How Did the Profession of a Lawyer Originate, and What Is Its History?
As a first-generation Greek American, I often enjoy making fun-loving statements like, "The Greeks invented that!"—whether they actually did or not. The history of Greece is so rich and evident in our everyday lives, as much of our modern society is rooted in Greek culture. You may know that many medical terms are Greek and Latin in origin. For example, Hippocrates, a Greek physician, is considered the father of Western medicine. The Greeks also introduced a system of government called Demokratia, meaning “Rule by the People,” which we now know as democracy. And let’s not forget Pythagoras or the Olympics—sound familiar?
The Lawyer
In the case of the lawyer, well, the Greeks invented that too! In actuality, the origins of the legal profession can be traced back to Ancient Athens and Ancient Rome. In Athens, the first lawyers were orators who would address the people to plead their cases. At the time, there were no professional lawyers. Instead, people would often ask a friend to plead their case for them. However, these friends were not allowed to be paid, and the practice was far from an organized profession.
The Profession
In Ancient Rome, these “friends” eventually became available for hire, and the Romans required them to be knowledgeable in the law. While they could openly practice law, the profession remained unregulated. By the time of the Byzantine Empire in 330 AD, lawyers were heavily regulated and well-established.
By the 1700s, the American Colonies had adopted English common law, and judicial procedures had become much more formalized. Lawyers were not just legal professionals but also powerful local leaders. In fact, nearly half of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence were, in fact, lawyers.
The history of the legal profession is rich and fascinating, and this is just a brief outline of its evolution. As a Greek lawyer, I can honestly conclude… It’s all Greek to me!
