What professions do not exist in the world: a merchandiser, a grinder of hats, a general director of a general directorate, a dryer of plants ... And we have given just a few examples, in fact, there are many more unusual types of employment. The profession “lawyer” against the backdrop of this “fun” list seems almost the most ancient and understandable. What are the representatives of this specialty actually doing and what skills should they possess?
Profession “Attorney”: features
Advocatio from Latin translates as "call for help." Therefore, a lawyer is a defender. If you clarify the definition, then the representatives of this profession build their protection in accordance with legal canons and laws. They can represent in court not only the interests of individuals, but also entire organizations.
A lawyer is a specialist who must be independent in his judgments. His main task is to uphold justice, as well as the legal rights of those customers who turned to him. In a sense, a lawyer can also be called a legal adviser.
Representatives of this specialty are people of a free profession. Lawyers can have a private practice, head a bureau or serve in public institutions. In addition, they can engage in scientific activities and even teach in higher education.
And yet there are limitations to lawyers. For example, they cannot be deputies or hold other bureaucratic posts in the state apparatus. Such restrictions are quite logical: a lawyer should be guided only by law, and not by his interests.
Bar History
The profession of "lawyer" comes from ancient Rome. Back in the III century. BC e. there were people in the Roman Empire who advised citizens on legal issues.
The Russian Empire also knew who such a lawyer was. Widely known negative statements by the autocrats about the activities of such defenders, including the comments of Catherine the Great. Lawyers were until the XX century. not in honor, but it’s easy enough to explain: the imperial system was based on completely different values.
And yet, Alexander II actually legalized this profession, having carried out judicial reform in the 19th century. Together with lawyers, jury trials and independent judges began to operate.
After the events of 1917, women defenders began to appear on the territory of the former Russian Empire.
In the Soviet Union, the weight of the lawyer's word in the courts has faded, since the state apparatus had the right to unilaterally decide who is to blame and what punishment it deserves. But in modern society, the conditions for the development of advocacy are much better. Therefore, the prestige of the profession will only grow over the years.
How to build a career
A lawyer is a lawyer who specializes in civil, criminal or arbitration cases. But a specialist who is admitted to practice can only be considered a person who, by the decision of the qualification commission, has received permission for such activities.
Under what conditions is a person allowed to take a qualification exam?
- If the applicant has a law degree or a law degree.
- If the applicant has at least two years of experience in the legal field.
- If the applicant has completed an annual internship at the law office.
At first glance, it seems that the requirements are too stringent. But, for example, the same working experience can be obtained while still studying, since you can work in some legal positions without a higher education.
Knowledge and skills
The description of the profession “lawyer” makes it clear that not every person, even with a legal education, is able to master it. Having a law degree is not enough - practical skills are also important. That is why former investigators, judges, etc. often come into the profession — in short, people who have already gained some experience in this area.
What personal qualities can ensure professional success?
First, the intelligence and flexibility of the mind. Ability to build logical chains.
Secondly, citizenship, a sense of responsibility and duty. After all, a client who turns to a lawyer, in a sense, entrusts him with his fate and well-being.
Thirdly, independence, objectivity and justice. It is also important to know and abide by ethical and legal standards.
General professional requirements for a lawyer are as follows:
- strong knowledge of theory;
- legal and economic thinking;
- ability to put into practice the current legislation;
- basic political knowledge.
And, of course, the in-depth knowledge of a professional should not be limited to the criminal and civil codes, he should know the constitution of the state, the labor code, administrative, etc.
Profession “Lawyer”: Pros and Cons
The law profession has its undoubted advantages and disadvantages. What is the most attractive profession "lawyer"?
Undoubted advantages
Free work schedule. Judge, prosecutor, investigator - all these professions are associated with jurisprudence and have tight work schedules. Lawyers, especially private practice, actually have no bosses. They determine their mode and scope of work independently.
Flexible mode of rest. A lawyer can arrange a vacation or a day off when he considers it necessary. The only factor that can prevent this is the obligations to their customers, which must be fulfilled in any case.
Salary. The income of lawyers is directly proportional to the load that they give themselves, as well as the level of skill. If you competently build a career, get a good reputation and a high credit of trust, then there will be many orders. And then it all depends only on human performance.
Cons of the profession
Instability of income. In this case, the advantages of the profession can turn into minuses. Indeed, the need for lawyer services is not as stable as, for example, the need of people for food or clothing.
Dependence on the bar and the bar. Lawyers from their fees are required to deduct monthly funds to the bar. In addition, there are serious ethical requirements that cannot be violated: for example, to appearance, as well as to the manner of communication and behavior.
Who is a lawyer? This is a defender of the interests of individual citizens or corporations, acting in the legal framework. And this defender should inspire confidence not only among his clients, but also representatives of the public, authorities, as well as the law.
