Even when you have a legal issue, it can be difficult to determine what kind of help you need and from whom. The umbrella term “lawyer” fails to account for the roles and responsibilities that separate each distinctive type of law. There are many types of lawyers, all with diverse areas of expertise and different levels of expertise.
So, what are the differences? How do you select the right type of lawyer for your unique circumstance? We’ve outlined a few practice areas for some of the most common legal problems to assist you in finding the appropriate services.
Real Estate Lawyers
When handling housing-related legal matters, you need a lawyer that specializes in real estate. For instance, some states require real estate lawyers to supervise transactions and be present at closings. Even if you do not live in a state with this requirement, you might need someone to help you navigate complex situations like foreclosures and short sales.
Real estate lawyers handle issues like:
- Reviewing purchase agreements and mortgage, title and transfer documents.
- Writing title insurance policies.
- Completing title searches.
- Handling the transfer of purchase funds .
Personal Injury Lawyers
Personal injury lawyers are versed in cases regarding the negligent acts of others. Mostly, they provide legal representation to individuals who were injured in accidents, helping them pursue compensation afterwards.
Some types of personal injury cases include:
- Motor vehicle accidents (including motorcycles and trucks).
- Aviation, bike and mass transportation accidents.
- Negligent security.
- Animal bites and attacks.
- Medical malpractice cases.
The personal injury lawyers at car accident lawyer Perth are always helping clients achieve the best possible outcome for their motor vehicle accident injury compensation claims through the Insurance Commission of Western Australia.
Employment Lawyers
Employment law involves both employers and employees facing issues within the modern workplace. On the employee side, employment lawyers fight for employees to be treated with fairness and consistency. When it comes to employers, lawyers in this practice area ensure they are complying with all applicable laws.
Employment law cases can involve:
- Sexual harassment and workplace discrimination.
- Wrongful termination.
- Unpaid bonuses.
- Contract violations.
- Issues with employee benefits.
Business Lawyers
Running or starting a business is an exciting process, but it can also be extremely challenging. This is where business lawyers come into play—they exist to help business owners solve problems or prevent future situations.
Business lawyers help with:
- Contract drafting.
- Breaches of contracts.
- Business partner disputes.
- Compliance and risk management.
Family Lawyers
Family lawyers represent people going through complex matters like divorces, guardianships and custody battles. Additionally, family lawyers often serve as mediators during difficult family disagreements and take cases to court if litigation becomes necessary.
Within these situations, there are many legal matters that require special expertise, including:
- Division of marital property.
- Child custody and support.
- Drafting prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.
Intellectual Property Lawyers
Intellectual property refers to rights of creators and inventors, giving them protections for writing, music, designs and so forth that belong to them. This includes trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets. The three all-encompassing segments of intellectual property law are counseling, protecting and enforcing.
Legal services in this practice area include:
- Registering trademarks, patents or copyright
- Protecting owner of intellectual property against
- Drafting licensing agreements.
- Negotiating settlements.
Probate/Estate Planning Lawyers
These cases are often classified as “elder law.” Probate lawyers assist with distribution of assets and conflicts that can arise after the death of a loved one. Estate planning involves working with a living client to help them determine the best ways to administer their respective estates.
Cases can involve:
- Drafting last wills and testaments.
- Collecting and managing life insurance proceeds.
- Managing the estate’s checkbook.
- Handling will contests and beneficiary disputes.
Criminal Lawyers
Criminal lawyers most frequently represent both adult and juvenile clients in the criminal court system, defending them at the federal, state and local level. This type of lawyer can be court-appointed (paid by the government) or private (paid by the defendant).
Criminal layers handle:
- Fighting for reduced bail, charges and sentences.
- Negotiating deals with prosecutors.
- Examining evidence that could work against the conviction.
- Assisting with the jury selection process.
Tax Lawyers
Tax lawyers help people navigate the complex tax system and regulatory body expectations and problems. They also represent clients with tax dispute cases and assist with a myriad of deductions, credits and exemptions. Within this field, there are specific areas of focus, including corporate tax, state and local tax, estate planning, tax-exempt organizations and partnership tax.
Cases of this nature can involve:
- Disputes about taxes (audits and refund requests).
- Reporting tax matters to government authorities.
- Tax issues for venture capital and private equity funds.
- Drafting legal documents to effectuate planned transactions.
We trust that this article has helped you to choose the right type of lawyer for your legal requirements.