ETYM From Law, like bowyer, from bow.
A professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice; SYN. attorney.
A member of the legal profession who provides counsel to clients on matters of civil or criminal law and who represents clients on such matters in negotiations with others, before government agencies, and in civil and criminal courts. An attorney.
Activities of lawyers include business advice, conveyancing of property, making wills and settling estates, divorce, litigation and criminal prosecution or defense. A lawyer usually obtains a postgraduate Juris Doctor (jd) degree and must pass a bar examination and be admitted to the bar before he or she may practice within a state court's jurisdiction.