12 Different Types of Lawyers and What They Do

Navigating the vast and intricate landscape of the legal field can be daunting for those unfamiliar with its intricacies. When seeking legal advice, it's crucial to determine the type of lawyer best suited toaddress your particular situation. Lawyers specialize in various fields, including corporate law, healthcare, civil rights, and toxic tort, each with its own set of responsibilities and expertise. We recently spoke with Punjabi Lawyer Rupin Bal of Rupin Bal Professional Corporation to understand the many different fields of law and what each one does.

While advancements in legal software have enhanced accessibility to legal assistance, not every lawyer possesses the necessary knowledge or resources to address your specific needs effectively. By familiarizing yourself with the diverse specialties within the legal profession, you can better identify the type of counsel required for your particular circumstances.

1. Criminal Defense Attorney: Advocating for individuals accused of criminal offenses, criminal defense attorneys safeguard their clients' rights within the justice system. They may work as public defenders or private attorneys, representing clients in court proceedings. Some state bar associations offer specialty programs in criminal law, certifying lawyers as criminal trial advocates.
2. Bankruptcy Attorney: Specializing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, bankruptcy attorneys manage insolvency matters for clients. They typically focus on either consumer or commercial bankruptcy. Consumer bankruptcy involves representing individuals or creditors, while commercial bankruptcy deals with corporate creditors and debtors. Despite the specialization, bankruptcy lawyers handle tasks such as financial restructuring, plan confirmations, and valuation disputes. Experience through internships or clerkships at firms with a bankruptcy practice can provide valuable insight into this field. Some states offer certification in bankruptcy law to further demonstrate expertise.
3. Corporate Lawyer (Business Lawyer): Corporate lawyers, also known as business lawyers, oversee legal affairs for companies, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws. Their duties encompass mergers, acquisitions, business formation, intellectual property matters, and liability disputes. They engage in legal research, document drafting, and contract negotiation. Some law schools offer business law certificates in addition to JD degrees, providing advanced training for corporate law careers. Graduates typically work at corporate firms or serve as in-house counsel for companies.
4. Family Law Attorney: Family law attorneys handle diverse domestic relations issues, including divorce, adoption, and guardianship. They draft legal documents, negotiate agreements, and resolve familial disputes. Some states offer board certification in family law for qualified practitioners.
5. Constitutional Lawyer: Constitutional lawyers interpret and apply the U.S. Constitution, balancing governmental interests with individual rights. They may challenge legislation's constitutionality, represent individuals in discrimination cases, or offer constitutional expertise. Constitutional lawyers may handle civil rights cases and argue legal issues before state or federal supreme courts. Law students can pursue constitutional law certificates or advanced studies in related courses to strengthen their expertise.
6. Employment and Labor Lawyer: Employment and labor lawyers manage relationships between unions, employers, and employees, addressing workplace issues like discrimination, wage regulations, and benefits. While their roles overlap, labor lawyers focus on union-management relations, while employment lawyers handle non-union workplace matters. Law schools may offer specialization certificates in employment/labor law, though not mandatory for employment.
7. Entertainment Attorney: Representing media-related clients, entertainment attorneys safeguard intellectual property rights and negotiate contracts. They may handle talent agreements, copyright protection, and union memberships. Law schools often offer certificate programs or classes in entertainment law.
8. Estate Planning Lawyer: Estate planning lawyers specialize in property rights, wills, and trusts, advising clients on asset distribution and tax implications. They help clients evaluate assets and liabilities, ensuring legal and tax compliance. Some pursue additional certifications like CTEP or AEP.
9. Immigration Lawyer: Immigration lawyers assist individuals and families with citizenship, visas, and deportation issues. They may work with refugees, asylum seekers, and employers on work-visa programs. Law schools may offer certificate programs in immigration law.
10. Intellectual Property (IP) Attorney: IP lawyers protect inventors' and creators' rights, handling copyright, trademark, and patent issues. They advise on IP protection strategies and enforce rights against infringement.
11. Personal Injury Lawyer: Personal injury attorneys represent clients in civil litigations involving injuries from accidents or negligence. They seek compensation from liable parties and may negotiate settlements. While less common, some states offer personal injury certifications.
12. Tax Lawyer: Tax attorneys specialize in tax laws, offering guidance on tax planning and compliance. Some pursue Master's in Taxation degrees for advanced expertise in tax law.

Understanding the roles and qualifications of various legalprofessionals is essential for individuals navigating legal matters and for aspiring attorneys choosing their career paths.