The legal profession is based on expertise in the law and its applications.
More precise definitions might apply from country to country, as they may differ from one nation to another and have changed over time.
It is difficult to generalize about the structure of the legal professions because there are multiple legal systems (civil law, common law, customary law, religious law, and hybrid or mixed systems), and because the arrangements differ from state to state, and from country to country. Even where two countries have similar legal structures, the terminology is likely to vary. For example, in most countries, religious law wouldn't be considered part of the legal professions, but, in some countries, religious laws and institutions serve as the primary law.
While reasonable arguments can be made over whether some of these titles or positions are or are not part of the legal professions, we might consider them to include arbitrators, attorneys (advocates, barristers, counselors, court advocates, court messengers, court transcriptionists, judges (justices), jurists, lawyers), jury consultants, justices of the peace, legal analysts, legal services directors, litigation docket magistrates, managers, mediators, paralegals, and probably some others. Of course, many of these positions will be known by other names in various countries, some of which may have equivalent positions.
Usually, there is a requirement for someone in the legal profession to first obtain a law degree or another form of legal education. In some jurisdictions, even court transcriptionists are required to have some legal training. However, in some jurisdictions, justices of the peace are elected by the public, and no specific educational requirements are in place.
The US legal system, and other legal systems that originate from British rule, is a common law system. Originally, the term referred to laws defined by judges to fill in the gaps where there was no written law. Judges reviewed prior decisions to determine and apply the unwritten judge-made law to new cases.
However, most laws are in writing today and enacted by a legislature as statutes. Statutes frequently codify established common law, change it, or abolish it altogether.
For example, both Maine and Massachusetts have what is called a Great Ponds Act, which allows members of the public to walk on unimproved private lands in order to access a lake or pond that is at least ten acres in size. Now codified, this law is based on colonial and English common law.
Most countries in Europe and South America use a civil law system, which relies on comprehensive legal codes containing all of the laws for the country, with case law (judicial decisions) being secondary to these codes. Decisions are binding only on the parties to the case, and cannot be used as a precedent for later cases.
As the name implies, religious law uses religious texts as a basis, and the courts interpret the present facts and statutes in light of these texts. Several countries in the Middle East use religious law for all or part of their judicial system.
Customary law systems are based on long-standing traditions within a particular community. These traditions are so ingrained in society that the courts recognize them as enforceable laws. Andorra, a country in the Pyrenees, relies in part on customary law. In Andorra, sources of customary law include canon law, the ecclesiastical law of the Catholic Church, Castilian law, French law, and Roman law. Guernsey, one of the Chamber Islands, also has a customary law system. Situated off the coast of England and France, Guernsey is not part of the United Kingdom. Its legal system is derived from the medieval power of the monarch, the Duke of Normandy. Its legal system also had elements of English common law and modern statutory law, and many issues are determined according to ancient customary laws.
Most jurisdictions, today, use hybrid or mixed legal systems that incorporate common, civil, religious, and customary systems. Louisiana, for example, uses some common law, but it also has a civil law system for much of its state legal procedures originating from when it was under French rule. On recognized tribal lands in the United States, customary laws of the tribe may be used rather than state or federal laws, although the tribes do not have full autonomy. The Philippines uses French civil law, US-style common law, Sharia law, and indigenous customary law. Similarly, many African countries utilize parallel tribal or ethnic legal systems to adjudicate family law matters.
Online resources pertaining to the legal professions on a large scale are appropriate for this category, although those pertaining only to specific states or local jurisdictions should be listed in the corresponding categories within the Local & Global section of this guide.
