Attorney: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What Does an Attorney do?

An Attorney, also known as a lawyer, provides legal advice and representation to clients in civil or criminal cases, business transactions, and other matters requiring legal advice and interventions. They interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses. Their duties include drafting documents, negotiating deals, attending court hearings, and conducting trials. Attorneys also perform extensive research and analysis of legal problems, guide clients on their legal rights and obligations, and propose personalized solutions to their legal issues.

Attorneys often specialize in specific areas of law, such as corporate law, family law, intellectual property, or criminal defense, to provide expert advice and advocacy.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Attorneys in the Legal field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

• Advise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private legal matters.
• Communicate with their clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in the case.
• Conduct research and analysis of legal problems.
• Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.
• Present facts in writing and verbally to their clients or others and argue on behalf of their clients.
• Prepare and file legal documents, such as lawsuits, appeals, wills, contracts, and deeds.

How to Become an Attorney

Launching a career as an Attorney requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

• Doctor of Law (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Must pass the state’s bar examination to practice.
• Experience in a law firm or under a mentorship in specific areas of law.
• Continuing legal education and professional development are required to maintain licensure.

Requirements & Skills

• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Ability to handle complex information and distill it into clear, logical arguments.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Persuasiveness, objectivity, and the ability to find sound solutions to legal issues.
• High ethical standards and professional integrity.

Attorney Salary Guide

Wondering what Attorneys earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

The average salary for an Attorney in the U.S. is approximately $124,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Attorneys may receive a wide range of benefits.

Attorney Salary Career Steps

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Attorney Salary Country Overview.