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Law vocabulary · Legal Professions

Lawyer

Meaning in law, with examples

/ˈlɔɪə/nounCore term

In law, lawyer means: A person trained and qualified in law who advises clients and represents them in legal matters; the general word that covers attorneys, solicitors and barristers.

In Turkish: avukat, hukukçu

How it is used

The neutral everyday word in both British and American English. People 'hire', 'consult' or 'speak to' a lawyer. Formal documents prefer more specific titles: attorney in the US, solicitor or barrister in England and Wales.

Example sentences

  1. You should speak to a lawyer before you sign the settlement.

  2. She has been a lawyer for twelve years and specialises in employment disputes.

Common collocations

  • hire a lawyer
  • consult a lawyer
  • defence lawyer
  • in-house lawyer
  • lawyer for the claimant
  • attorneyA lawyer, especially in the United States, who is licensed to advise clients and represent them in court; more generally, a person allowed to act for someone else.
  • solicitorIn England, Wales and some other countries, a lawyer who advises clients directly, prepares documents and runs cases, but usually does not argue in the higher courts.
  • barristerIn England, Wales and some other common law countries, a lawyer who specialises in arguing cases in court and giving expert legal opinions.
  • counselThe lawyer or lawyers who represent a party in court; in the UK it often means a barrister. A lawyer employed by a company is called in-house counsel.
  • clientA person or organisation that receives advice or services from a lawyer or law firm and pays for them.

More terms: Legal Professions

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.