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Lawyer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lawyer

[ˈlɔɪər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal profession

A person who practices or studies law, especially (in the UK) a solicitor or a barrister.

Synonyms

advocate, attorney, counsel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lawyer

A general term for someone who is trained in law and gives advice about legal matters or represents people in legal matters.

  • She hired a lawyer to help with the case
  • He graduated from law school and is now a lawyer
attorney

A legal professional who is qualified to represent clients in court. Commonly used in American English, it has a similar meaning to 'lawyer' but may specifically refer to someone who acts on behalf of another person.

  • He consulted with his attorney before signing the contract
  • She was represented by her attorney in the trial
counsel

Refers to a lawyer or group of lawyers giving legal advice or representation, especially in a formal setting like a court. Can also mean legal advice in general.

  • The defendant met with his counsel before testifying
  • She sought counsel to understand her legal rights
advocate

Often used to describe someone who publicly supports or argues for a cause or policy. In a legal sense, it may refer to a lawyer who represents someone in court, but it can also have a wider meaning beyond legal settings.

  • She is a strong advocate for human rights
  • He works as an advocate for environmental protection

Examples of usage

  • He hired a lawyer to help with his legal case.
  • The lawyer provided legal advice to the client.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A person who is skilled or qualified in law.

Synonyms

expert, proficient, specialist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lawyer

A lawyer is a person who practices or studies law, and is usually hired to represent clients in legal matters or court cases. The term is specifically used in legal contexts.

  • She hired a lawyer to help her with the divorce proceedings.
  • The lawyer presented strong evidence in court.
expert

An expert is someone who is very knowledgeable or skillful in a particular area or field. This term can be used in a wide range of contexts, not limited to legal matters.

  • He is an expert in cybersecurity.
  • They invited an expert to give a talk on climate change.
specialist

A specialist is someone who has a deep focus and extensive knowledge in a particular area or field. This term is often used in medical, technical, or scientific contexts.

  • She is a heart specialist at the local hospital.
  • They consulted a specialist to solve the engineering problem.
proficient

Proficient describes someone who is highly skilled or competent in a particular activity or field. It can be used in professional or academic contexts, and is often used to describe a level of skill rather than a formal title.

  • She is proficient in multiple programming languages.
  • He is proficient at playing the piano.

Examples of usage

  • She is a lawyer when it comes to negotiating contracts.
  • He is a lawyer in the kitchen, always finding loopholes in recipes.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • The role of lawyers dates back to ancient civilizations, including Rome and Greece, where they were known as advocates.
  • In medieval England, the common law system began formalizing the role of lawyers, leading to the profession we recognize today.
  • The first recorded legal profession in the Americas was established in Massachusetts in the 17th century.

Pop Culture

  • Lawyers are frequently depicted in movies and TV shows, often dramatized as heroic figures or cunning manipulators.
  • The character Atticus Finch from 'To Kill a Mockingbird' exemplifies the moral courage often associated with defense lawyers.
  • Lawyers are often central characters in legal thrillers, showcasing courtroom battles and ethical dilemmas.

Ethics and Responsibilities

  • Lawyers are bound by ethical codes that require them to represent their clients with honesty and diligence.
  • Confidentiality is a key principle in legal practice, meaning lawyers cannot disclose information about their clients without consent.
  • Advocacy for justice and access to legal representation are central tenets of a lawyer’s role in society.

Diverse Specializations

  • Lawyers can specialize in different areas such as criminal law, family law, corporate law, and environmental law.
  • Some lawyers work as public defenders, representing clients who cannot afford private legal counsel.
  • Alternative dispute resolution is a growing field where lawyers help resolve conflicts outside of court using mediation.

Origin of 'lawyer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French term 'liege', which means 'to lay claim' or 'to be bound'.
  • It has roots in the Latin word 'lex' meaning 'law', connecting it directly to the legal system.
  • The term has evolved through history, reflecting changes in the legal profession's role in society.

The word 'lawyer' originated from Middle English 'lawier', which came from Old French 'logier', meaning 'to lodge, host, or receive'. The term evolved to refer to someone who gives legal advice and represents clients in legal matters. The role of lawyers has been significant in the development and enforcement of laws throughout history.

See also: law, lawbook, lawbreaker, lawbreaking, lawful, lawfully, lawfulness, lawgiver, lawless, lawlessness, lawmaker, lawmakers, lawmaking, lawman, laws, lawsuit, lawyers, outlaw, unlawful, unlawfully.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,342, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.