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Recommended Resources
The ABA is a voluntary bar association of lawyers and law students and is not specific to any jurisdiction in the United States. Founded in 1878, the ABA sets academic standards for law schools and formulates model ethical codes related to the legal profession. Its Model Rules of Professional Conduct have been adopted in 49 states, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands, the exception being the State Bar of California. ABA membership and contacts are discussed here.
https://www.abalegalprofile.com/
The attorneys with Anderson & Cummins are AV rated, the highest possible rating by Martindale Hubbell, and are all rated perfect 10/10 by AVVO Ratings. Located in Fort Worth, the law firm defends the rights of the injured in a wide range of personal injury practice areas. An introduction to the firm and its attorneys is provided, including results, client reviews, and an informational blog. The firm accepts clients in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. A free case review is available.
https://www.anderson-cummings.com/
Association of Legal Administrators
With 84 chapters and members in more than 30 countries, the ALA is an association of leaders and managers in the legal industry. Founded in 1971, the ALA provides professional development, collaborative peer communities, strategic operational solutions, and business partner connections. Membership eligibility criteria are posted, along with organizational pricing programs, chapters, and an overview of membership benefits. A job bank is available for employers and job seekers.
https://www.alanet.org/
Intended for attorneys and law firms, Attorney at Work provides information and inspiration for those involved in creating or maintaining a law practice. Its contributors deliver tips and ideas, including law practice tips delivered daily, monthly columns with trends, marketing, productivity, business development, and technology tips, as well as free guides and survey reports, books published by Attorney at Work, and product reviews and spotlights, some of which are available for download.
https://www.attorneyatwork.com/
The international law firm was founded in London in 1846, and now has over thirty offices in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. With a focus on the technology, media and telecommunications sectors, the firm's core practice areas are intellectual property, litigation, and corporate and commercial law. However, it also covers employment, competition, and regulatory law. Its key personnel is introduced, and its practices, sectors, client solutions, and other services are outlined.
https://www.twobirds.com/
Headquartered in London, Clifford Chance is the largest law firm (by revenue) headquartered in the United Kingdom. With offices across more than twenty countries, the firm is involved in legal issues related to banking and finance, capital markets, corporate mergers and acquisitions, litigation and dispute resolution, real estate, tax, pensions, and employment. Its offices and legal team are featured on its website, which includes a client portal, and an overview of its operational policies.
https://www.cliffordchance.com/
Created to advise and assist couples who are considering moving in together by providing information about their legal situation, with a focus on protecting personal incomes and assets in the event of a separation or the death of one of the parties. Three fixed-fee packages are available for the preparation of cohabitation agreements, each of which is defined here, with prices. Assistance is also available for reviewing cohabitation agreements prepared by a partner's attorney.
https://www.cohabitationagreement.ca/
The world's largest global law firm by number of lawyers, and the 6th-largest by revenue, the firm is known as Dentons in all languages other than Chinese, where it is called 大成. Formed in 2013 with the merger of SNR Denton, Fraser Milner Casgrain, and Salans, it merged with the Chinese firm, Dacheng, in 2015. Operating in more than 80 countries, with more than 200 offices, the firm has no headquarters, but its senior leadership is based primarily in Beijing, London, and Washington, D.C.
https://www.dentons.com/
Florida Personal Injury Lawyers
Our Florida personal injury lawyers are ready to advocate tirelessly for you.
https://www.smithball.com/
When you are harmed by another person's carelessness, you may find yourself dealing with many issues, such as the inability to work due to injuries, as well as economic hardship caused by mounting medical bills. The attorneys at Goldberg Finnegan have assisted many personal injury victims in Silver Spring, Maryland, Washington D.C., and the surrounding area. An overview of its areas of practice, services, and an introduction to the firm's attorneys and legal team. Contacts are included.
https://www.goldbergfinnegan.com/
Located in Windsor, Ontario, the personal injury law firm was co-founded by Greg Monforton, a former president of the Head Injury Association (Windsor-Essex County) and past president of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association. The firm covers cases involving car accidents, slip-and-falls, medical malpractice, wrongful deaths, and other personal injury claims. Evaluations are free and the firm is paid only when they win. Its legal team is introduced, with client testimonials and results.
https://www.gregmonforton.com/
Halpern, Santos & Pinkert, Trial Lawyers
The lawyers at Halpern, Santos & Pinkert have gone up against every major tire manufacturer in the United States with resounding success. Its team understands tire defect accidents and what it takes to prepare and present a strong, persuasive case, proving the defendant's liability for the full extent of damages caused. From the negotiating table to the courtroom, the firm has the resources, capability, and dedication to see a case all the way through to a satisfactory conclusion.
