If you’re like most people, then your knowledge of lawyers is limited. You know that they practice law, give legal advice, and represent clients in court. But what differentiates one lawyer from another?
You may be surprised to learn that while that definition holds true across the board, there are many different kinds of lawyers or attorney that handle every legal situation you can imagine.
Keep reading for a breakdown of some of the many types of lawyers and what they do.
Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal injury lawyers are a common type of lawyer that many people work with at some point in their life. They handle things such as car accidents, slips, and falls, and any other form of injury that occurs on account of negligence from another person.
After you suffer an accident, you don’t want to worry about legal issues and injury costs. Personal injury lawyers will seek compensation and help you sort all other legal matters out as well.
Criminal Lawyer
A criminal lawyer, as you might guess, is a lawyer who provides you with knowledge of criminal law. They have the necessary skills to navigate tricky legal subjects, such as arrests, pleas, and bail. Criminal lawyers include subcategories, such as defense attorneys and prosecutors.
If you live in the United States, understand that criminal law varies from state to state. This means that it’s a good idea to get a criminal lawyer who has experience with the laws of your own state.
Family Lawyer
Family lawyers can help you resolve any legal issues facing your family. This can include some heavy topics, such as divorce, alimony, child custody, and many other things.If you’re wondering how Homestead Law affects your divorce consult Konicek Law for more advice.
Although it can be tempting to try and DIY your way through family legal battles, hiring a legal professional who specializes in family laws will ensure that you’re in safe hands. As they’re able to see how different situations can end, family lawyers can give you recommendations on your best course of action.
Immigration Lawyer
If you think the legal system is hard to wrap your head around, imagine how an immigrant coming to the country feels. Whether they need a visa, are applying for a green card, or want to get refugee status, immigrants often need help with navigating the law.
Immigration lawyers represent their clients in court. They also help resolve situations that become too complex for the average person to find their way out of.
Although you’ll have to pay legal fees, an immigration lawyer will prove their worth when they help get you or your family where you need to be.
Corporate Lawyer
If you’re active in the business world, odds are you’ve met some corporate lawyers before. Corporate lawyers can help you review a business contract, resolve governance and compliance issues, and make sure that their clients are clear on their rights
Corporate lawyers can represent individuals, but if a company hires them, they represent the business as a whole. This is an important distinction, as their job is to then fight for what’s best for the company, as opposed to the employees or other parties (although in a perfect world, these are the same).
Intellectual Property Lawyer
Intellectual property lawyers, or IP lawyers, handle issues regarding trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Most of the time, IP lawyers deal with intellectual property violations and helping their clients avoid copyright infringement, also read here.
Intellectual property law is a complicated field, meaning that it’s difficult for the average person to understand. An intellectual property lawyer will help you navigate all of the different nuances so that you don’t have to worry about getting yourself into trouble.
Estate Planning Lawyer
After you die, a process known as estate administration occurs. This involves paying off any credit or debt you have, and distributing your assets to your beneficiaries as stated in your will. An estate planning lawyer is a person who facilitates this process.
As you want to make sure that your finances and assets go where you want them to after you die, it’s a good idea to work with an estate planning lawyer. They’ll help you ensure that there aren’t any loopholes in your will and that things go where they should.
Bankruptcy Lawyer
As bad as it can be for your credit score, some people have no choice but to declare bankruptcy. Credit card debt, foreclosure, and medical bills are some of the most common causes of bankruptcy. A bankruptcy lawyer will help you make the process as smooth as possible.
They’ll do their best to get you some form of debt relief, whether that means a repayment plan or a bankruptcy court agreeing to free you from your debts.
Workers Compensation Lawyer
If you’re injured at your place of work, you’re entitled to seek compensation from your employers. If your injury is serious, your employer should provide you with enough money to cover your medical bills, as well as any other expenses that may pop up.
Workers comp lawyers advocate on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve. They can also help you get the time off you need to recover from your injury.
Types of Lawyers for Every Situation
Whether you want a better understanding of the legal world or are considering practicing law yourself, you should be aware of the different types of lawyers. After reading this guide, you should now have a clearer understanding of some of the many types of lawyers and what they do.
Do you now have a better understanding of the different types of lawyers? If you found this article to be helpful, take a moment to check out some of our other blog posts for more guides and tips.
