Hire a legal professional - Ready now

1. Virtual Lawyer - Demand letters, Contracts, Legal research, Family law, IP, Employment law. From $30.
2. Hire Nicole - US Family Law US Legal research, document proofing, drafting, discovery requests. From $100
3. Hire Jay - Corporate Laywer International law, legal research and contract law. From $200

Find a legal professional - View all

What types of lawyers are there?

In the complex world of law, there are numerous types of lawyers, each specializing in a specific area of practice. This article will provide an in-depth look at the various types of lawyers, their roles, and the legal issues they handle. We will discuss the following legal specializations:

  1. Personal Injury Lawyers
  2. Criminal Defense Lawyers
  3. Family Lawyers
  4. Immigration Lawyers
  5. Intellectual Property Lawyers

Additionally, we will explore other important legal fields, such as employment law, bankruptcy law, and tax law. By understanding the different types of lawyers and their areas of expertise, you can make an informed decision when seeking legal representation.

Personal Injury Lawyers

Personal injury lawyers specialize in representing clients who have been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another party. These lawyers handle cases involving:

  • Car accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Defective products
  • Workplace injuries

Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they successfully recover compensation for their clients. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for lawyers in 2020 was $126,930.

Criminal Defense Lawyers

Criminal defense lawyers represent clients who have been accused of committing a crime. They work to protect their clients’ rights and ensure they receive a fair trial. Criminal defense lawyers handle cases involving:

  • Drug offenses
  • Violent crimes
  • White-collar crimes
  • Sex crimes
  • DUI/DWI

Criminal defense lawyers can work as public defenders, representing clients who cannot afford to hire a private attorney, or as private defense attorneys. The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is a professional organization that provides resources and support for criminal defense attorneys.

Family Lawyers

Family lawyers deal with legal issues related to family relationships, such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption. They handle cases involving:

  • Divorce and separation
  • Child custody and visitation
  • Child support
  • Alimony
  • Adoption

Family lawyers often work closely with their clients to help them navigate the emotional and financial challenges that come with family law matters. The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers is a professional organization that offers resources and support for family lawyers.

Immigration Lawyers

Immigration lawyers assist clients with immigration-related legal issues, such as obtaining visas, green cards, and citizenship. They handle cases involving:

  • Family-based immigration
  • Employment-based immigration
  • Deportation defense
  • Asylum and refugee status
  • Naturalization

Immigration lawyers often work with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds and must be knowledgeable about the complex immigration laws and regulations in the United States. The American Immigration Lawyers Association is a professional organization that provides resources and support for immigration attorneys.

Intellectual Property Lawyers

Intellectual property (IP) lawyers specialize in protecting the rights of creators and inventors. They handle cases involving:

  • Patents
  • Trademarks
  • Copyrights
  • Trade secrets
  • Licensing agreements

IP lawyers help clients secure and enforce their intellectual property rights, as well as defend against infringement claims. The American Intellectual Property Law Association is a professional organization that offers resources and support for IP attorneys.

Employment Lawyers

Employment lawyers represent both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace. They handle cases involving:

  • Discrimination and harassment
  • Wage and hour disputes
  • Wrongful termination
  • Employment contracts
  • Workplace safety

Employment lawyers work to ensure that both employers and employees are treated fairly and in accordance with the law. The National Employment Lawyers Association is a professional organization that provides resources and support for employment attorneys.

Bankruptcy Lawyers

Bankruptcy lawyers assist clients who are facing financial difficulties and need to file for bankruptcy protection. They handle cases involving:

  • Chapter 7 bankruptcy
  • Chapter 11 bankruptcy
  • Chapter 13 bankruptcy
  • Debt restructuring
  • Creditor negotiations

Bankruptcy lawyers help clients navigate the complex bankruptcy process and work to protect their assets and financial future. The American Bankruptcy Institute is a professional organization that offers resources and support for bankruptcy attorneys.

Tax Lawyers

Tax lawyers specialize in federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations. They handle cases involving:

  • Tax disputes and litigation
  • Tax planning and compliance
  • IRS audits and appeals
  • Business tax issues
  • Estate and gift tax matters

Tax lawyers work with individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to ensure they are in compliance with tax laws and to minimize their tax liabilities. The American Bar Association Section of Taxation is a professional organization that provides resources and support for tax attorneys.

Non-Legal Professionals

While lawyers play a crucial role in the legal system, there are many other professionals who contribute to the resolution of legal issues. These may include mediators, arbitrators, paralegals, and legal assistants. These non-legal professionals often work alongside attorneys to provide support and expertise in various aspects of the legal process.

More on Lawyers

Conclusion

There are many types of lawyers, each with their own area of expertise. Whether you need assistance with a personal injury claim, criminal defense, family law matter, immigration issue, intellectual property protection, employment dispute, bankruptcy filing, or tax matter, there is a lawyer who specializes in that area of law. By understanding the different types of lawyers and their areas of practice, you can make an informed decision when seeking legal representation.