What does a Lawyer do?

According to people in this career, the main tasks are...

TaskImportance
Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
90%
Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
88%
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.
88%
Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
87%
Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
86%
Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
86%
Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
86%
Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
85%
Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
85%
Examine legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuit.
84%
Prepare, draft, and review legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.
83%
Study Constitution, statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases.
80%
Negotiate settlements of civil disputes.
80%
Supervise legal assistants.
80%
Negotiate contractual agreements.
78%
Probate wills and represent and advise executors and administrators of estates.
78%
Prepare legal briefs and opinions, and file appeals in state and federal courts of appeal.
77%
Confer with colleagues with specialties in appropriate areas of legal issue to establish and verify bases for legal proceedings.
76%
Act as agent, trustee, guardian, or executor for businesses or individuals.
74%
Search for and examine public and other legal records to write opinions or establish ownership.
74%
Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law.
72%
Help develop federal and state programs, draft and interpret laws and legislation, and establish enforcement procedures.
69%