According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents. | 86% |
| Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations. | 86% |
| Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial. | 85% |
| Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses. | 85% |
| Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation. | 84% |
| Work in environmental law, representing public interest groups, waste disposal companies, or construction firms in their dealings with state and federal agencies. | 84% |
| Represent clients in court or before government agencies. | 84% |
| Present and summarize cases to judges and juries. | 84% |
| Study Constitution, statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases. | 83% |
| Prepare, draft, and review legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts. | 82% |
| Negotiate settlements of civil disputes. | 82% |
| Supervise legal assistants. | 81% |
| Examine legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuit. | 79% |
| Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases. | 79% |
| Probate wills and represent and advise executors and administrators of estates. | 79% |
| 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. | 79% |
| Prepare legal briefs and opinions, and file appeals in state and federal courts of appeal. | 78% |
| Search for and examine public and other legal records to write opinions or establish ownership. | 76% |
| Act as agent, trustee, guardian, or executor for businesses or individuals. | 74% |
| Confer with colleagues with specialties in appropriate areas of legal issue to establish and verify bases for legal proceedings. | 71% |
| Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law. | 71% |
| Help develop federal and state programs, draft and interpret laws and legislation, and establish enforcement procedures. | 60% |
