All government departments require legal counselors or lawyers to defend and prosecute individuals in civil and criminal cases, and complete other legal responsibilities. State financial specialists projected a growth in the demand for lawyers at an average speed as with other professions throughout 2020.
Government lawyers generally work for state and district attorneys, as public defenders and within many divisions of the court system. At the federal level, they study cases for the U.S. Department of Justice and similar organizations. If you want to know more about the responsibilities of a Government lawyer, here’s a breakdown of their regular duties.
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Civil and Criminal Litigation
One of the primary tasks of a government lawyer is to take charge of litigation processes that are primarily criminal or civil in nature. Despite the widespread perception that such lawyers spend most of their time in court fighting on behalf of their clients, this is entirely not the case. Most legal cases are handled outside of the court, without needing to appear before a judge.
Federal lawyers also serve as litigation counselors for their state governments. For anyone aspiring to enter into this field, one of the main requirements is to have a law degree from a recognized university. You may consider looking up the profile of former assistant deputy attorney general with the Ontario government, Malliha Wilson if you’re considering taking this career path.
Malliha Wilson is a Canadian lawyer who served as a special legal advisor at the Investment Management Corporation of Ontario. With vast experience as a lawyer, Malliha was involved in over 20 cases at the Canadian supreme court and Ontario court of Appeals. She is an expert in human rights, indigenous, constitutional, corporate and labor law, and other complex litigation. With an undergraduate degree from McGill University, Malliha completed her law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.
Researching and Preparing Legislation
The duties of government lawyers are contingent upon what is occurring on a specific day. For example, a city attorney may consider it necessary to be present in a city planning meeting to supervise strict adherence to laws in that jurisdiction. It may become vital to draft and create new policies for state employees after passing new laws. The government lawyers may also go to federal courts to file documents and oversee trial preparation for an impending court case.
Human Rights Protection
Like every professional law institution, government lawyers are tasked to advocate against human rights abuses and discrimination. This means that every individual is entitled to seek a lawyer’s support based on their discretion to guard and establish their rights at every stage of a court or criminal proceedings. The duty falls on the government lawyer to provide a platform for effective and responsive procedures to gain access to lawyers devoid of any form of discrimination, such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and so on.
Defending or Prosecuting Cases at Court
Government lawyers are typically seen as the principal state representative in all matters identified relating to the arbitration of criminal offenses. They take part in any legal issues that precede the criminal courts. The function of the prosecution is structured differently at both local and state levels.
Also Read: 4 Compelling Reasons Why Every Enterprise Should Conduct a National Police Check
The state mandates the government lawyer to find equity and fairness by ensuring justice for all its citizens. Many chief prosecutors have complete jurisdiction over prosecution policies and practices, compelled only by the expansive justice statutes, case laws, and court proceedings.
Working as a government lawyer can be highly rewarding and engaging, yet there are essential skills required to help you deliver in your role. Do you have a strong intellectual ability, and the capacity to engage and investigate extensive data and information? Do you have excellent writing and communication skills, with a strong ability to meet deadlines? A yes to all these questions makes you a great candidate to succeed in this field.
