The number of lawyers in the U.S. has increased by over 15% in the last decade.
With the changes in the economy and development of technology we have seen in the last 10 years, this is not surprising.
Americans need lawyers for all sorts of reasons ranging from injuries in accidents to planning for their deaths. The law is complicated and most people can’t navigate it on their own.
Fortunately, there are many different types of lawyers ready and able to help their clients.
If you think you need an attorney, make sure you choose one who specializes in the right area. Keep reading for 8 types of lawyers and how they can help you.
1. Family Lawyers
Family lawyers can help you resolve a number of domestic issues.
Some common examples of cases handled by family lawyers include divorces and legal separations, custody disputes, and adoptions. They also handle emancipation, paternity, alimony, and pre/post nuptial agreements.
Family lawyers don’t only work with private clients, though. They may find themselves working with others legal sectors in cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, and juvenile delinquency.
Family lawyers often work with criminal lawyers.
2. Personal Injury Lawyers
If you have been injured by another party due to their negligence, you should find a lawyer who specialized in personal injury cases.
These types of lawyers handle cases in which their client accuses another party of physically or psychologically injuring them. This other party can be an individual, a company, an organization, or even a governmental entity.
Personal injury attorneys are experts when it comes to tort law, which involves civil matters of legal liability and damages.
If you have incurred damages including diminished quality of life and loss of income, a personal injury attorney will help you get a settlement and fair compensation for your losses.
3. Malpratice Lawyers
Personal injury attorneys often handle malpractice cases, but there are some attorneys who specialize just in malpractice law.
Malpractice involves suing a professional for failing to perform their duties. This often includes doctors, lawyers, government officials, and accountants. These types of professionals are held to a higher standard than others and when they fail to act reasonably, they can be sued.
If you are looking for this type of attorney, be sure to choose one that specializes in malpractice.
4. Estate Lawyers
This is another common type of lawyer that you may need in your lifetime.
Most people don’t like to spend time thinking about and planning for their death, but its a fact of life. The only things certain in life are death and taxes, and taxes will come even after you die.
Estate planning lawyers work with clients to sort out their affairs including assets and properties. They will help their clients create wills and trust funds for their beneficiaries who are still minors.
Working with an estate planning lawyer will allow you to specify what you want to leave to your children and beneficiaries when that time comes. If you are in ailing health before you die, your attorney will prepare documents that describe your final wishes when it comes to medical decisions and funeral and burial arrangements.
5. Intellectual Property (IP Lawyers)
IP lawyers work with clients who create unique technical, scientific, or creative inventions that can benefit the public.
They work to protect their clients’ development from being duplicated or copied by someone else. Examples of creations include songs, computer programs, products, and novels.
An IP lawyer can help you get your invention copy-written and trademarked and can help with licensing agreements.
6. Criminal Defense Lawyers
Criminal defense lawyers can assist their clients through every stage of a criminal investigation and lawsuit.
If you are accused of a crime, you will need a criminal defense attorney. A defense attorney will help you from questioning to arrest and through the arraignment and sentencing if you are convicted.
They will help you navigate any plea deals offered and will litigate for you if the case goes to trial. They understand the nuances of the law and work to keep you out of prison.
They can also work with you to appeal your case if you don’t win.
7. Business Lawyers
Business lawyers, also known as corporate lawyers, handle a broad range of legal issues for a business ranging from starting a business to dissolving it.
They build, maintain, manage, and can even transfer businesses. They help companies form and handle employees, taxes, acquisitions, and mergers.
They also work to settle disputes with employees and other businesses. This involves negotiating with both individuals and corporate entities.
They can specialize in working with large businesses or small businesses and startups.
8. Tax Lawyers
Tax lawyers work with businesses and individuals.
For businesses, they work with accountants to create tax plans and project tax liabilities based on cash flow. They also advise businesses on deductions and help minimize tax liability.
They work with individuals who will leave behind taxable estates or assets when they are gone and individuals who need help with the IRS. If you are in trouble with the IRS, you want to retain a tax attorney to help settle your debt.
Other Types of Lawyers
These are just a few of the common types of lawyers you might need in your lifetime.
The truth is, there are many more legal specialties out there. If you find yourself in legal trouble, there is a lawyer out there who specializes in the problem you are dealing with.
For more legal articles, check out our blog.
