Trained in law and able to give legal advice, lawyers are also referred to by other names. They can also be called attorneys and act as both advocates and advisors in American society. In both criminal and civil trials, the lawyer acting on behalf of clients in court is called their advocate. For many, this is not something they wish to pursue, passing over cases to others that prefer this type of legal representation. Situations occur that require information on a matter of law and in these circumstances they are referred to as legal advisors. They may be used by clients for suggestions on how to proceed in a civil matter.

A lawyer who primarily spends time in court is called a trial lawyer. It requires a more confident type of personality, someone who is quick thinking. Much of a trial lawyer's work is actually performed outside the courtroom environment. They perform their own investigations into the case in addition to other trial procedures including talking to witnesses.

The law in all its guises affects every aspect of modern society. Whether buying a home to crossing the street, lawyers hold positions of great responsibility and are obliged to follow a strict code of ethics. Depending on what area of specialization they work in will decide whether they practice in a courtroom, although they are all able to represent their clients in this manner when required.

Today's life and law is becoming ever more complex creating new subject areas for the legal system to practice in, more exist so not all are listed here:

Constitutional Law, Insurance, International law, Personal Injury, Company Law,

Considering the number of legal representatives there are, it is surprising just how many will never be required to attend a court of law!

Those specializing in environmental law for example might watch out for the interests of organizations on either side of the argument, some are shown below:

Waste Disposal Companies, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Large Corporations,

Part of this work is dealing with land and development applications, it can also be in a defense capacity when incidents have happened that require legal representation.

Intellectual property rights is one of the newer branches of law that attorneys are involved in, designed to protect products from theft and copyright primarily in the field of digital media like computer programs. Most large insurance providers engage the services of specialist lawyers in their legal departments. They investigate the legality of insurance transactions, writing insurance policies to conform with the law and protect companies from false claims.

Most attorneys are found in private practice, where they concentrate on criminal or civil law. Persons charged with crimes are represented by criminal lawyers on both sides one for the defense and one for the prosecution. However civil law is much different and is normally based around interpretation of the law but this is a gross simplification.

Where there are high profile cases that may affect the public, or be in their interest, other legal specialists operate. This can be where a large company or government body may be involved with actions that have affected the general public. A few lawyers decide to use their knowledge to help the defense and rights of those less fortunate in foreign countries. They help to look after the legal rights of disadvantaged and less fortunate people around the world.