There is a growing interest in observing the work of lawyers in active practice. There are similarities and differences among lawyers. Broadly stated we may classify lawyering functions into two categories, practice of litigation law and preventive law. Usually it can be said that lawyers who represent disputing parties are involved in litigation practice. Such a dispute situation arises out of some past events. The clients of the preventive law lawyer come to him for advice, guidance, or counsel before the client engages in a course of action. The client often wants to know how best to conduct his affairs within the legal structure so as to minimize the risk of later trouble and so as to maximize his legal rights.
Also, observations have led to inquiry regarding the nature of the lawyering functions. Lawyers exist and practice in different countries under different social, cultural, economic and legal structures. Yet often the clients have similar desires. Disputes arise between people, and the disputing parties seek the help of lawyers to represent them in the litigating process. Also, though less publicized, clients seek the help of legal advisers before engaging in commercial ventures. For a number of academic and practical reasons, the roles and functions of lawyers and legal advisers in different societies could be compared and analyzed.