Pettifogger – this term details the figure of law practitioner or lawyer who is petty or underhanded, and who lacks in law education and legal abilities during their practice & business. The pettifogger sustains a professional livelihood on disreputable or dishonorable business. Synonyms are “shyster” and “unethical attorney”.

The word has also taken on an common usage definition referring to any person who is prone to quibbling over details.