Let's be precise: Dr. Patrick Breyer is not a lawyer (* - not licensed to practice law as a member of a bar association). https://www.brak.de/service/bundesweites-amtliches-anwaltsverzeichnis/ He is a civil servant, and probably for life. At present, he is more likely to be working as a judge. My professional experience tells me that it is increasingly important to make this distinction. His time in the European Parliament should have taught him enough to realize—at some point, at least—that this system can no longer be reformed from within effectively. I personally don't believe him when he tries to give the impression, that it can still be done. especially when it comes to things that are important to the system. They put it “to the vote” until the result is right, after having had time to “prepare” for the next vote. https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10355/ * United Kingdom, the term "lawyer" refers to a person who is a member of the legal profession, including solicitors and barristers. A solicitor is typically a lawyer who advises and represents clients, while a barrister is a lawyer who appears in court and represents clients in legal proceedings United States, the term "lawyer" refers to a person who has completed law school and is licensed to practice law. An attorney is a lawyer who is licensed to practice law and appears in court to represent clients. In general, the terms "lawyer" and "attorney" are used interchangeably in the US. Germany, there is a distinction between a "Volljurist" (a person who has completed both state exams in law) and a "Rechtsanwalt" (a person who is licensed to practice law and is a member of a bar association). To become a Rechtsanwalt in Germany, one must complete both state exams in law and be admitted to a bar association