Special offer 

Jumpstart your hiring with a $100 CAD credit to sponsor your first job.*

Sponsored jobs are 4.5X more likely to result in a hire.**
  • Invite matched candidates to apply
  • Increase your visibility in job search results
  • Appear to more candidates longer

Lawyer Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Lawyer, or Attorney, provides legal council and advocacy for individuals, businesses, and government organizations. Their duties typically include educating and defending clients regarding their rights, communicating with courts and other lawyers, and managing their clients’ legal proceedings.

Build a Job Description

Lawyer duties and responsibilities

A Lawyer’s day is comprised of various legal tasks, some of which may include:

  • Mediating disputes and negotiating on behalf of their client
  • Researching and gathering evidence
  • Preparing legal documents
  • Representing clients in court and defending them
  • Providing legal advice to clients
Build a Job Description

Lawyer Job Description Examples:

What does a Lawyer do?

A Lawyer uses their knowledge of the law to help clients navigate legal issues. An individual in this role is driven by strong ethics and a respect for the legal system, and can represent their client’s interests professionally. Lawyers work under strict deadlines and can conduct themselves appropriately under pressure. They provide clients with legal assessments, inform them about their rights, address their legal needs, and assemble legal cases.

They communicate with Judges, clients, witnesses, and other significant contributors to a case. A Lawyer communicates on behalf of their clients, both verbally and in writing. They also present arguments in favour of the client throughout the legal process, including mediation and court appearances.

Depending on the work environment and size of the law firm, a Lawyer may manage Paralegals, Clerks, and other support staff, and provide direction.

Lawyer skills and qualifications

Lawyers are equipped with a number of professional attributes and accomplishments that help them perform legal work, some of which may include:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent organizational skills and time management
  • Strong proficiency with legal software
  • Being licenced to practice in the province or territory of work
  • Proactive support of their client’s legal needs

Lawyer experience requirements

Typically, aspiring Lawyers gain valuable experience through articling, which must be completed to attain a licence to practice. Articling usually lasts for 12 months but this can vary depending on the province or territory. This occurs after the individual attains a law degree but before they become licenced to practice law. An articling student works under the supervision of a licenced Lawyer and can gain experience in different law departments, whether in private practice or government office.

Lawyer education requirements

A prospective Lawyer must complete their undergraduate studies, which may include any area of study. After attaining a bachelor of arts or science, the individual writes their LSAT (Law School Admission Test), required by most Canadian law schools. After attaining a law degree from an accredited university, the individual must then complete the Bar Admission Course and exam. Ideal candidates will have additional legal certifications in their area of specialization such as corporate law or bankruptcy law.

Lawyer salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, on average, a Lawyer in Canada typically earns $87,330 per year. Salaries may vary based on the level of experience and type of workplace. Lawyers may also earn differently depending on whether the work environment is a sole proprietorship, government agency or a large law firm.

Job description samples for similar positions

If Lawyer is not the job description you’re looking for, other similar roles include:

Ready to Hire?Build a Job Description

Lawyer job description FAQs

What should you look for in a Lawyer resume?

A good Lawyer is ethical in their handling of all legal cases. They practice sound judgement and uphold the law. They are considered capable of meeting their goals and committed to defending their clients. A good Lawyer is intelligent, personable, and a critical thinker. Ideally, a good lawyer is able to effectively demonstrate and communicate their expertise in their specialized area of law. They may also actively participate in academic activities such as producing legal research and analyses.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

No search results found