An attorney is a professional who is legally qualified to represent and advise clients in legal matters. Attorneys can work in a variety of settings, including private practice, government, or corporate environments. They often have specialized knowledge in areas of law, such as criminal law, family law, or corporate law, and their primary function is to provide legal assistance and advocacy for individuals or organizations.
The word "attorney" comes from the Old French word "atorner," which means "to appoint" or "to designate." It was derived from the Latin "ad" (to) and "tornare" (to turn), indicating the role of an attorney as someone who acts on behalf of another person.