Are you interested in pursuing law for your career? You may not realize how many different avenues there are out there.
First, it’s important to understand the difference between a lawyer and an attorney. While both have a law degree, they don’t do the same thing. Attorneys are lawyers, but not the other way around, especially when it comes to family law.
Attorneys practice in court, whereas lawyers may not. Lawyers have completed law school and passed the bar exam. However, they may choose not to practice in court. They may become consultants or advisors instead.
Let’s take a look at a few different types of lawyers and what they do for their clients.
- Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer will represent someone who is seeking compensation when they have experienced a physical, psychological, or emotional injury. This usually takes place when there has been a vehicle accident, medical malpractice, or some form of negligence.
- Family Lawyer
There are several branches under family law you can undertake. For instance, you may focus your attention on elder law which assists with Medicare, end-of-life documents, or nursing home abuse. Other types of family law may include divorce settlements, adoption, guardianship, or other welfare issues.
- Tax Lawyer
The United States tax system is a complicated process. Tax lawyers need to be equipped with the knowledge and experience of IRS regulations to properly represent individuals or companies.
- Business Lawyer
Also known as corporate lawyers, business lawyers work closely with a company to ensure their compliance with the law in all forms, as well as mitigate any claims that may arise with employees, partners, or outside sources.
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
A criminal defense lawyer is someone who protects rights and represents the defendant. These types of lawyers can either be public defendants or private attorneys, depending what you choose.
There are many avenues criminal defense lawyers can take, such as drug, violent, or homicide crimes.
- Estate Planning Lawyer
At some point, everyone needs to draw up a will. This is the job of an estate planning lawyer. They will advise their clients on all matters of their assets, including trusts and property. They will help to establish and evaluate assets, as well as draw up legal contracts upon a person’s last will and testament.
- Real Estate Lawyer
Legal contracts are required for anyone intending to sell or buy a home, regardless of whether it’s commercial or residential property. Real estate lawyers, also known as property lawyers, also provide legal counsel for issues such as foreclosures, evictions, and zoning laws.
- Civil Rights Lawyer
Any time an individual is discriminated against based on their race, religion, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation, it’s considered a civil rights violation. Lawyers who specialize in this field defend constitutional rights such as voting, privacy, or freedom of speech.
Many of these cases occur in the workplace as well. Knowing the rules and regulations for corporate law is important as well.
- Employment and Labor Lawyer
Employment and labor lawyers are different from corporate lawyers. These types of lawyers handle issues between employers and employees directly in areas such as salaries, discrimination, workplace safety, worker’s compensation, and other labor laws.
- Entertainment Lawyers
Highly influential people who work in the entertainment business such as athletes, musicians, or actors, require a different type of lawyer.
These lawyers ensure the protection of intellectual property such as music, works of art, and performances. It’s also their responsibility to manage contracts and releases that pertain to their clients.
