All attorneys are certified to defend their clients in legal proceedings
Defense lawyers, attorneys specifically trained in trial litigation, have to think fast, be prolific communicators, and know all courtroom rules and procedure. Attorneys in criminal cases, including murder, manslaughter, arson, assault, child molestation, drug possession, DUI, sex crimes, etc., have their own special problems. Often they must work very long hours with many clients and very little time to prepare for a case. They must be very good listeners, excellent oral surgeons, great investigators, good bookkeepers and very dedicated people.
The bar exam is a test of knowledge, talent and intelligence. Passing the bar exam requires many years of heavy study and training in many states. In many states’ attorneys must pass the bar exam in one or two years after beginning law school. Attorneys must also pass the state bar exam in each jurisdiction separately. Some jurisdictions require an additional examination that can take many months to complete and pass.
Although attorneys get special licenses to practice law, they do not get specialized education like other professionals. Although, attorneys can get additional education through the addition of board certifications and passing of the national bar exam. Attorneys can obtain additional board certifications from the same sources that they obtain their state license. There are also many multistate bar exams available.
Attorneys are licensed by the state to practice law. Many states also have “special lawyers” that are empowered to deal with particular types of cases. For example, a worker’s compensation lawyer may be specialized in dealing with workers’ compensation claims. A criminal attorney may also be specialized in criminal law.
There are many other specialties that attorneys practice. Many attorneys offer pro Bono services to help individuals who are unable to afford to hire a lawyer. Some attorneys help out before a case is filed, some do all the preparatory work for discovery and others prepare all the trial material and do closing arguments at trial. Many attorneys also offer summary judgments as a way to settle some legal issues without having to go to court. This means that the attorney does not get paid unless the case is resolved.
Attorneys have a lot of flexibility when it comes to working with clients. They can be callers, emails, faxes, pick up and drop offs, house calls and full time office visits. Attorneys can sometimes be more flexible about hours and location than are full-time employees. Attorneys are in business to make money and they cannot just give out work based on who signs up and who doesn’t. They need to know every aspect of a case to provide the best possible defense for their clients. If you have been injured in an accident or you think you have a case, you might want to talk to an attorney.