When someone hears the term lawyer, they often think of someone whose duty is to defend criminals or represent a victim. The truth is that there are many different types of lawyers. Most lawyers pick a specific area of law to specialize in, with a few even choosing to specialize in a very small area of law if there is a significant market for their services.
SupposeSuppose you are considering becoming a lawyer or are curious about what type of lawyer you need to take care of your needs in a specific matter. In that case. In that case, you should know the most common laws and specialties. These include:
Business law
Business law is sometimes called corporate law but do not let the big name fool you. A business lawyer may handle law matters for any size of business. Business lawyers take taxes, employment rules and regulations, corporate real estate issues, and contracts between clients and government agencies.
This area of law is a great specialization for law students fascinated by the business world. Some are drawn to business law due to its lucrative salary, but it is important to understand that the hours spent on a case may be much longer than in other areas of law.
Bankruptcy law
Unfortunately, bad financial situations can happen to anyone regardless of good intentions or hard work. Bankruptcy lawyers help private individuals and businesses work through bankruptcy to get the best possible outcome from a bad financial situation. Bankruptcy lawyers review much financial information and determine the best way to satisfy or absolve debts while preserving some assets when possible. Bankruptcy is sometimes the only way forward when debt loads become too high or a company becomes insolvent.
Most of the work a bankruptcy lawyer completes is in an office setting, making it a good practice area for lawyers that want to work remotely and not spend significant time in court.
Civil rights law
Many civil rights attorneys are employed by government agencies and non-profit organizations that focus on promoting and protecting the civil rights of citizens from all backgrounds. This is a great specialization for law students passionate about helping others, particularly those in demographics known to experience disadvantages and hardships at higher-than-average rates.
Civil rights lawyers work on cases related to disability claims, housing, race discrimination, and advocacy.
This area of law does not offer the higher salaries seen in many private law specialties, but those that practice it find it very rewarding and fulfilling. It is important to remember that one perk that may be available to lawyers working for government agencies is student loan forgiveness for public service.
There are more affordable law school options than there used to be, such as JD programs online. Cleveland State University offers an excellent online Juris Doctor (JD) program that prepares you for the bar exam in almost any state. This program allows you to earn a law degree in your spare time while working another job. For example, you could gain experience as a law clerk and earnmoney while working towards becoming a licensed attorney.
Criminal law
The highly glamorized world of criminal law is a popular choice for law students that love complex cases and constant challenges. In criminal law, you spend far more time in court than in other specialties, so you need to be mentally quick and ready to meet challenges in an intelligent and calculated matter. Criminal attorneys need a thick skin and the ability to come to terms with defending clients that are sometimes guilty of heinous crimes.
Criminal law is a very tough branch of law to work in. Although pay can be substantial depending on your clients, it is a stressful and emotionally challenging branch of law.
Environmental law
While it may sound like you get to be outside a bit if you are an environmental lawyer, you will spend a lot of time reviewing paperwork and looking into all aspects of environmental laws and the rules and regulations in a specific area. While some ecological laws apply throughout a country or state, there are often local rules that must be considered.
Environmental lawyers often work for businesses and non-profit agencies. If you are passionate about the environment, it is a good specialization to consider to make a real difference in the lives of many people and future generations to come.
Family and real estate law
Some family lawyers specialize in divorce and custody issues but often branch out into wills, basic real estate transactions, and issues common to private individuals and families. Family lawyers are often involved in adoption cases.
Of course, some lawyers stick to mostly real estate law even if they work at a firm that offers other law services. A real estate lawyer deals with sales, leases, rental agreements, and cases that arise between landlords and tenants.
Personal injury and disability
Sometimes people need help getting financial compensation for injuries and disabilities. Car accidents are a common reason for seeking a personal injury lawyer. Car accidents are a common reason for seeking a personal injury lawyer. A personal injury and disability lawyer may work with clients injured while working or by an individual.
Disability cases can include those disabled due to work-related accidents or military service. Pay can vary a lot depending on the fee structure used by the law firm. Some personal injury and disability attorneys work on a percentage basis, meaning that if they do not get compensation for their clients, they do not get paid.
Conclusion
Lawyers are in high demand regardless of their specialization. If you are considering a career in law, deciding what areas of law you are most passionate about is important to your long-term job satisfaction.
Suppose you are an individual or business that needs legal advice or representation. In that case, it is important to retain help from a lawyer or firm that has experience with topics similar to yours.