If you have ever considered becoming a lawyer, understanding the different types of attorneys and their specializations will help determine if this is your career path.
Business lawyers focus on corporate law, contract negotiation, financial compliance, and mergers and acquisitions. They are also knowledgeable in employment, labor, and tax laws.
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Corporate Lawyer
Business law is a broad area of practice that covers topics like hiring and firing employees, creating work environments, tax compliance, and settling employment and business contracts. Business lawyers usually specialize in different areas of this field, such as employment, real estate, and intellectual property.
These legal eagles also raise capital, mergers and acquisitions, and close deals. This requires excellent writing, communication, and negotiating skills. They rarely go to court, as most legal matters are settled outside the courts.
Civil Rights Lawyer
Civil rights lawyers at Rice Law Firm defend people and groups denied fair and equal treatment. This type of legal career requires excellent interpersonal skills and advanced research abilities. Many civil rights attorneys specialize in a particular interest group or issue, such as women’s rights, religious freedom, or human trafficking.
Civil rights cases often involve allegations of infringement on constitutional liberties or laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, gender, and national origin. Examples of such violations include police brutality, wage violations, and migrant worker exploitation.
Securities Lawyer
Securities lawyers specialize in the complex laws and regulations that govern financial investments. They are a crucial resource for consumers who are victims of investment fraud and other white-collar crimes.
Regulatory work involves ensuring companies and individuals disclose information promptly to prevent securities fraud, market manipulation, and insider training while promoting transparency and accountability. Securities litigation entails investigating a case and presenting it in court or arbitration. Both types of cases require extensive legal research and drafting documents.
Entertainment Lawyer
Entertainment lawyers are trained to understand and deal with the nuanced legal issues surrounding the sports and entertainment industries. These professionals are responsible for drafting and negotiating contracts, protecting their client’s intellectual property, and managing disputes over contract breaches.
They also often help fledgling businesses establish LLCs and navigate accompanying tax laws. Entertainment attorneys are familiar with the common adage that in this industry, it’s not what you know but who you know. They use their contacts to introduce their clients to others in the business.
Tort Lawyer
Tort lawyers specialize in lawsuits and settlements over personal injury claims. These cases can include wrongful death or injuries caused by toxic pharmaceuticals, chemicals, products, and other substances.
Tort law is part of civil law and deals with acts or omissions that violate general social duties and cause harm. This can include physical injury but can also extend to psychological or financial damage. A tort lawyer may be a workers’ compensation attorney, an auto accident lawyer, or a medical malpractice attorney.
Real Estate Lawyer
A real estate lawyer can help ensure a legal property transaction, review and explain the documents, resolve disputes, and negotiate. They may also be able to interpret zoning ordinances and building codes.
They may be consulted at the beginning of a home purchase to draft a contract or toward the end to ensure that it accurately reflects the client’s interests. They can also prepare mortgage documentation and escrow closings and handle judicial foreclosures.
Bankruptcy Lawyer
Lawyers who specialize in bankruptcy give legal advice to clients about filing for bankruptcy. They also point out the necessary paperwork and represent clients in court.
Bankruptcy attorneys who work with consumers must thoroughly understand bankruptcy laws and financial disputes. They also must be able to negotiate with creditors on behalf of their clients.
A good bankruptcy lawyer can often help clients avoid bankruptcy through debt relief options. They can also assess evidence and determine whether a client’s case is likely complicated.
Immigration Lawyer
Immigration lawyers help individuals navigate the complex immigration process. This involves obtaining a visa, which allows people from other countries to work in the United States.
Lawyers in this area may work for non-profit organizations, private immigration law firms, or federal, state, or local government agencies. They may also engage in policy work.
They can also focus on areas such as asylum and refugee law, family-based immigration, business immigration, deportation defense, and naturalization. In addition, they can practice pro bono cases.
