different type of attorney and what they do

by Jasen Schumm 3 min read

15 Different Types of Lawyers and Who You Should Choose

  1. Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyers. Any original creative, scientific, or technical invention which may benefit the...
  2. Family Lawyers. These are lawyers who handle all kinds of domestic cases, such as divorce, legal separation, child...
  3. Estate Planning Lawyers. Though no one likes to prepare for their death,...

Full Answer

What is the best type of lawyer?

Sep 10, 2021 · 26 Different types of lawyers 1. Business lawyer. Business lawyers or corporate lawyers ensure that all operations of an individual company are... 2. Bankruptcy lawyer. For certain types of law careers, you need to be an expert on very specific laws. As a bankruptcy... 3. Tax lawyer. Tax lawyers are ...

What are the most popular types of lawyers?

But what do they do? There are many different types of attorneys and the kinds of cases they handle cover a vast range of possibilities. Below you will find five different types of attorneys you may find yourself in need of within your lifetime and precisely what they do: Personal Injury Attorney; Medical Malpractice Attorney; Criminal Defense ...

Which lawyers make the most money?

Jun 09, 2020 · Criminal Law Lawyer . There are two types of criminal law attorneys, prosecutors and defense attorneys. Prosecutors represent the state they work for and bring criminal charges against individuals accused of committing a crime. Defense attorneys represent the people accused of committing a crime.

What is the highest paid type of lawyer?

Dec 17, 2020 · Types of Lawyers 1. Bankruptcy Lawyer. Filing for bankruptcy is a risky thing. Not only will it severely harm your credit for several... 2. Business/Corporate Attorney. Unlike many other types of lawyer, a business attorney has only one …

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What are the 4 types of lawyers?

Here's an overview of the most common types of lawyers.Personal Injury Lawyer. ... Estate Planning Lawyer. ... Bankruptcy Lawyer. ... Intellectual Property Lawyer. ... Employment Lawyer. ... Corporate Lawyer. ... Immigration Lawyer. ... Criminal Lawyer.More items...•Sep 29, 2020

How many different kinds of attorneys are there?

26 Types of Lawyers: The Options and the Practice. The legal profession can be carved up into many different territories.Sep 10, 2021

What type of lawyer makes the most?

Medical AttorneysMedical Attorneys Medical lawyers are among the highest paid types of lawyers and earn one of the highest median salaries in the legal field.Oct 27, 2021

How much do attorneys make?

Comparatively, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics the national average annual remuneration of a lawyer is just below $145 000, approximately $12 000 monthly. With a 2019 national average income (all industries) of $68 703 annually and $5 725 monthly.Apr 19, 2021

How much money does a criminal lawyer make?

What is the average salary for a criminal lawyer? The average salary for all associate attorneys, including criminal lawyers is $76,374 per year. A lawyer's salary can be dependent on their level of experience and specialization among other factors.Sep 9, 2021

What's the highest paid lawyer?

Highest paid lawyers: salary by practice areaPatent attorney: $180,000.Intellectual property (IP) attorney: $162,000.Trial attorneys: $134,000.Tax attorney (tax law): $122,000.Corporate lawyer: $115,000.Employment lawyer: $87,000.Real Estate attorney: $86,000.Divorce attorney: $84,000.More items...•Dec 14, 2021

Who is the highest paid lawyer?

Top 10 Highest Paid Lawyer In The WorldRichard Scruggs — Net Worth: $1.7 Billion.Joe Jamail Jr. ... Willie Gary — Net Worth: $100 Million. ... Roy Black — Net Worth: $65 Million. ... Robert Shapiro — Net Worth: $50 Million. ... John Branca – Net Worth: $50 Million. ... Erin Brockovich – Net Worth: $42 Million. ... More items...•Nov 18, 2021

Are all lawyers rich?

You probably won't be rich. "Sure, there are plenty of very well-off lawyers, but that's really just the top layer of the profession. Most lawyers earn more of a solid middle-class income," says Devereux.Sep 18, 2020

Are attorneys and lawyers the same thing?

Although both attorneys and lawyers obtain law degrees, they don’t do the same job. An attorney actually practices law by representing other indivi...

What are the two main types of lawyers?

When talking about two main types of lawyers, we’re actually referring to criminal law professionals. These are prosecutors and defense attorneys....

