Lawyers — Tasks

Task statements

• Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
• Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
• Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.
• Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
• Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
• Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
• Examine legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuit.
• Prepare, draft, and review legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.
• Study Constitution, statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases.
• Negotiate settlements of civil disputes.
• Supervise legal assistants.
• Negotiate contractual agreements.
• Confer with colleagues with specialties in appropriate areas of legal issue to establish and verify bases for legal proceedings.
• Search for and examine public and other legal records to write opinions or establish ownership.
• Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law.
• Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
• Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
• Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
• Probate wills and represent and advise executors and administrators of estates.
• Prepare legal briefs and opinions, and file appeals in state and federal courts of appeal.
• Act as agent, trustee, guardian, or executor for businesses or individuals.
• Help develop federal and state programs, draft and interpret laws and legislation, and establish enforcement procedures.