https://www.tiredefectattorney.com/
One of the first online law information sites, HG Legal Resources includes extensive directories of law firms and lawyers from more than two hundred countries, along with law information, legal articles published by various law firms, and legal guides for more than two hundred and sixty areas of practice. Launched in 1995, lawyers can provide comprehensive information about their individual law firms and services directly to the legal community and public.
https://www.hg.org/attorney/behrendt-professional-corporation/117184
Co-headquartered in London and Washington, D.C., the British-American law firm was formed with the merger of Lovells (British) Hogan & Hartson (American) in 2010, and is among the top ten largest firms in the world. Specializing government regulatory issues, litigation, commercial litigation, arbitration, corporate, finance, and intellectual property, the lawyers and solicitors associated with the form may be found online, and its practice areas, case studies, and ESG issues are set forth.
https://www.hoganlovells.com/
If you have been arrested for DWI in Houston, or if you are facing any other Texas criminal charges, Ayson Law Firm is here to help.
https://www.dwilawyerhouston.com/
Formed in 1947, soon after the creation of the United Nations, the IBA is a bar association of international legal practitioners, bar associations, and law societies. Headquartered in London, England the organization has regional offices in Washington, D.C. in the United States, Seoul, South Korea, and São Paulo, Brazil. Through its global membership, the IBA influences the development of international law reform. Its committees and divisions, outreach programs, and events are posted.
https://www.ibanet.org/
Whether you have been charged with a crime, been the victim of discrimination in the workplace, been injured in an accident, or you are considering whether to blow the whistle on fraudulent corporate conduct, Keith B. French Law is ready to fight for you. Keith B. French Law represents clients across the spectrum in Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas, and isn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with the biggest companies, the largest insurance providers, or the state or federal government.
https://www.keithfrenchlaw.com/
The Law Dictionary includes a free, alphabetized online legal dictionary featuring Black's Law Dictionary, a trusted source of law definitions and terms for more than a century, named for Henry Campbell Black, the author of the first two editions. Although the published dictionary is updated regularly, this contains the 2nd edition. Also included here are definitions and citations of the United States legal system, and several informational articles on various legal topics.
https://thelawdictionary.org/
Focuses on all employment law related issues and are well-versed in the many California and federal employment laws and regulations.
https://www.karensloatlaw.com/
The Law Society of England and Wales is the professional association representing solicitors for the jurisdiction of England and Wales. Formed in 1825, the organization provides services and support to practicing and training solicitors, as well as serving as a sounding board for law reform. Membership information, governance, strategy, and its annual report are featured, along with the benefits of membership, special offers, business services, and business insurance.
https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/
The online directory promotes lawyers, legal associations, and legal resources and services. A free resource for the public and attorneys, the directory serves as a resource for connecting lawyers with clients, and it allows potential clients to connect with the right lawyers. Attorneys may be found through an interactive map of the United States, by state, by area of practice, by name, or within a specified distance from a specific address. Lawyer Legion also creates websites for law firms.
https://www.lawyerlegion.com/
Legal Practice Management Association, The
Based in the United Kingdom (UK), the LPMA holds events regularly throughout the year on topics relevant to the legal sector, including a one-day annual conference. The benefits of membership include these short but focused events, social networking opportunities, support from like-minded people, free attendance at most LPMA business events for full members, and a professional, friendly, and open organization. Memberships, the application process, a calendar of events, and contacts are provided.
https://lpma.org.uk/
Maryland Workers Compensation Law
The firm specializes in areas such as personal injury, medical malpractice, workers' compensation, and estate planning. They have a strong focus on representing and protecting the injured and are dedicated to providing the highest level of client service.
https://www.marylandworkerscompensationlaw.com/
Specializing in criminal defense cases in Calgary and Regina, Canada, the Calgary-based defense lawyers provide strategic advice in practice areas that include driving, drug, and sexual offenses, white collar crime, civil forfeiture, homicide, and violence and domestic assault. With offices in Calgary, Alberta, and Regina, Saskatchewan, the firm has the experience and expertise to defend even the most difficult criminal charges. The firm's legal team is introduced, and contacts are posted.
