If you’ve been trying to find a lawyer to help you solve your specific legal problem, you’ve probably realized there are many different types of lawyers. The legal field is vast and complex, and you’ll find that many lawyers specialize in a particular area of law.
If you find yourself in need of a lawyer, make sure they have the expertise to handle your unique situation.
Because there are so many different types of lawyers, you’ll want to match your legal concern with the appropriate attorney.
Here’s an overview of the most common types of lawyers.
Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve suffered injuries in an accident—for example, a car accident—the type of lawyer you’ll want to see is a personal injury lawyer. These types of attorneys specialize in obtaining compensation in the form of damages for injuries caused by other parties.
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.
Bankruptcy Lawyer
If you’re having financial difficulties and are contemplating bankruptcy proceedings, you’ll want to consult with a bankruptcy attorney. This type of lawyer can advise you on your eligibility for bankruptcy, the types of bankruptcy you’ll want to consider and which type would be best for your particular circumstances, as well as any potential alternatives to bankruptcy that you may want to explore.
Intellectual Property 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.
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.
Corporate Lawyer
If you own a corporation, you’ll likely find yourself consulting with a corporate attorney on many different occasions. 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.
Immigration Lawyer
When you’re dealing with immigration issues, you’ll want to consult with an immigration lawyer. This type of lawyer should be well versed in dealing with immigration issues such as visas, citizenship, refugee or asylum and green cards.
Criminal Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime, a criminal lawyer is the type of lawyer you should turn to. A criminal lawyer will be knowledgeable in areas related to criminal law, including issues related to bail, arraignment, arrest, pleas and any issues relating to the criminal trial itself.
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
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.
Tax Lawyer
Getting into trouble with the IRS is no fun. A tax attorney specializes in the many intricacies of federal, state and local tax laws, and should be able to provide advice on the particular tax issue you face.
Family Lawyer
Whether you’re in need of a prenuptial agreement, engaged in divorce proceedings or involved in a child custody or spousal support battle, a family lawyer is the type of lawyer who’ll be best equipped to guide you through the process which lies before you.
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.
Contract Lawyer
A contract lawyer specializes in the handling of issues arising from contracts, and can be consulted for a wide range of contract-related issues. Whether you’re unsure if you should sign a particular contract, or if something has gone wrong with a contract you’ve already signed, an attorney who specializes in contracts is the type of lawyer who should have the experience and expertise required to help you resolve your contractual issues.
Social Security Disability Lawyer
The Social Security Disability system can be a particularly complex system in which to navigate. An attorney who specializes in Social Security Disability issues can help you with any step in the Social Security Disability process, including assisting you with eligibility issues, launching an appeal of a decision to deny you benefits and dealing with the reduction or termination of your benefits.
Civil Litigation Lawyer
Suing someone, or responding to someone’s lawsuit against you? An attorney who specializes in civil litigation will be your best legal option. You may also find that different attorneys will specialize in different litigation areas as well. For example, a corporate litigation lawyer should have the expertise to help you with commercial litigation issues.
General Practice Lawyer
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.
There are many different types of lawyers available in the legal marketplace today. When you’re looking for legal help to deal with an issue you’re facing, it’s a good idea to find a lawyer who is experienced in the specific area of law with which you’re dealing.