# Tasks & work activities — lawyer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 23-1011.00 (Lawyers).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Prepare, draft, and review legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.
- **[Core]** Negotiate contractual agreements.
- **[Core]** Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
- **[Core]** Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- **[Core]** Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
- **[Core]** Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
- **[Core]** Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.
- **[Core]** Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
- **[Core]** Examine legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuit.
- **[Core]** Study Constitution, statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases.
- **[Core]** Negotiate settlements of civil disputes.
- **[Core]** Confer with colleagues with specialties in appropriate areas of legal issue to establish and verify bases for legal proceedings.
- **[Core]** Search for and examine public and other legal records to write opinions or establish ownership.
- **[Core]** Supervise legal assistants.
- **[Core]** Perform administrative and management functions related to the practice of law.
- **[Supplemental]** Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
- **[Supplemental]** Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
- **[Supplemental]** Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
- **[Supplemental]** Prepare legal briefs and opinions, and file appeals in state and federal courts of appeal.
- **[Supplemental]** Act as agent, trustee, guardian, or executor for businesses or individuals.
- **[Supplemental]** Probate wills and represent and advise executors and administrators of estates.
- **[Supplemental]** Help develop federal and state programs, draft and interpret laws and legislation, and establish enforcement procedures.

## Detailed work activities

- Arbitrate disputes between parties to resolve legal conflicts.
- Direct organizational operations, projects, or services.
- Draft legislation or regulations.
- Evaluate information related to legal matters in public or personal records.
- Identify implications for cases from legal precedents or other legal information.
- Interview claimants to get information related to legal proceedings.
- Manage operations, research, or logistics projects.
- Meet with individuals involved in legal processes to provide information and clarify issues.
- Negotiate contracts with clients or service providers.
- Negotiate purchases or contracts.
- Perform administrative or clerical tasks.
- Prepare documentation of legal proceedings.
- Prepare legal documents.
- Provide legal advice to clients.
- Represent the interests of clients in legal proceedings.
- Research relevant legal materials to aid decision making.
- Supervise activities of other legal personnel.