Lawyer

This occupation may include associated occupations with varying tasks.

• researching statutes and previous court decisions relevant to cases
• conducting trials and hearings
• calling and questioning witnesses
• hearing and evaluating arguments and evidence in civil and criminal summary matters
• deciding penalties and sentences within statutory limits such as fines bonds and detention awarding damages in civil matters and issuing court orders
• exercising arbitral powers if resolution is not achieved or seems improbable through conciliation
• preparing settlement memoranda and obtaining signatures of parties
• advising government of legal constitutional and parliamentary matters and drafting bills and attending committee meetings during consideration of bills
• preparing advice on matters associated with intellectual property rights
• advising clients and agents on legal and technical matters

This industry is about helping people and making a difference. It can be a fulfilling career path, but definitely not an easy one. You need to be someone who is highly motivated and ambitious. Lawyers, barristers, solicitors are all great communicators; words are a lawyers tool or trade. You need to not only communicate well but write well and understand complex legal documents. There is no set path on becoming a lawyer, you don’t have to go straight from high school to a university law degree, you can decide later in life, or work while you are studying.

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