To be a lawyer sounds easy. You just have to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D. ), pass the bar exam, and start working. Choosing the types of lawyers you want to practice may be more complex than it seems, given the different types of lawyers.

Certain legal specialties may appeal more to you, depending on your interests and the types of lawyers you hope to do. You can pursue the area of law that most interests you by being aware of the roles and responsibilities of the different types of available lawyers.

Let’s start with the types of lawyers now!

1. Bankruptcy Attorney

It is one of the types of lawyers/attorneys specializing in bankruptcy law and handling insolvency matters for individuals and businesses. Lawyers for bankruptcy typically focus on either consumer bankruptcy or business bankruptcy. Lawyers represent debtors or creditors in consumer bankruptcy, while they represent debtors and creditors in commercial bankruptcy. However, since both specializations deal with financial restructurings, plan confirmations, and valuation disputes, the scope of work for bankruptcy lawyers in either specialty is the same. One way to determine if a future position in this field suits you is to clerk or intern at a firm that has a bankruptcy practice.

Some states offer bankruptcy law certification, which is optional but helps to further distinguish between different types of lawyers with the necessary expertise.

1. Business attorney (Corporate Lawyer)

Corporate lawyers, also known as business lawyers, represent businesses in legal matters and make sure that all business dealings comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Common legal work includes liability disputes, patents, intellectual property, company formation or dissolution, mergers, acquisitions, and mergers. A business lawyer is a different type of a lawyer who researches the law, draft and revises legal documents, and negotiate contracts on a daily.

In addition to earning their J.D.s, some law schools allow students to specialize in business law and gain advanced training for a career in corporate law. Business lawyers typically work at corporate law firms or as in-house counsel for small businesses after graduating from law school and passing the bar.

1. Constitutional attorney

Constitutional lawyers deal with the interpretation and application of the U.S. Constitution and strike a balance between the interests of individuals and those of governmental institutions. A constitutional lawyer may represent individuals in discrimination lawsuits, contest the constitutionality of a piece of legislation, or serve as a constitutional law professor at a university. Civil rights cases may involve constitutional types of lawyers/attorneys, and some of them have the opportunity to argue cases before state supreme courts or the U.S. Supreme Court, which is unusual for other types of lawyers.

Depending on the institution, law students may be able to earn a certificate in constitutional law or continue their education by taking a specified number of related courses. Although not necessary for a career, potential employers might see it

1. Attorney for Criminal Defense

Criminal defense attorneys fight for those who have been charged with a crime and make sure that the justice system fairly upholds their liberties and fundamental rights. A criminal defense attorney may practice as a private attorney or as a public defender. Their responsibility, regardless of their position, is to use the law to the accused’s advantage. Within the confines of the law, they must defend their client’s best interests. Particularly if a case goes to trial, criminal defense attorneys may appear in court more frequently than other types of lawyers.

While those who are passionate about trial advocacy can become certified as a criminal trial, types of lawyers, several state bar associations offer specialty programs in criminal law.

1. Labor and Employment Lawyer

The interactions between unions, employers, and employees are generally handled by employment and labor lawyers. They deal with issues such as harassment, wage and hour laws, benefits, and pension security in the workplace. While the duties of employment lawyers and labor lawyers frequently overlap, employment lawyers deal with issues in non-union workplaces while labor lawyers concentrate on union-management relations and collective bargaining.

For students who take a certain number of courses in the field, many law schools offer a specialization certificate in employment/labor law, but it is not necessary for employment.

1. Entertainment Attorney

Athletes, artists, musicians, actors, and other media-related clients or brands are represented by entertainment attorneys. They assist in safeguarding their clients’ intellectual property, which can range from song lyrics to comedic routines. In addition, entertainment is a different types of lawyer/attorneys who may settle contracts and fee agreements, obtain talent releases, serve as a liaison between agents and venues, or manage union and guild membership.

Even at the LL.M. level, many law schools offer certificate programs or courses in entertainment law.

