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Lawyer vs. Shark — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 13, 2024
A lawyer is a professional authorized to practice law, dealing with legal issues and representing clients, while a shark is a cartilaginous marine fish known for its predatory behavior and often cited in metaphors for ruthlessness.
Lawyer vs. Shark — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Lawyer and Shark

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Key Differences

A lawyer, often referred to as an attorney, practices law by advising and representing clients in legal matters, either in a court of law or in other judicial and quasi-judicial settings. Whereas, a shark is a type of fish that is characterized by its streamlined body and often aggressive hunting style, frequently used metaphorically to describe someone relentlessly pursuing their goals.
Lawyers are critical in enforcing the rule of law, helping interpret and shape legal proceedings, and ensuring justice. On the other hand, sharks play a vital role in marine ecosystems, managing populations of other marine life and thus maintaining balance in the food chain.
The term "shark" can sometimes be used pejoratively to describe lawyers who are perceived as overly aggressive or unethical in their tactics, reflecting the predatory nature of the fish. However, the majority of lawyers adhere to strict ethical standards designed to protect the interests of their clients and ensure fairness.
Education and training for lawyers involve years of study, including undergraduate education, law school, and often passing a bar examination. In contrast, sharks are driven by instinct and their biological adaptations, which include excellent senses of smell and hearing to detect prey.
Lawyers work in various settings including law firms, corporations, non-profits, and government, and they can specialize in numerous fields such as criminal law, corporate law, or family law. Sharks, found in all major oceans, are not one homogeneous group but include species ranging from the small dwarf lanternshark to the large great white shark.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

A professional authorized to practice law.
A predatory marine fish known for sharp teeth.

Role

Legal representation, advocacy, and counsel.
Predatory role in the marine ecosystem.

Perception/Metaphor

Sometimes negatively called "sharks".
Often symbolizes fear or aggression in culture.

Education/Training

Requires formal education and certification.
Biologically adapted to its environment.

Diversity

Various specialties and practice settings.
Numerous species with different sizes and habits.

Compare with Definitions

Lawyer

Must adhere to ethical codes and standards.
As a lawyer, she upheld the strictest ethical standards.

Shark

Has a cartilaginous skeleton, differing from bony fish.
As a shark, its skeletal structure is made entirely of cartilage.

Lawyer

A professional who practices law, providing counsel to clients.
The lawyer negotiated a settlement in the civil case.

Shark

Features in many cultural references as a symbol of danger.
In movies, sharks are often depicted as menacing creatures.

Lawyer

Specializes in various fields like criminal or family law.
He is a lawyer specializing in intellectual property rights.

Shark

Varies greatly in size from small to very large.
The whale shark is known as the largest species of fish.

Lawyer

Engages in litigation and legal proceedings.
The defense lawyer presented evidence to support his client.

Shark

Sharks are a group of elasmobranch fish characterized by a cartilaginous skeleton, five to seven gill slits on the sides of the head, and pectoral fins that are not fused to the head. Modern sharks are classified within the clade Selachimorpha (or Selachii) and are the sister group to the rays.

Lawyer

Often involved in drafting legal documents.
The lawyer prepared the necessary paperwork for the merger.

Shark

Any of numerous cartilaginous fishes of the subclass Elasmobranchii that are chiefly carnivorous and marine. Sharks have a streamlined torpedolike body, five to seven gill openings on each side of the head, a large oil-filled liver, and tough skin covered with small toothlike scales.

Lawyer

A lawyer or attorney is a person who practices law, as an advocate, attorney at law, barrister, barrister-at-law, bar-at-law, canonist, canon lawyer, civil law notary, counsel, counselor, solicitor, legal executive, or public servant preparing, interpreting and applying the law, but not as a paralegal or charter executive secretary. Working as a lawyer involves the practical application of abstract legal theories and knowledge to solve specific individualized problems, or to advance the interests of those who hire lawyers to perform legal services.

Shark

(Informal)A person, such as a loan shark, who takes advantage of the misfortune of others for personal gain.

Lawyer

One whose profession is to give legal advice and assistance to clients and represent them in court or in other legal matters.

Shark

(Informal)A person unusually skilled in a particular activity
A card shark.

Lawyer

A professional person with a graduate law degree that qualifies for legal work (such as Juris Doctor)

Shark

To obtain by deceitful or underhand means.

Lawyer

A professional person qualified (as by a law degree or bar exam) and authorized to practice law as an attorney-at-law, solicitor, advocate, barrister or equivalent, i.e. represent parties in lawsuits or trials and give legal advice.
A lawyer's time and advice are his stock in trade. - aphorism often credited to Abraham Lincoln, but without attestation

Shark

To take advantage of others for personal gain, especially by fraud and trickery.

Lawyer

(by extension) A legal layman who argues points of law.