What is the highest-paid type of lawyer?

In our article, we covered how much lawyers working in different fields earn. Those with the highest salary are medical lawyers, and they earn over...

What is the best career in law?

Choosing the best type of lawyer career depends on multiple factors, including your interests and ambitions. Our article delves deeper into differe...

Is law a good career?

This is a good career path for all those who love the law. It offers good salaries, benefits, and different working environments, depending on whic...

What is bankruptcy lawyer?

Bankruptcy lawyers are experts in the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and handle insolvency issues for individuals or corporations. Bankruptcy lawyers generally specialize in either consumer bankruptcy or commercial bankruptcy. In consumer bankruptcy, lawyers represent individuals or creditors; in commercial, they represent corporate creditors and debtors.

How do I become a lawyer?

The path to become a lawyer may seem clear-cut: obtain a Juris Doctor (J.D.), take the Bar examination, and begin practicing. But with so many different types of lawyers, deciding what kind of law you want to practice may not be such an obvious decision.

Where do lawyers work?

Government lawyers may work in Attorney General’s Offices, governors’ or mayors’ offices, in executive agencies, public defenders’ offices, or in state legislatures.

Do criminal defense lawyers appear in court?

Criminal defense lawyers may appear in court more frequently than other types of lawyers—especially if a case goes to trial. A number of state bar associations offer specialty programs in criminal law, while those passionate about trial advocacy can receive certification as a criminal trial lawyer. 5.

What is business lawyer?

Business lawyers, also known as corporate lawyers, handle legal matters for businesses and ensure that all company transactions occur within the scope of local, state, and federal laws. Common legal work includes mergers, acquisitions, formation or dissolution of businesses, patents, intellectual property, and liability disputes. Day to day, a business lawyer may conduct legal research, write and revise legal documents, and negotiate contracts.

What is criminal defense?

Criminal Defense Lawyer. Criminal defense lawyers advocate on behalf of those accused of criminal activity and ensure that their liberties and basic rights are fairly upheld within the justice system . A criminal defense lawyer may work as a public defender or as a private attorney.

What is labor law?

They deal with issues around workplace discrimination, harassment, wage and hours regulations, benefits, and pension security. While the responsibilities of employment lawyers and labor lawyers tend to overlap, labor lawyers focus on union-management relations and collective bargaining, while employment lawyers address matters in non-union workplaces.#N#Just as with other specialties, many law schools offer a specialization certificate in employment/labor law for students who take a minimum number of courses in the area, but it is not required for employment.

What is an estate planning lawyer?

The estate planning lawyer specializes in wills and trusts, and can help you to draw up a will to pass on your assets. Among other estate planning legal services, this type of lawyer can help you set up a trust which will help take care of your children’s financial needs.

Do doctors make mistakes?

Doctors do occasionally make mistakes, and if you’re facing the consequences of a medical mistake such as a medical misdiagnosis or inaccurate treatment, a lawyer who specializes in medical malpractice issues can be particular helpful.

What is an IP lawyer?

Also known as an IP attorney, an intellectual property lawyer can advise you with regard to issues relating to intellectual property, such as copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial design and trade secrets.

What is an employment lawyer?

Employment Lawyer. Whether you’re a company that’s having a problem with an employee, or an individual who’s having problems with the company you work for, an employment lawyer can generally provide advice about legal issues which arise from an employment contract or within an employment relationship.

What can a corporate lawyer do for you?

A corporate lawyer will be able to help you with issues related to the formation of your corporation, general corporate governance issues and corporate compliance issues.

What is a worker's compensation lawyer?

If you’ve been injured while on the job, or have had to face the death of a loved one as a result of a workplace accident or occupational disease, a lawyer who specializes in workers compensation law can help you navigate the issues you face, such as the extent of the employer’s fault and the amount of benefits to which you are entitled.

What is general practice law?

Unlike lawyers who specialize in a particular area of law, a general practice lawyer has a practice that handles a wide range of legal issues. Different general practice attorneys will have different areas of law with which they are most comfortable, so if you consult with a general practice lawyer, it’s always prudent to discuss his or her experience in handling the type of legal issue you’re facing.

Why is the career outlook for lawyers less appealing?