https://mckayferglaw.com/
With its main office in Toronto, the personal injury law firm has consultation offices in Barrie, Hamilton, Kitchener, Sault Ste. Marie, and St. Catharines, Ontario. The firm's staff is introduced, including their expertise, areas of practice, and results. Addresses to each of its offices are posted, along with contacts, and career opportunities. Consultations may be booked online. Podcasts on a variety of issues surrounding personal injury law and related topics are available.
https://www.mcleishorlando.com/offices/toronto-personal-injury-lawyers/
Serving all of Ontario, the personal injury law firm has offices in Barrie, Kitchener, Hamilton, St. Catharines, Sault Ste. Marie, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Its areas of practice include legal issues surrounding cycling accidents, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, sports injuries, long-term disability, product liability, and occupiers' liability. Its legal tea is introduced, including its expertise, areas of practice, results, and an online form to book a consultation.
https://www.mcleishorlando.com/
Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the trial lawyer firm represents ERISA disability clients across the United States, taking more bad-faith cases to trial than any other bad-faith law firm in Kentucky. Other practice areas include insurance claims, long-term disability, client occupations, personal injury, and class actions, with free consultations, and no fee unless there is a win. Attorney profiles are featured, along with their practice areas, case results, client reviews, and contacts.
https://www.mehrfairbanks.com/
With offices in Worthington, Columbus, and Marietta, Ohio, Miller Law, the personal injury firm serves Central and Southeastern Ohio and West Virginia, specializing in personal injury, workplace accidents, and wage and hour violations, which are discussed here, and introductions to the chief attorneys are provided. Its office addresses, office hours, and telephone numbers are listed, and consultations may be scheduled online. Client testimonials, case results, and a blog are included.
https://www.bgmillerlaw.com/
National Association for Legal Support Professionals
Established in 1929, the association was incorporated as the National Association of Legal Secretaries in 1949, renamed NALS in 1999, and became the National Association for Legal Support Professionals in 2021. Today, more than half of its membership is comprised of legal assistants and paralegals. The organization offers three levels of certifications: Accredited Legal Professional, Certified Legal Professional, and Professional Paralegal. Membership, contacts, and event data are provided.
https://www.nals.org/
Established in 1993 by former members of the American Bar Association who were upset over the ABA's push toward adopting extreme liberal political positions, the NLA has grown to include law practitioners, judges, legal scholars, and supporters interested in expanding liberty and individual freedom and strengthening the rule of law. Its membership packages for lawyers, retired or senior lawyers, and students are displayed, with an overview of its advocacy and educational programs.
https://nla.org/
The NLG is a progressive public interest association of lawyers, law students, paralegals, jailhouse lawyers, law collective members, and other activist legal workers in the United States. Founded as an alternative to the American Bar Association in 1937, the NLG was the first US bar association to admit ethnic minority members. Membership information, bylaws and resolutions, a list of chapters, committee members, board members, and staff are included, with contacts.
https://www.nlg.org/
New York Personal Injury Lawyer
Call our dedicated New York personal injury lawyers today for a free and confidential consultation.
https://www.cohanlegal.com/
Serving clients in North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina, the personal injury law firm has offices in Charlotte, North Carolina and Savannah, Georgia. Addresses, directions, and contacts are provided, along with a profile of the firm, client testimonials, an introduction to the firm's attorneys, and an online contact form. The areas of practice for each of its locations are listed, client reviews are published, and a free consultation is available upon request.
https://thenyelawgroup.com/
Since 2004, the Law Firm of O'Connor, Acciani & Levy has represented clients with personal injury claims throughout Ohio and Northern Kentucky, standing up against big insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, and big businesses. While specializing in personal injury law, Social Security law, and bankruptcy law, the firm is experienced with several branches of the law. Its attorneys are introduced, its practice areas are listed, contacts are posted, and the areas served are defined.
https://www.oal-law.com/
Organization of Legal Professionals
Headed by Allen S. Brody, who has practiced law for more than thirty years, OLP provides continuing legal education for attorneys and legal professionals. Memberships are open to any individual, organization, or student who is involved (or wishes to be) in education in the legal field. Group, individual, and student memberships are available, and a list of learning system courses available with membership is provided, and its webinars and legal project management courses are outlined.
