Who serves the subpoena? A lawyer?

Almost never would an expensive lawyer serve a subpoena. It would be done by a process server. I don't know their qualifications, if any.

Actually, it can be anyone except the parties involved. I had to serve my ex and I wasn't allowed to so I had a girlfriend serve him. Check your local laws.

n important civil cases, sometimes a lawyer WILL serve another. Many things like "We compell you to present" or "deuces tecum materials" are often served by an attorney in public so the other side is publically made aware. It can be embarrasing but hey, its our system.

Normally subpeonas can be served by these messengers or even by registered mail.
I was served by some yokel in a pickup once for an important case between my client and several partners. It was all a bullshit game of chess among rich guys who were attempting just to **** each other over peanuts. The subpoena server actually driove into my garden when he saw me at home

It depends on the jurisdiction. There are states where licensure is required, see - http://www.serve-now.com/articles/135/process-server-license

When I was practicing in NY, either paralegals or people waiting to hear the results of the Bar exam sometimes did so, as it was something you could do readily, but generally a pro was hired and that person would serve tons every day. Getting a pro was generally better as that person knew all the correct procedures, kept appropriate records and expected to, at times, testify about such things.

Before I was a lawyer, I was certified to serve process. I had to be registered with the state. I had quite a few folks try and evade me trying to serve them. I have never served process as a lawyer.

A lawyer wouldn't want to serve a subpoena, because a lawyer may not be a witness in a litigation (and still be the lawyer), and sometimes the process server must testify about how service was made. That's why you hire an outside process server.

Also, when you initiate litigation, you serve a summons, not a subpoena.

Thanks all!
Very helpful info!

You need outside process server.for this. Do you mean a summons here?

A person who is 18 year old and not party may serve a subpoena. To Serving a subpoena requires delivering a copy to the named person and, if the subpoena requires that person's attendance, tendering the fees for 1 day's attendance and the mileage allowed by law.

Not necessarily. It depends on the rules for service of process in the particular jurisdiction.