The origin of the modern lawyer can be traced back to the fascinating period of history known as the dark ages.
It was early in the 12th century, when faced with ever increasing feudal violence between the local nobles and assembling private armies that King Henry II elaborated on the previous experiments of his grandfather, Henry I.
He sent his court in the form of traveling justices on regular circuits through his realm to settle disputes. This court wielded the authority or law of the Kingdom and were the first true lawyers.

Canadian Bar Association