What does the Bible say about lawyers?

The Bible does not say anything about lawyers as we know them today. Israel was under the legal jurisdiction of Rome during Jesus’ time, so when the Bible mentions “teachers of the law” (Luke 5:17) or “lawyers” (Luke 14:3, ESV), it is referring to the religious leaders who were experts in the Mosaic Law. The modern-day court system, with prosecuting attorneys and defense attorneys, did not really exist at that time.

Lawyers as we know them today—professional public servants who know the ins and outs of the legal process and can lend their knowledge to resolve various conflicts with clarity and justice—did not appear until after the Middle Ages. The Bible mentions human accusers who bring a charge against another in front of a court or magistrate. However, these are usually witnesses, not lawyers for the prosecution (Luke 12:58; Matthew 5:25). The only character in the Bible who comes close to filling the job of a prosecuting attorney is Tertullus, an orator who was knowledgeable of Roman law and who was paid by the Jews to present their initial case against Paul before Governor Felix (Acts 24:1).

The concept of prosecutors and defense attorneys, or advocates, is biblical. We have a spiritual Advocate in Jesus Christ, the righteous (1 John 2:1). He defends our cause before the Judge, God the Father. There is a prosecuting attorney, too: the Accuser, Satan (Revelation 12:10). Satan knows the Mosaic Law very well; he knows the Law better than any modern lawyer knows the laws of his land. He knows that man has broken the Law, and he can therefore accuse us. Thankfully, we have an Advocate in Jesus Christ. He is our Defense Attorney who comes before the Judge with a solution: He has fulfilled the Law for us, so that our punishment can be placed on His shoulders and we can be declared not guilty (see Matthew 5:17; Romans 3:24; and Isaiah 53:5).

The legal system today reflects this biblical model. The prosecuting lawyer reads the law and brings an accusation against the defendant, attempting to show his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Then the defense lawyer argues for the innocence of his client or points to some extenuating circumstance. In the case of the Christian, the extenuating circumstance is Jesus’ sacrifice, which paid our debt to the Lawgiver and allowed us to go free, despite our guilt according to the Law (Romans 8:1–5).

Lawyers today face many ethical and moral challenges. This is true even when the lawyer isn't tempted to break any laws or codes themselves. Legal proceedings are constrained by strict rules of ethics, but those principles are not the same as biblical morality. "Playing by the rules" of the secular courtroom does not equate to "doing the right thing." For instance, are facts being presented with a deliberate spin contrary to truth? Is the action clearly unfair or unjust, despite being legally permitted? Does it abuse a technicality to achieve a result that was never intended? Is something "legal" being used knowing that it will intimidate or pressure someone inappropriately? This is not to say that lawyers shouldn't use available means on behalf of their client. Done with integrity, such knowledge and expertise can be invaluable. What's not permitted is the attempt to "win at all costs" (Proverbs 11:1–3; James 3:16; Philippians 2:3). The Holy Spirit should guide every prayerful decision (James 1:5).

Another ethical challenge some lawyers face is the possibility of defending a client who he or she knows is guilty. Without knowing for sure, it is proper to seek a not guilty verdict through all moral means. But deliberately helping a guilty person escape justice is wrong. Even if such a verdict follows the law, it's difficult to square biblical faith with purposeful injustice (Proverbs 17:15). A curse is associated with calling the guilty innocent (Proverbs 24:24), and blessings are promised to those who convict the guilty (Proverbs 24:25).

However, Scripture also explains that true justice is measured and fair (Deuteronomy 16:18–20; Zechariah 7:9; John 7:51; Numbers 35:30). Even the guilty have the right to fair representation. Advocating for reasonable and unbiased treatment of a client is never wrong, even if the lawyer knows for a fact that the person is guilty. Proper representation does not require attempting to help someone escape justice.

A Christian can serve the Lord faithfully while working as a lawyer. As with any profession, there are unique challenges to face (1 Corinthians 10:13). But nothing about the legal profession makes it incompatible with faith.