The career outlook for lawyers has become less appealing in the past 10 years because there are many more law schools and lawyers than there used to be . This floods the market and makes it harder for lawyers to obtain jobs and decreases overall salaries.

What are the different types of lawyers?

The following are a few of the many different types of lawyers in the United States: Civil Rights Lawyer. Civil rights attorneys use the law to help people protect their civil rights or recover damages if their civil rights have been trampled on. Civil rights are the core rights of United States citizens that stem from state ...

Is a paralegal a lawyer?

Paralegals are not lawyers, but they are another career in the legal profession. In the United States, there is no formal education requirement for paralegals, making a career as a paralegal is a smart alternative for those interested in law but who want to avoid the time and expense of law school and taking the bar examination.

What is a government lawyer?

Government Lawyer. There are government lawyers for every single aspect of government. Local, state, and federal governments all have attorneys on staff. Within each level of government, an attorney works for an agency.

What is the job of an immigration lawyer?

There is a growing need for immigration lawyers as laws change, and many individuals have trouble navigating the immigration process on their own or could face deportation. Immigration attorneys might help people with the paperwork and process of obtaining green cards and visas.

What is a private sector lawyer?

Private sector lawyer refers to the broad category of lawyers that do not work for the government or nonprofits but instead work for private companies and law firms. Private sector lawyers usually make more than public sector lawyers. Real Estate Lawyer.

What does a real estate lawyer do?

Real estate lawyers have a variety of options for their practice they can help close real estate deals, represent parties when real estate deals fall through, and lawsuits are filed, and can represent clients in the process of obtaining required permits for their real estate deals.

What is a business attorney?

A business attorney may be called upon to give advice, and will usually have skill in multiple business-related practices such as acquisitions, employment, tax law bankruptcy, international law, or trademarks. 3. Civil Rights Lawyer.

How many clients does a business attorney have?

Unlike many other types of lawyer, a business attorney has only one client at a time. These lawyers specialize in corporate law and represent the client in a wide range of legal matters.

What does a criminal lawyer do?

A criminal lawyer handles any charge that is handled above the civil court level. They do their best to reach a settlement or vacate the charges before it goes to court. When a trial is necessary, they represent their client to the best of their ability, regardless of whether they believe the client to be innocent.

What is an employment lawyer?

These lawyers are a merging of business and civil rights law training. Unlike the business lawyer, an employment lawyer’s job is to protect employees from discrimination or other unfair practices they may be up against. They also work with employers to help ensure a safe and friendly work environment.

What is the job of a government attorney?

A government attorney assists is everything from helping to draft new laws and ordinances, oversee compliance during council meetings, or take part in major court proceedings or preparations. 11. Immigration Lawyer. This highly specialized field requires lawyers to know immigration, employment, and citizenship.

What is a lawyer for the military?

Lawyers working for the military have a unique set of laws to follow in addition to normal practice. They represent military personnel exclusively and may litigate in both military and civilian courts.

What is public interest lawyer?

Working for individuals, non-profits, or government bodies, a public interest lawyer is dedicated to legal reform and serving the public interest. These attorneys are often paid by the government, allowing them to aid those who cannot afford representation.

Why do we need malpractice lawyers?

Since these are professions that ascribe to a set of standards , they have greater professional responsibilities that may be challenged in the courtroom or in litigation.

What is IP law?

1. Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyers. Any original creative, scientific, or technical invention which may benefit the public has to be protected ...

Is a civil litigation lawyer a general lawyer?

Technically, all areas of law already mentioned on this list may also be considered civil litigation cases. This is why a civil litigation lawyer is regarded as a general lawyer. However, their primary work comprises handling cases involving a breach of contract. While this may seem simple compared to other areas of law, contract disputes can be a tedious process. So, it will pay to hire an excellent civil litigation attorney who can easily spot the finer details of the case.

What is an intellectual property lawyer?

Any original creative, scientific, or technical invention which may benefit the public has to be protected from copycats and duplicates. If you've created an art design, a unique product, a novel, a song or a computer program, you can consult with an intellectual property lawyer for securing copyright, patents, trademarks, and licensing agreements.

What is a family lawyer?

