Many people are still confused when it comes to a lawyer’s job description and responsibilities. There are various types of lawyers and each has a different responsibility. If there would come a time that you would need to seek the help of an attorney, you should be well-informed about what they really do. Here are ten things that you should know about lawyers before hiring one.
Not All Lawyers Go To Court
The media may have bombarded the public with images of lawyers in courtrooms. However, be aware that not all lawyers make an appearance before judges. There are whom they call ‘transactional lawyers’ and these people work behind the scenes. They write contracts for their clients and perform other legal work that does not call for appearing in court.
Attorneys are Officers of the Court
An individual who graduated from law school needs to pass the bar exam first to be licensed to practice the law. Also, he needs to be sworn as an officer of the court to be an advocate of the duties of the office.
Lawyers have to Undergo a Moral Character Test
Generally, lawyers are honest and moral people. They have to be to obtain success in their career. Before any lawyer can take the bar exam, he or she is required to undergo a moral character test and background check too.
Lawyers have a Code of Ethics to Follow
Lawyers are required to abide by ethical rules included in the Model Rules of Professional Conduct to ensure the protection of their clients.
A Lawyer Cannot Disclose Any Information that You Tell Him
A client should be comfortable and candid to his or her lawyer. Under any circumstance, a lawyer cannot tell anyone about your confession. It is part of the lawyer-client privilege that whatever you tell your attorney will be treated with utmost confidence.
Privilege is not Absolute
Lawyers are sworn to keep their client’s information and confession confidential at all costs. However, if you express the intention to immediately harm someone and he or she thinks that you are serious about your intent, it is the lawyer’s obligation to report your plan and stop you.
Some Lawyers Work on a Contingent Basis
Some types of lawyers such as personal injury attorneys will only accept your payment if they win your case. This arrangement is called the contingency fee – it allows you to file a case against someone who has wronged you even if you do not have the money to pay up front.