What Are the Different Types of Attorneys?

When it comes to legal issues, every detail matters and if you aren’t working with the right person, you could lose money.

Attorneys go to school for an average of seven years after graduating high school. To become an attorney, students must pass their undergrad program, go to law school, and pass the Bar exam. Whether you want to hire an attorney and don’t know where to start, or want a future in law, you need to understand the differences between lawyers.

Read below to learn about the types of attorneys so you don’t get confused! 

Business & Corporate 

One of the most abundant types of attorneys you will encounter focuses on cases related to business. 

Owning a business requires people to fill out paperwork, get permits, and abide by all laws. Without an attorney, businesses are left with fines for breaking state or local regulations. These attorneys can also help with transactions, mergers, and employment. 

When patents or IPs are in a dispute, business attorneys represent the case. Liability disagreements and contract negotiations should also be overseen by a business attorney. They have a strong understanding of legal processes and can look for loopholes.

These matters require a well-versed attorney since businesses must follow state rules. For more specialized cases, business owners should hire an attorney that has earned a business law certificate on top of their law degree. Corporate lawyers may complete specialized programs since the laws are slightly different.

Criminal Defense

Were you one of the many people that followed the case of Gabby Petito and Brian Laundry? 

This case, and many others that leave people on the edge of their seats, are handled by criminal defense attorneys. Some of the best attorneys specialize in criminal activity because they know how to leverage the law. 

Criminal defense attorneys represent the person accused of criminal activity or breaking a law. Whether the individual is guilty or not, this attorney is there to ensure they are being treated fairly.

People are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty. These attorneys help people from going to jail and shorten time so clients can return to life. Criminal defense cases often go to trial and some of them become well-known. 

These are the lawyers that you see on your favorite “Criminal Minds-” type of show. There are more risks associated with this type of law than others. 

Labor & Employment 

Many people confuse business, corporate, and labor attorneys, thinking they are all the same.

Employment and labor lawyers, however, focus on cases that involve unions. They also represent employees and employers when legal matters arise, no matter how small. Discrimination, wage disputes, and harassment require a labor attorney. 

Employment attorneys primarily focus on workplaces that don’t have a union. They are often involved with small businesses and corporations. Labor attorneys tend to spend most of their time bargaining and helping unions in the workforce. 

Both of these types of law need state qualifications. Many students join internships to help American workers and learn the legal system. 

Entertainment

Did you recently see that Ed Sheeran won his case for copyright infringement on one of his songs?

An entertainment lawyer (likely a large team of attorneys) specializes in cases like these. Actors, musicians, and performers need help from attorneys to protect their work. They also prevent other people from taking money that isn’t theirs.

Aside from protecting art, they can negotiate contracts with label companies and help artists make more money. Entertainment lawyers act as the bridge between venues, artists, agents, and unions. 

Entertainment attorneys get the chance to work with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. To work for the best clients, you’d have to get a law degree that specializes in entertainment. You can also complete certification programs to be qualified for these cases. 

Bankruptcy 

Although businesses and individuals can file for bankruptcy without a lawyer, it isn’t recommended. 

Bankruptcy lawyers help clients find financial solutions to serious debts and help people start over. They can plan confirmations of bankruptcy and follow them to ensure there aren’t any differences in valuation. These lawyers attend statewide programs to learn more about the US Bankruptcy Code and local regulations. 

Debt can impact a person’s mental and physical health, these attorneys often come to help. You won’t have to worry about getting your wages garnished again if you can settle debts and clear your name with the banks. 

Filing for bankruptcy will impact your credit report for many years. Some people don’t find relief until a decade after filing for bankruptcy. Attorneys can help speed up this process and make it easier for individuals and business owners. 

Family & Marriage 

When children are in legal matters, special attention must go to paperwork and the family.

A small error could impact child custody agreements, adoption, and guardianship. Family legal teams review contracts and help resolve disputes. When cases are at a standstill, they mediate both parties involved. Depending on which attorney you get, they could work with a nonprofit organization. 

Most family attorneys will cover marriage and divorce cases. Depending on your location, you may have the option to hire someone that works on divorces, without children involved.

Handling marital assets, prenuptial agreements, and alimony can get messy. With an attorney involved, partners can navigate the process with minimal tension.

Additional programs, outside of school, often aren’t needed for attorneys practicing family law. Some states, however, recommend you get board certified to display your expertise.  

Estate Planning 

There are many intricacies when dealing with estate planning and property rights.

Wills, probate, trusts, and inheritances should all be prepared with an estate planning attorney. An attorney with this expertise can ensure that all paperwork is completed so that when people move, the property goes into the new name. 

