noun

lawyer

Someone qualified to advise on the law or represent others in legal matters.

The lawyer explains the contract before we agree to sign.

Etymology

The occupational ending identifies a person whose work concerns law. A lawyer is therefore someone professionally engaged in legal advice or representation.

More examples

  • We hire a lawyer to help us write our wills.
  • Her lawyer speaks on her behalf in court.
  • Some lawyers specialize in helping people with immigration cases.

Forms

lawyer · lawyers

Similar words

attorney
Usually interchangeable with lawyer, especially when representing a client.
counsel
More formal; can refer collectively to lawyers representing a client.