An attorney at law or lawyer is professional licensed by one or more state bar associations who advises people and businesses on legal matters, and represents or acts on behalf of such clients in legal proceedings before courts, arbitrators, mediators, administrative law judges, disciplinary bodies, and other public and private proceedings.
In Texas, an attorney at law, commonly referred to as a lawyer, is a professional who must be licensed by the State Bar of Texas to practice law. The licensing process includes passing the Texas Bar Examination, completing a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, and passing a character and fitness review. Attorneys in Texas advise individuals and businesses on legal matters and represent them in various legal proceedings, including those in courts, arbitration, mediation, before administrative law judges, and in front of disciplinary bodies. The State Bar of Texas also enforces rules of professional conduct for attorneys, and failure to comply with these rules can result in disciplinary action, including disbarment.