What does the attorney do?

It depends on what type of an attorney. For example, a criminal defense attorney would meet with the defendant to discuss the facts and relevant law. Then he/she would investigate the case. The attorney would make any necessary motions by performing the necessary research, filing the necessary paperwork, and then having a hearing before the judge. The attorney would prepare the case for trial, handling any administrative issues that come up, and prepare the client. At the trial, the attorney would perform the actual trial.

Quite differently, a real estate closing attorney would meet with the client, would research the property's title, preparing the necessary closing documents, and file them with the correct clerks.

Or a transactional attorney might prepare contracts and negotiate them with other companies.