M1-1.2 Knowledge and reading comprehension: What is a lawyer?
Instructions
1. Read the text and then complete the comprehension quiz to test your understanding.
What is a lawyer?
In England, the word lawyer is not defined in any law, and therefore anyone who works in the legal field can theoretically call themselves a lawyer, even if they do not have a professional legal qualification. However, usually, in practice, when people use the word lawyer in England, they mean someone who:
* has a professional legal qualification;
* is part of a regulated profession; and
* provides legal services.
In England, there are two main types of lawyer:
1. Solicitors: Qualified lawyers who typically give legal advice and draft legal documents.
2. Barristers: Qualified lawyers who focus on advocacy and providing expert legal opinions.
In the USA, the term lawyer is used much in the same way as in England. As in England, the term is not defined in law but is nonetheless widely understood to mean a person who is qualified to practise law. However, unlike in the English legal system where there is a distinction between solicitors and barristers, in the USA this distinction does not exist. Instead, in the USA there is only one type of lawyer called an attorney or attorney-at-law. An attorney is licensed to provide legal advice, draft legal documents, and represent clients in court.