September 19, 2019

5 Facts About Lawyers and Law Firms

What do you really know about what lawyers do or how they became lawyers? Here are five facts to know about lawyers and law offices.

Most people will go through life without ever hiring a lawyer. Those who do will probably hire a lawyer for a very specific purpose, whether it be a criminal defense attorney to defend you in court, a family law attorney to file a divorce, or a personal injury attorney to seek compensation for an illness or injury. Except for those who personally know a lawyer, most people do not know what lawyers do or how they became lawyers. Here are five facts to know about lawyers and law offices:

Education

A lawyer could once obtain a law degree by studying the practice as an undergraduate in college without ever attending law school. Moreover, four states including California, Washington, Virginia, and Vermont, still allow people to apprentice for a lawyer instead of attending law school. However, the vast majority of lawyers today have graduated from law school.

Most law schools require applicants to have an undergraduate degree. The exact nature of the undergraduate degree does not matter for the most part. Due to the diversity of the law, lawyers with any type of degree can find a way to practice in the area that they studied in undergraduate school. For example, economics undergraduates often practice antitrust law; business undergraduates often practice corporate law or securities law; and engineering undergraduates often practice patent law. However, there is no hard and fast rule about what practice areas law students will eventually choose.

All law students have to take certain "basic" classes such as contract law, property law, criminal law, and Constitutional law. Consequently, almost any attorney can answer questions about basic legal principles.

Licensing

To practice law, a law school graduate must pass a bar exam. Each state has a bar association that administers the bar examination attendees of the state's college. The bar association gets to choose the topics on the examination, but bar examinations generally test the basic subjects that all attorneys need to know.

For example, the Texas bar examination is a very difficult test, with just over half of test-takers passing the examination in February 2019. Right now, there are about 70,000 licensed attorneys practicing in Texas.

Areas of Focus

Attorneys can become specialists as long as they apply to become board-certified in a specific area. This takes plenty of time and effort; these attorneys will have to take an exam and adhere to policies and regulations determined by the board in that state. More often than not, lawyers must have participated in a specific number of jury and bench trials in order to qualify. When an attorney achieves a specialization in a specific field, you can rest assured knowing your lawyer has worked hard to get there.

Lawyers do not spend all day in court

Generally speaking, attorneys do not spend all day in court. Attorneys perform many tasks throughout the average workday, including:

Legal research and writing
Legal counsel and advice
Negotiation
Legal advocacy before legislatures and other rule-making bodies
Legal representation before regulatory agencies and courts of law

Consequently, attorneys usually spend their days at their law office. In fact, some attorneys have a purely transactional practice and very rarely, if ever, go to court.

Everyone should have a lawyer

Our system of laws is complex and can be difficult to navigate. While no attorney can promise or guarantee the outcome of a case, you can rest assured knowing that your lawyer will work hard to protect your rights.

Lawyers and law offices, by definition, serve and represent clients. You should have no reservations about contacting the law office of Arthur J. White III to discuss your legal problems.

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Preparing for Mediation: What to Expect and How to Succeed

By Analytics Import • May 29, 2025

Mediation offers an alternative to traditional litigation, providing parties with a chance for resolution without the need for a courtroom battle. Understanding what to expect during mediation and preparing adequately is crucial for anyone seeking a successful outcome. This process involves a neutral third party who assists in negotiating a mutually agreeable solution between the parties involved. Whether you are working independently or through a divorce lawyer, getting ready for mediation requires a strategic approach and a clear understanding of your own goals and those of the opposing party. Understanding the Mediation Process with a Divorce Lawyer The mediation process often begins with each party providing an opening statement, outlining their position and goals. It is essential to prepare these statements ahead of time, focusing on facts and desired outcomes rather than emotions or confrontational language. A well-prepared statement can set the tone for a productive session and open the door for constructive dialogue. A divorce lawyer can assist in crafting a statement that is clear, persuasive, and aligned with your best interests. Remember that the goal of mediation is not to "win" but to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement that addresses the concerns of both parties. Exploring Possible Solutions During Mediation Throughout the mediation, the mediator plays a pivotal role in guiding discussions, identifying potential solutions, and helping manage emotions. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), a good mediator typically has a success rate of at least 75% in pretrial disputes. This impressive statistic underscores the importance of choosing a qualified mediator who can facilitate effective negotiations. Working with a divorce lawyer during this stage ensures your rights and priorities are properly represented, helping you navigate complex issues like parenting arrangements or property division with clarity. Why Flexibility Matters in Mediation Another key element to successful mediation is flexibility. Being open to alternative solutions and remaining adaptable to new ideas can lead to more efficient problem-solving. It's vital to enter mediation with a clear understanding of your bottom line, but also a willingness to make reasonable concessions. A skilled divorce lawyer can help you define those boundaries and adjust your approach as discussions unfold. Flexibility can often mean the difference between resolution and an impasse, paving a path toward a settlement that meets the needs of all parties involved. Preparing for Mediation with Expert Legal Guidance Preparing for mediation requires a combination of strategic planning, effective communication, and an open mind. By focusing on facts, seeking a skilled mediator, and remaining adaptable, you increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Mediation presents an opportunity to resolve disputes amicably, efficiently, and often with a high success rate, benefiting all parties by avoiding the stress and expense of litigation. Ready to approach mediation with confidence? Contact the Law Office of Arthur J. White III, P.C. for experienced legal guidance that helps you prepare, communicate effectively, and achieve the best possible resolution.