There are numerous opportunities for lawyers after graduating from law school. However, many graduates struggle to determine the type of law practice they want to pursue. Fresh law graduates can choose various career paths depending on their ambitions, plans, and interests. For instance, some graduates consider themselves future child adoption rights legal experts and apply for jobs in firms that specialize in family law. Other graduates may focus on alternative lawyer careers with attractive paychecks, such as business or tax law, providing internal counsel in big corporate companies. So, how many different types of lawyers are there? While there are numerous types of lawyers, there are common careers in the law industry to help you make an informed decision regarding your future practice.
Bankruptcy Lawyer
How many different types of lawyers are there? Bankruptcy lawyers are bankruptcy code specialists in the U.S. They deal with insolvency for corporations or individuals. These types of lawyers specialize in commercial bankruptcy or consumer bankruptcy. In the former, they represent corporate debtors and creditors, while in the latter, they represent creditors or individuals. Whether they specialize in consumer or commercial bankruptcy, the scope of their work is similar. Both specializations plan confirmations, seek clarification for financial reorganization, and manage valuation conflicts. Working as an intern or clerk at an organization specializing in bankruptcy is ideal for establishing whether the position suits you. Some states provide bankruptcy law certification to recognize lawyers’ competence in the field.
Business Lawyers
Also known as corporate lawyers, business lawyers manage legal issues for businesses. They analyze company transactions to ensure they occur within federal, state, and local laws. Typical legal duties for business lawyers include dissolution or formation of businesses, facilitating acquisitions and mergers, intellectual property, patents, and arbitrating liability conflicts. A business lawyer’s daily schedule may include conducting legal research, writing and revising legal documents, and negotiating business loan contracts. Some law schools permit students to undertake a business law certificate on top of their Juris Doctor degree and get progressive training to pursue a corporate law career. Once they graduate and pass the bar, business lawyers can work as domestic counsel for a sole proprietor or corporate organization.
Constitutional Lawyer
Constitutional lawyers are some of the core players in the industry to learn about when discovering how many different types of lawyers are there? They specialize in the evaluation and enactment of the constitution. They also focus on balancing individuals’ and government organizations’ interests. Typical roles of a constitutional lawyer include representing people in discrimination cases and executing constitutional law-based tasks in a university. They also question the constitutionality of a section of the legislation; constitutional lawyers may participate in various argue legal and civil rights cases before the supreme court in their countries, a scarce moment for lawyers in other realms. Law students can acquire a constitutional law certificate or pursue advanced studies by undertaking a specific number of associated courses. However, this depends on the law school they attend. In the future, employers may give precedence to job seekers with constitutional law qualifications when hiring. Even then, this qualification is not a requirement for careers in the law industry.
Criminal Defense Lawyer
A criminal defense lawyer represents people charged with criminal activity. They focus on ensuring that the accused’s fundamental rights and liberties are justly sustained within the justice structure. Criminal defense lawyers may work as private criminal law attorneys or public defenders. Criminal law attorneys work to defend the rights of the accused. Regardless of where they work, their job involves leveraging the law to the convenience of the accused. They must safeguard the client’s best interests within the constraints of criminal defense law. A criminal defense lawyer often appears in court more regularly than their counterparts in other sections of the law, especially when a case goes on trial. They also negotiate with bail bond agencies on behalf of their clients. Various state bar corporations offer specialized criminal law programs. People with a passion for trial advocacy can obtain certification as criminal trial lawyers.
Mergers and Acquisitions Lawyer
Mergers and acquisition lawyers are another answer for how many different types of lawyers are there? They are specialized business or corporate attorneys who solely work as counsel during acquisitions. Buying and selling large corporate companies requires comprehensive knowledge of finance, tax, and securities laws. Mergers and acquisition lawyers and their work involve highly specialized issues. However, they should be conversant with various business practices and legal fields to succeed. Agreement drafting is the core task of these lawyers. These agreements between two companies must contain all the crucial clauses such as confidentiality, employee, and non-complete.
Labor and Employment Lawyer
Labor and employment lawyers manage the relationships between employees, employers, and unions. They specialize in workplace harassment, discrimination, working hours and wage regulations, pension, and benefit security. The responsibilities of labor and employment lawyers usually overlap. However, labor lawyers specialize in collective bargaining and union-management connections. Employment lawyers specialize in issues in non-union work locations. Some law schools offer students taking various courses in the area a specialization certificate in labor or employment law. However, it’s not a requirement in employment.
Intellectual Property Lawyers
Intellectual property lawyers are one of the answers you will get to the question of how many different types of lawyers are there. Any technical, scientific, or creative invention that may benefit the public must be secured from duplicates and copycats. Suppose you have developed a unique product, art design, computer program, song, or novel. You can consult an intellectual property lawyer about securing licensing agreements, trademarks, patents, and copyrights. Intellectual lawyers’ core legal duties involve offering legal advice to their clients regarding their creation’s marketing systems and viability. They should have comprehensive knowledge about innovation and business trends.
These lawyers can also bargain settlements on behalf of the inventor or creator if anyone infringes on their work. A good example, in this case, is when branded products are faked and sold at a lower market price. There are varying intellectual property laws. As a result, intellectual property lawyers have specialties like pharmaceuticals, the internet, biotechnology, computer engineering, and eCommerce. Their work may involve dealing with various agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, the department of commerce, and Copyright offices in their country of practice.