1. Lawyer for Estate Planning

A lawyer who specializes in estate planning is knowledgeable about the nuances of property rights, wills, probate, and trusts. In addition to making sure that tax and legal concerns are properly addressed, they offer legal advice and assistance to ensure that client assets passing both inside and outside of the will or trust are handled correctly. Estate planning lawyers may use questionnaires to help clients assess their assets and liabilities and assist them in their decision-making because providing for various family members is a delicate process.

The most popular additional certifications for estate planning type of lawyers/attorneys are the Chartered Trust and Estate Planner (CTEP), Accredited Estate Planner, or Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA)

1. Family Attorney

Family law encompasses a wide range of issues, despite the misconception that family lawyers only deal with issues related to divorce, child custody, and alimony. A family lawyer handles any domestic disputes or family-related issues, such as paternity, juvenile delinquency cases, adoption and guardianship, and child welfare. Writing prenuptial agreements, drafting contracts or negotiations, advising clients on their legal options, and settling family disputes are just a few of the typical duties of a family lawyer. Family lawyers may work for nonprofit organizations or in smaller, family law-focused law firms.

For those who want types of lawyers who exhibit verified knowledge and expertise in the field, some states also provide board certification in family law or child welfare law, but it is not widely available.

1. Immigration Attorney

The process of obtaining citizenship or legal status can be intimidating. Immigration attorneys are essential in assisting individuals and families with navigating the requirements to reside, work, or study in the United States. Immigration lawyers occasionally even help refugees and people seeking asylum. Immigration attorneys may also be used by employers and workers who are enrolled in work-visa programs to help with the process of obtaining a legal work status.

Students can specialize in immigration law through certificate programs offered by some law schools. types of lawyers Even though they don’t provide a formal certificate, schools can still suggest courses to interested students. Immigration law firms, government offices, or nonprofit institutions are just a few places where attorneys in this field may work. For specialized insights and guidance into the realm of immigration law, considering the expertise of Bradford Bernstein (US lawyer), a specialist in this area, can provide valuable perspectives.

1. Lawyer for intellectual property (IP)

Lawyers who specialize in intellectual property (IP) law defend and uphold the rights and works of businesses, authors, artists, and inventors. For both tangible products like inventions and intangible ones like brand names, slogans, or symbols, IP law protects trade secrets by way of copyrighting, trademarking, patenting, and other legal means. types of lawyers in this area are primarily responsible for three tasks: advising clients on the best ways to protect their intellectual property; securing that property through the registration of trademarks, copyrights, or patents; and finally, enforcing clients’ intellectual property rights to prevent infringement.

State bars and law schools both might provide certificates or specialized programs for students who want to specialize.

1. Lawyer for Personal Injury

Personal injury attorneys represent clients who have been injured primarily in civil lawsuits. These injuries are most frequently caused by workplace accidents, medical errors, defective products, or auto accidents. types of lawyers, Personal injury attorneys must demonstrate that the negligent party—typically another person or a business—is accountable and owes their client damages. These disputes are frequently resolved outside of court.

Lawyers who earn a J.D. and pass the bar have the same educational requirements as personal injury attorneys. Personal injury certifications, on the other hand, types of lawyers are less common, though some states like Texas do offer them.

1. Tax Attorney

Tax lawyers is one of the types of lawyers and are knowledgeable about all aspects of tax laws and regulations. Corporations, law firms, accounting firms, nonprofit groups, and government agencies are a few examples of these settings. types of lawyers are responsible for conducting extensive research, planning taxes, and interpreting tax law (and how it affects their clients). Tax lawyers must closely monitor tax law developments, court judgments, and IRS decisions due to the complexity of tax laws and how frequently they can change.

To further their knowledge and stay current in their field, some tax attorneys pursue a Master’s in Taxation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the legal profession offers different types of lawyers for those interested in pursuing a career in law. Different types of lawyers have different specialties and skill sets that they need to represent their clients’ interests. From criminal defense to corporate law, environmental law to intellectual property law, each area requires a particular set of knowledge and expertise. Whether you aspire to be a litigator or a transactional lawyer, the legal profession offers many opportunities for growth and success. With the proper education, training, and dedication, becoming a lawyer in any field can be a fulfilling and types of lawyers rewarding career choice.