of information are presented to potential clients. Attorneys can also use their bios to share social proof, such as testimonials from past clients and links to articles about their specific areas of expertise. This builds trust and helps prospective clients to feel confident in hiring them. Including these elements in your attorney bio is critical to successfully marketing your legal services. Anwalt