Estate Planning Lawyer
How many different types of lawyers are there? Estate lawyers are conversant with property wills, rights, trusts, and probate complexities. They offer legal assistance and advice to ensure client resources outside and within the trust or will are managed appropriately. They also ensure that legal matters and taxes are correctly addressed. Determining how to cater to the needs of different family members can be a delicate and daunting process. As a result, estate planning lawyers can leverage questionnaires to help clients analyze their liabilities and assets and assist them in decision-making. Estate planning lawyers can obtain certification from bodies like the Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) certification, Accredited Estate Planner (AEP), or the Chartered Trust and Estate Planner (CTEP).
Video Game Lawyer
If you’re wondering how many different types of lawyers are there? Video game lawyers are some of the popular types today, especially with the continued evolution of the digital world. Lawyers in this industry represent the fans, players, and video game development studios. Video game lawyers are some of the most exciting professionals in the law industry. Still, they must have an extensive understanding of the industry to thrive. Video game lawyers work with publishing firms, game developers, and tournament organizers. They offer legal advice, draft and revise contracts, facilitate the provision, and use their negotiation skills to facilitate conflict resolution and accomplish settlements. They should comprehensively understand drafting contracts, licensing, GDPR, data protection, consumer compliance, and copyright laws.
Family Lawyer
At the mention of a family lawyer, many people think of them as divorce attorneys who manage child custody, division of marital property, and alimony. However, family law is a comprehensive industry. Any family-related matters or domestic relations like guardianship and adoption, juvenile delinquency issues, paternity, and child welfare are within the jurisdiction of a family lawyer. A family lawyer can also become a custody lawyer when the need arises. Core responsibilities of family lawyers include drafting negotiations or contracts, drafting prenuptial agreements, resolving family conflicts, recommending or facilitating the provision of a restraining order, or helping their clients understand various legal options. Family lawyers can work in non-profit firms or small law organizations specializing in family law. Family lawyers can apply for board certification by demonstrating verified expertise and knowledge in family law.
Environmental Lawyer
How many different types of lawyers are there? Environmental lawyers are some of the professionals to consider when thinking about how many different types of lawyers are there. More lawyers are pursuing environmental law to grapple with the rising demand for preservation initiatives due to global warming. Their expertise includes comprehensive knowledge of Environmental Protection Agency policies and guidelines. Environmental lawyers may not be high earners. However, they make a critical contribution to saving the planet. They collaborate with different government firms, businesses, and citizens to prevent actions that cause harm to the environment. Environmental lawyers also seek to find justice for already inflicted environmental damage.
Immigration Lawyer
Acquiring legal status or citizenship can be an intimidating and lengthy process. Immigration lawyers guide and assist families and individuals get the required documents to study, work or live in a foreign country. Often, immigration lawyers assist asylum seekers and refugees. Employees and employers engaging in work-visa programs can also rely on an immigration lawyer to facilitate the process of obtaining legal work status. Some law schools may provide certificate programs allowing students to practice immigration law. Law schools that don’t offer formal certificates recommend courses that interested candidates can pursue to help them specialize in immigration law. These lawyers can work in various settings, including organizations that deal in immigration law, non-profit firms, and government agencies.
Domestic Lawyer
Domestic jurisdiction is a family law branch that handles domestic or family relationships. A domestic lawyer can assist clients with various family issues and often recommend psychotherapy for clients in mental distress. Divorce is among the core issues that domestic lawyers deal with. A domestic lawyer guides their clients through every stage of the divorce process. Sometimes issues like child custody may arise during the divorce procedure. This is daunting, and parents are likely to disagree on these issues. Domestic law courts focus on domestic violence, alimony, and child support. They also deal with separation and child custody.
Real Estate Lawyer
A real estate lawyer is among the options you get when you ask how many different types of lawyers are there? These professionals help people navigate the complex legal procedure of buying a home. A real estate lawyer also specializes in legal matters that may arise after selling the property. Real estate law is a broad subject that covers various aspects like purchasing and selling property and resolving property-based conflicts between individuals. A real estate lawyer drafts and analyzes the documents that should be signed after any real estate transaction. Real estate law covers title deeds, estate planning, property taxes, and zoning. The ideal real estate lawyer must be capable of preparing and evaluating title and transfer documents and mortgage paperwork.
Personal Injury and Tax Lawyers
A personal injury lawyer specializes in civil litigation. They represent clients who have been injured in medical malpractices, car accidents, workplace accidents, and product liability. These professionals must demonstrate that the responsible party is liable and owes their clients damages. Many personal injury cases are settled out of court. Personal injury certifications are not common. However, some states in the U.S offer them. How many different types of lawyers are there? Tax lawyers are conversant with the nitty gritty of tax regulations and laws. They work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, accounting firms, law firms, and corporations. The responsibilities of a tax lawyer include translating tax law and its impact on clients, research, and tax planning. Tax laws are complex and volatile. As a result, tax lawyers must closely monitor tax law developments, IRS rulings, and court opinions.
Are you considering finding a lawyer to assist you in solving particular legal problems and wondering how many different types of lawyers are there? The legal industry is complex and vast, with numerous types of lawyers. Find a lawyer with the expertise and qualifications to deal with your unique legal issue.