Since planning can get messy with emotions and family, these attorneys are well-practiced in mediation. Homeowners can get their liabilities and assets assessed with an estate attorney as well. 

What separates estate planning attorneys from others is their additional certifications. The Chartered Trust and Estate, Accredited Planner, and CTFA certifications are needed for these cases. 

Intellectual Property

Inventors, businesses, and artists of all kinds work with intellectual property attorneys often. 

IP attorneys are known for handling patenting, trademarking, and copyrighting products. They deal with both tangible and intangible products to ensure the creator is getting their deserved credit. Although they may work with business or corporate lawyers, they have more knowledge of infringement. 

State bars and legal programs offer unique courses and certifications to become an expert. This is another popular job since it increases the chances of working with or meeting someone recognizable. If you’re planning to become an attorney, make sure you can handle star-struck emotions when you meet your clients! 

Constitutional 

In 2021, America saw a decrease in civil rights lawsuits getting filed with the courts. 

Civil rights cases often get handled by constitutional lawyers. These lawyers are the balance between the legal system and people going to trial. With a unique degree, these lawyers can help interpret the constitutions and rights that people have to happiness. These cases appear to be on the rise since the start of 2023, especially at the Supreme Court level. 

Constitutional lawyers try to help individuals get out of unnecessary or unjust trouble. If you enjoy watching live cop videos, you should follow up with some of the cases, many of the detainees worked with a constitutional attorney. 

There are many reasons a person may want to specialize in this area of law. Not only do these attorneys get a chance to make an impact, but they can also help people who are getting marginalized or discriminated against. 

Immigration

Although the Constitution plays a big role in immigration law, they are separate areas to study.

Many people and families work with these attorneys to work, live, and study in the country. The United States permits people that are seeking asylum or that are refugees. Attorneys with this knowledge make citizenship easier to get.

You may also encounter these lawyers trying to prevent families from getting split apart. 

Immigration law affects non-profit organizations, the government, and families around the world. With immigration law being such a heated topic, these attorneys are required to get certified in the field and prove their knowledge. 

If you’ve gone through an immigration program and become a citizen, you can practice law. This is often a driving force for students that want to make positive changes and improve the system. 

Personal Injury 

One of the most common types of legal services people need is personal injury support. 

Personal injury attorneys can help with a variety of problems, but there must be proof of injury. Medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and car accidents often fall into the laps of these attorneys. Their sole purpose is to show which party is liable for damages and owes compensation. 

Often, personal injury cases settle outside of the courtroom. Deals are made before the case goes to trial to avoid bad reputations. It’s also common for them to settle to prevent the guilty party from owing more money. 

Most money gets awarded because attorneys prove that an injury happened on someone else’s behalf. Depending on the severity of the damage, it could impact their ability to work and pay bills. Personal injury lawyers help people get money for medical bills, new cars, and time missed at work. 

Tax 

It doesn’t happen often, but when people fail to file their taxes, they could end up serving time in jail.

Tax attorneys can protect individuals and companies that owe tax money and documentation. Attorneys that get a Master’s Degree in Taxation can display their knowledge in the courtroom and help a variety of people. When tax attorneys aren’t representing individuals, they work on behalf of a company or nonprofit. 

There are many complex laws and regulations, especially ones that are state-specific in tax law. Aside from these laws, there are also new bills and amendments getting created daily. All of these factors impact the tax industry and people practicing this type of law. 

The best attorneys often deal with taxes since they require attention to detail, math skills, and legal knowledge. 

Pedestrian Accident

It’s more common in urban areas, but some attorneys practice pedestrian accident law.

Pedestrian accidents often fall within one of two categories: auto or personal injury cases. If you or someone you know was injured while walking on the street or in a crosswalk, this is the type of attorney to call. 

Not only will these attorneys help dedicated walkers and joggers, but they can also help people on bicycles and skates. In the city, it’s not uncommon for these people to get hit by cars that weren’t paying attention or stopping for pedestrians. 

Whether you are the one driving or on the street and exposed, you need a pedestrian attorney to represent your case. An attorney can help get compensation for a crosswalk accident to help clients pay for medical bills. 

What Types of Attorneys Do You Want to Work With? 

Not all lawyers have the same knowledge, in fact, many of them only specialize in one area. 

Learning about the different types of attorneys can help you when incidents arise and you need legal representation. You can also use this guide if you’re considering starting a law firm or going back to school. The more you know about law degrees, the easier it’ll be to follow your path. 

Check out our site for more info about navigating the legal process or finding the right career!