Be a Lawyer

Lawyers are generally classified as being a civil lawyer or criminal lawyer. A criminal Lawyer would either prosecute or defend the one accused of breaking the law, while the civil Lawyer acts for his client in matters of disputes, contracts, property damage, defamation of character, libel, negligence, wills and estate, etc. Sometimes, lawyers may specialize within a field, e.g. intellectual property and copyrights, or arbitration, corporate law, conveyancing or family terms such as an attorney, barrister, advocate and solicitor. Lawyers are known by different names such as an attorney, a barrister, solicitor or advocate. In the uS and the Uk there is some distinction between these terms but in Malaysia, lawyers are also advocates as much as they are attorneys; the main difference being only whether some appear in court to argue cases while others do not.

Overview

Interprets laws, regulations or rulings for clients, corporations or businesses
Provides advice to clients after obtaining all the facts pertaining to the relevant issues and circumstances
Interprets laws, regulations or rulings for clients, corporations or businesses
Performs case management which includes keeping records, documentation, gathering relevant exhibits, reviewing all other such evidence as deemed necessary.
Gathers witness information or expert opinion through depositions or interviews
Sometimes mediates or performs settlement negotiations to settle claims for clients
Advocates in clients' best interests regardless of their innocence or guilt
Prepares and drafts legal documents pertaining to wills, mortgages, contracts, leases and other agreements
Conducts in-depth research on cases, on the look out for precedence or similar cases and verdicts in the past

Profile of a Lawyer

Are you seduced by the high drama of the courtroom that you see in movies or on television? It is a mistake to think that some witty lines or a clever word is enough to win your case. In real life a lot of strategic planning, thinking and hard work happen before the court battle begins. A lot of legal work is also happens away from the court, as in corporate deals, boardroom struggles, issues related to shares and investment, mundane agreements for sale and purchase of property and companies, etc. As a lawyer you must have great interpersonal skills to interact with clients from a large cross section of society.

Keen powers of observation and insight into character as she needs to size up both clients and opponents before and during trial or deal processes
Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing before clients as well as in court if necessary
Possesses a good memory for the copious amount of information related to the cases and quick to apply such information
Able to win confidence and trust of client so that information crucial to the success of client would be revealed
Be ethical and of good moral character, maintaining principles of good practice even though a client may wish her to do otherwise
Remain analytical and logical, unswayed by clients' emotions
Able to think on her feet

Qualifications

A degree in Law from any of the universities or Temples or Inns (UK) recognized by the Legal Profession Qualifying Board Malaysia. You would still need to serve the prescribed period of pupillage and pass the Bar exam upon registration with this Board. The bar Council Malaysia regulates the legal profession in this country.

Courses

Undergraduate Courses

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