Lawyers and attorneys in US
In the American system, there is no distinction between lawyers and their separation based on powers and types of activities. As of 2021, the American Bar Association has over 1 million members. US attorneys are guided by custom, case law, and corporate law in their practice.
Most state laws provide for exams for applicants wishing to practice law. The responsibility for organizing and administering such examinations rests with the courts. Having a diploma or degree from law schools does not automatically entitle you to practice as a lawyer. Lawyers admitted to practice on the basis of the passed exam receive a patent, which gives the right to speak at court sessions in all courts in the territory of the state where the patent was obtained. In order to be eligible to appear in courts of other states, a lawyer must pass a new exam and obtain another patent. Otherwise, he can only speak at the hearing in the presence of a lawyer with a patent to practice in that state and only with the permission of the president of the court.
Principles of organization & structure of attorneys in US
The basic principles and conditions for obtaining a patent for the practice of law are usually set by the state supreme courts, and the direct decision on admission is made by special bar commissions for admission, which are formed by the bar associations of the respective states. The decision is made by the commissions on the basis of the results of the qualification exam and after studying the moral and professional qualities of the applicant. An attorney may conduct cases in federal court only with a permit issued by a state attorney. Each state forms a bar association made up of attorneys, corporate lawyers, and public attorneys. Most state rules require all legal practitioners to be a member of the association. In the United States, the concept of the Bar and the Bar Association is identical. Associations exist as voluntary organizations only in a few states, major cities and counties. The American Bar Association is a nationwide voluntary organization. Today, this organization includes more than 400,000 lawyers. The American Bar Association places great emphasis on the professional development of its lawyers as well as addressing the ethical issues of the profession. The association often comes up with legislative initiatives and has enormous political influence within the country.
Free legal advice in the USA
If the accused does not have the opportunity to hire a defense lawyer, he or she has the right to receive free legal assistance during the investigation and proceedings of the case in court and/or in the process of appealing the sentence. (Note: In many states, the right to free legal assistance from a public defender is only granted to individuals who may be subject to imprisonment or the death penalty.) Free legal assistance is provided by appointed attorneys, attorneys on contract or public defense attorneys.