https://www.theolp.org/
Created and maintained by an Ottawa attorney offering wills, powers of attorney, and estate planning services in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, the website describes the available services, location, contacts, and client testimonials, as well as background information for clients or visitors to the site who would like to learn more about their legal situation pertaining to these matters, each of which is defined and described, along with several informational articles.
https://www.ottawawills.org/
The Law Offices of Lauren H. Kane serves Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, and is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida. Lauren H. Kane has been practicing law exclusively in the areas of family law and domestic relations in Pennsylvania and South Jersey for thirty-eight years. Client testimonials, an overview of her areas of practice, contacts, and an informational blog are included, and a consultation may be scheduled online.
https://www.phillyfamilylawyer.com/
Representing victims of elder abuse and serious catastrophic injury the firm has locations in San Diego, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada, handling claims of elder and dependent adult abuse, neglect against skilled nursing facilities, residential care facilities, board and care homes, and alcohol and rehabilitation facilities. Office addresses, directions, telephone numbers, and an online form that can be used to request a free consultation are available, along with a legal blog.
https://picklaw.com/
Pitman, Kalkhoff, Sicula & Dentice
PKSD is a personal injury firm in Milwaukee that takes personal injury clients throughout Wisconsin and also has the largest nursing home neglect practice in Wisconsin and New Mexico. The firm's attorneys are introduced, including bios, their practice areas, memberships, and accolades, as well as an online form that can be used to request a free case evaluation. The firm's results, client testimonials, a FAQ, contact information, and a blog are provided.
https://www.pksd.com/
Sponsored by a team of prenuptial agreement attorneys serving clients in Pennsylvania and across the United States, the site published information about legal ussies surrounding prenuptial agreements. Included are prenup laws by state, what to put in your prenup, testing for prenup validity, estate planning in your prenup, what you should know about alimony before getting a prenup, what you should know about dividing property before getting a prenup, and reasons to get a prenup.
https://prenup.guru/
Created in the UK in 2020, the SLA was formed to unite and assist Sikh lawyers and students in the legal profession, encouraging Sikhs to enter the profession, and providing networking and role modeling. Based on the core principles of Sikhism, the organization is non-political and independent. Within the membership, students are matched with like-minded lawyers in the area of law they are interested in, and they can send in their CVs and cover letters for review by an SLA lawyer.
https://sikhlawyers.com/
Representing clients in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi, the personal injury law firm has offices in Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, Louisiana, as well as Houston, Texas. The firm and its attorneys are introduced, including their areas of practice, case results, consumer alerts, press releases, and an informational blog offering articles on various topics related to the firm or its practice areas, with archives available. Directions to its offices, and contacts, are provided.
https://www.simien.com/
Supreme Court of the United States
SCOTUS is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States, with ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal court cases, and over state court cases that involve a point of US constitutional or federal law, as well as original jurisdiction over a narrow range of cases. The Court also holds the power of judicial review, the ability to invalidate a statute as unconstitutional, and to strike down presidential directives for violations of the Constitution or statutory law.
https://www.supremecourt.gov/
When a law firm takes on a client, there is a period of time before a settlement or conclusion when money is going outward but not coming in. Verum Funding specializes in bridging that gap through attorney funding, which is sometimes a necessity for the survival of the law firm and its attorneys. Its litigation funding, lawyer funding, plaintiff funding, and investing in litigation claims services are featured here, along with its office address, contacts, and online inquiry form.
https://verumfunding.com/
Representing the people and families of Chicago since 1961, the Walner Law firm has offices in Chicago, Illinois, Phoenix, Arizona, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the firm specializes in personal injury cases, medical malpractice, and Workers' Compensation cases, which are featured here, along with statistics relating to its verdicts and settlements. An introduction to the firm's attorneys and legal teams is included, with client testimonials, video FAQs, and contacts.
https://www.walnerlaw.com/
The global law firm is based in New York City. Founded in 1901, the firm has offices in more than thirty countries, which are listed here, along with contacts. The firm's attorneys and legal team may be found by name, service, role, local, or school, and its services are sorted according to industries, areas of practice, and regions. A profile of the firm and its commitment to diversity and global citizenship are featured, along with career opportunities, and several informational articles.
https://www.whitecase.com/
