Lawyers and Quebec notaries (NOC 4112)

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters in negotiations and mediations. They also draft legal documents and represent clients before courts of law, tribunals and administrative bodies.

Watch the video below to see what a day in the life of a lawyer is like.

5:11

Lawyer

WorkBC's Career Trek

---

In general, lawyers:

• Offer legal advice to clients
• Research legal precedents and gather evidence
• Argue clients' cases
• Negotiate business transactions and civil dispute settlements
• Draft legal documents such as wills, contracts, real estate and divorce papers
• Prepare statements of legal opinions
• Do managerial tasks

Lawyers can also act as mediators, conciliators or arbitrators. In estate matters, they act as executors or trustees.

Lawyers can specialize in areas such as:

• Administrative law
• Commercial law
• Contract law
• Corporate law
• Criminal law
• Family law
• Indigenous law
• Intellectual property law
• International law
• Labour law
• Real estate law
• Taxation law
• Will and estate law

Lawyers usually work in offices and courthouses. They may travel to meet clients, attend meetings, conduct research and gather evidence.

In law firms, the hours are often very long. The work can be stressful, particularly when facing deadlines or preparing for court. Lawyers working in government or businesses may have more regular schedules.

New lawyers with high grades and related experience have better job prospects. Those willing to relocate to urban areas outside of the Lower Mainland will also find more opportunities.

Certain areas of law have higher demand. These include family, international, environmental, internet, entertainment, immigration and construction law. Openings are also available in Aboriginal rights, mediation, and intellectual property, patents and trademarks.

Downturns in the economy can mean less demand for optional legal services such as estate planning and real estate transactions.