Lawyer Power Point Personality Traits Hard Working Determined Smart Outgoing Organized Interests Legal system Law Civics Writing Problem Solving Personal Values Hard working Commitment Dependable Being on time Effort Work Values Good working conditions Independent Supportive Reliable Organization Career Possibilities Lawyer Paralegal Judge Skills Writing Critical Thinking Complex Problem Solving Systems Analysis Research

WHAT DO LAWYERS DO?  Advise and represent clients in court, before government agencies or in private legal matter  Communicate with their clients and others  Conduct research and analysis of legal problems  Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses  Present fact in writing or verbally to their clients or others and argue on their behalf  Prepare and file legal documents, such as lawsuits, appeals, wills, contracts, and deeds

SALARY  Entry level $54,120  Average $130,490  Experienced $166,810  $54.21 per hour  Salaries vary according to locations

CHARACTERISTICS  Analytical skills- Lawyers help their clients resolve problems or issues. As a result, they must be able to analyze large amounts of information, determine relevant facts, and propose viable solutions.  Interpersonal skills- Lawyers must win the respect and confidence of their clients by building a trusting relationship so that clients feel comfortable and share personal information related to their case.  Problem-solving skills- Lawyers must separate their emotions and prejudice from their clients’ problems and objectively evaluate the matter. Therefore, good problem-solving skills are important for lawyers to prepare the best defense or recommendation.  Research skills- Preparing legal advice or representation for a client commonly requires substantial research. All lawyers need to be able to find what applicable laws and regulations apply to a specific matter.  Speaking skills- Lawyers are hired by their clients to speak on their behalf. Lawyers must be able to clearly present and explain evidence to a judge and jury.  Writing skills-Lawyers need to be precise and specific when preparing documents, such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.

EDUCATION  4 years of undergraduate  3 years of law school  A bachelor degree is required in most law schools to enter

COLLEGES  Appalachian School of Law  College of William and Mary  George Mason University  James Madison University  Liberty University  Regent University  University of Richmond  University of Virginia

ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES  Advantages- Good pay, good employment outlook, and good benefits  Disadvantages- Lawyers work long hours, sometimes they travel a lot, a lot of years of college required

CAREER LADDER  Start as associates and work with more experienced lawyers and judges  After several years some lawyer may be admitted to partnership and become partial owners of the firm they work for.  Some go into practice for themselves or move to the legal department of a large corporations  A few experienced lawyer may be nominated or elected to judgeships

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK  Employment of Lawyers is expected to grow by 10 percent from 2010 to 2020  Projected employment in 2020 is 801,800  It is projected that 73,600 new lawyers will be hired

RELATED OCCUPATIONS  Paralegals  Criminal Investigators  Special Agents  Judges  Judicial Law Clerks

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BIOGRAPHY 