Shark

(ichthyology) A scaleless, predatory fish of the superorder Selachimorpha, with a cartilaginous skeleton and 5 to 7 gill slits on each side of its head.

Lawyer

The burbot.

Shark

The noctuid moth Cucullia umbratica.

Lawyer

The stem of a bramble.

Shark

A university student who is not a fresher that has engaged in sexual activity with a fresher; usually habitually and with multiple people.

Lawyer

Any of various plants. en

Shark

Someone who exploits others, for example by trickery, lies, usury, extortion.

Lawyer

To practice law.

Shark

A sleazy and amoral lawyer.

Lawyer

(intransitive) To perform, or attempt to perform, the work of a lawyer.

Shark

An ambulance chaser.

Lawyer

(intransitive) To make legalistic arguments.

Shark

(informal) A relentless and resolute person or group, especially in business.

Lawyer

To barrage (a person) with questions in order to get them to admit something.
You've been lawyered!

Shark

(informal) A very good poker or pool player. Compare fish (a bad poker player).

Lawyer

One versed in the laws, or a practitioner of law; one whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients, or to advise as to prosecution or defence of lawsuits, or as to legal rights and obligations in other matters. It is a general term, comprehending attorneys, counselors, solicitors, barristers, sergeants, and advocates.

Shark

A person who feigns ineptitude to win money from others.

Lawyer

The black-necked stilt. See Stilt.

Shark

(rare) To fish for sharks.

Lawyer

A professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice

Shark

Of a university student who is not a fresher, to engage in sexual activity with a fresher, or to be at a bar or club with the general intention of engaging in such activity.

Shark

(obsolete) To steal or obtain through fraud.

Shark

To play the petty thief; to practice fraud or trickery; to swindle.

Shark

To live by shifts and stratagems.

Shark

(obsolete) To pick or gather indiscriminately or covertly.

Shark

Any one of numerous species of elasmobranch fishes of the order Plagiostomi, found in all seas.

Shark

A rapacious, artful person; a sharper.

Shark

Trickery; fraud; petty rapine; as, to live upon the shark.

Shark

To pick or gather indiscriminately or covertly.

Shark

To play the petty thief; to practice fraud or trickery; to swindle.
Neither sharks for a cup or a reckoning.

Shark

To live by shifts and stratagems.

Shark

Any of numerous elongate mostly marine carnivorous fishes with heterocercal caudal fins and tough skin covered with small toothlike scales

Shark

A person who is ruthless and greedy and dishonest

Shark

A person who is unusually skilled in certain ways;
A card shark

Shark

Play the shark; act with trickery

Shark

Hunt shark

Shark

A marine predator known for its efficiency in hunting.
The great white shark is feared as a top predator in the ocean.

Shark

Essential for the health of marine ecosystems.
Sharks help maintain the balance in marine life by preying on the sick and weak.

Common Curiosities

What does a shark represent?

Biologically, a shark is a predatory fish known for its role in marine ecosystems, and culturally, it often symbolizes danger and ruthlessness.

What ecological role do sharks play?

Sharks are apex predators in their environments, helping control the population of other marine creatures and thus maintaining ecological balance.

What is a lawyer?

A lawyer is a person qualified and licensed to practice law, often representing and advising clients legally.

What are some popular areas of specialization for lawyers?

Lawyers can specialize in numerous areas, including criminal law, family law, corporate law, environmental law, and more.

What training do lawyers undergo?

Lawyers typically undergo extensive education, including a bachelor's degree and a law degree, followed by passing a bar exam.

How diverse are shark species?

There are over 500 species of sharks, ranging in size, habitat, and dietary habits, from the deep-sea dwelling to coastal species.

Why are some lawyers called sharks?

The term "shark" can be a pejorative used to describe lawyers who are perceived as particularly aggressive or unscrupulous.

How do lawyers contribute to society?

Lawyers play a critical role in maintaining the rule of law, helping resolve disputes, and ensuring justice and fairness in legal processes.

What legal duties do lawyers have?

Lawyers are obligated to represent their clients' interests within the bounds of the law and adhere to strict ethical standards.

What challenges do lawyers face in their careers?

Lawyers often face challenges such as high-stress levels, demanding hours, and the need to constantly update legal knowledge.

Can anyone become a lawyer?

Becoming a lawyer requires completing several years of legal education and passing a bar examination, among other requirements.

Are all sharks dangerous to humans?

While some shark species have been known to attack humans, most species have no history of attacks and are not dangerous to humans.

How do sharks affect marine life diversity?

By preying on the weak and sick, sharks help keep marine populations healthy and genetically diverse.

What conservation issues affect sharks?

Sharks face threats from overfishing, habitat loss, and the fin trade, leading to declining populations and conservation efforts to protect them.

How are sharks adapted to their environment?

Sharks have adapted to their marine environments with specialized senses like electroreception and a highly efficient hydrodynamic body.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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