In (Bristish) English the old word practise is still used in the sense of working in a profession (law, medicine) but increasinlgy the verb practice is used instead. I used praticare which my dictionary said meant practise. It gave esercitare for practice. But surely he is not practicing to be a lawyer .....

This sentence seems to me a bit strange. Would it sound better like this: "Fa l'avvocato come il padre, ma non può esercitare la legge." or is it perfectly understandable the way it is without "la legge".