Most lawyers in this country are in private practice, meaning that they do not work for the government. Many lawyers work together with other lawyers in groups known as law firms. These firms provide a range of services with different attorneys specializing in different areas of the law. Many of the larger law firms have multiple offices—often in large cities in the United States and sometimes an office overseas as well.

Some attorneys work for themselves and are called solo practitioners. This means that the lawyer does not officially work for or with any other attorneys, though many attorneys will share office space with other attorneys or may have friendly relationships with other attorneys.

Other attorneys work for the government in a variety of settings—a federal or state agency, a district attorney’s office, a defender’s office, or some other type of job.