Family Lawyers. These are lawyers who handle all kinds of domestic cases, such as divorce, legal separation, child custody, adoption, paternity, alimony, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, and emancipation. But family attorneys may also handle reproductive rights cases, and their work may intersect with other areas of the law.

What is a personal injury lawyer?

This lawyer is an expert in tort law, which deals with civil legal liabilities and damages.

What is a business lawyer?

Also known as corporate lawyers, business lawyers are legal eagles who cover a more full range of expertise in building, managing, maintaining, transferring and dissolving a business. Lawyers in this area of practice deal with the formation of the company, employment contracts, tax compliance, acquisitions, and mergers.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint another person to take control of your affairs should you become unable to effectively do so. The person appointed becomes the agent, or attorney-in-fact, and the person who appoints is known as the principal.

When does a springing power of attorney become effective?

A springing power of attorney becomes effective at a future time and only when a specific event occurs, such as the incapacitation of the principal or a triggering event that occurs while the principal is out of the country and unable to act upon it.

Does a durable power of attorney expire?

It does not have a set time period and it becomes effective immediately upon the incapacitation of the principal. It does expire upon the principal’s death.

What is a non-durable power of attorney?

The non-durable power of attorney is used only for a set period of time and usually for a particular transaction in which you grant your agent authority to act on your behalf.

What is a POA form?

A power of attorney template or POA form can be used to nominate a power of attorney to represent an individual and their affairs in several different areas should they become incapacitated.

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Environmental

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Sustainability and the environment have increasingly been an area of interest for both the public and the private sectors. Environmental lawyers deal with laws and regulations relating to the environment. They represent clients on issues such as climate change, clean air/water, and environmental technology. Matters of First N…
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Business

  • Numerous rules and regulations govern the world of commerce and trade. These rules and regulations aim to serve and protect both the public and the corporations throughout various business transactions. Of the many different types of attorneys, business attorneys help clients set up their business, file required paperwork, and prepare contracts. Providing consult for merg…
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Estate Planning

  • Planning for a debilitating disease or death is never easy. Estate planning lawyers are types of lawyerswho help you handle your estate and assets after you die. They’ll walk you through the valuation of your estate, how to disperse your estate, and make you aware of any tax implications. They may also set up trusts to help protect your assets from lawsuits or creditors.
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Real Estate

  • Purchasing a home may very well be one of the largest purchases the average American will make in their lifetime. Aside from a realtor, having an experienced real estate lawyer is vital in protecting your interest when making such a large purchase. A qualified real estate lawyer will aid in ensuring all necessary documents—such as purchase agreements, mortgage documents, titles, …
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Family

  • Perhaps there is nothing that hits closer to home than this legal area of practice. Within the family law umbrella, there are different types of lawyersdealing with a wide host of domestic-related issues. These issues can include marriage, divorce, adoption, surrogacy, paternity, and child custody disputes.
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Criminal

  • Under the criminal law area of practice, there are two different kinds of lawyers: prosecutor and defense lawyers. Prosecutors work for the state, and their job is to present a case against the accused for breaking the law. On the other hand, the role of a defense lawyer is to defend the accused, representing their best interests based on evidence and various legal strategies.
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Intellectual Property

  • Intellectual property (IP) lawyers handle matters relating to the protection of inventions, literary or creative works, and product names. This practice area further comprises of patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, licensing, and unfair competition law. Tasks of IP lawyers include working with their clients to license inventions, negotiating settlements, and defending the IP portfolio of …
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Tax

  • Understanding all the tax implications for an individual or business is no easy task. An experienced tax lawyer will guide clients through the complex tax laws, saving them large sums of money in allowable tax deductions. Different lawyerswithin the tax law area of practice will also help prepare clients for IRS audits.
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Immigration

  • Immigration attorneys help potential or newly immigrated individuals with visa applications, green cards, and citizenship requirements. Compared to other different types of attorneys, immigration attorneys generally spend less time dealing with disputes in civil courts. Rather, they act as advisors as well as a mediator between their clients and immigration authorities. Court appeara…
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Personal Injury

  • Personal injury is another extremely broad area of law. Categories under personal injury law include car accidents, bicycle accidents, product liability, slip and fall incidents, and medical malpractice. Essentially, personal injury cases can cover incidents where an injury was sustained due to negligence from an individual, employer, business, or a third-party. An experienced perso…
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