Lawyers do not learn the laws for academic reasons. They spend long hours researching the law so they can use the laws for practical purposes. Purposes such as the peaceful resolution of disputes, or the structuring of business transactions. Knowledge of the law is always directed to action, to making decisions, solving problems and getting things accomplished. The ends to be accomplished, the goals, come from the client, not the lawyer.
Lawyers serve clients by applying their knowledge of the law to help clients attain their goals.
Lawyers give advice and make recommendations, and in the process frequently help clients clarify their goals. The final decisions are made by the clients who are free to ignore the advice of their lawyers, and for better or for worse, they frequently do. Lawyers are legal counselors. They tell their clients what they need to know of the particular laws which pertain to the client's situation. The unique facts and people involved are critical to evaluating the equities and determining which laws govern.