If you're considering becoming a lawyer, you should know what type of law you want to practice. There are many different types of lawyers for various issues. Here's a breakdown of the different types of lawyers and what they do.

It may assist you in determining which subject of law interests you and is a suitable match for you. Keep in mind that many lawyers cross over into multiple specialties. So don't feel limited by this list. It's just meant to be a general overview.

1. Business

A business lawyer is a person to consult regarding legal assistance to firms and people involved in business transactions. They are legal specialists in sectors that businesses should be aware of.

Generally, a business lawyer may work for a law office, the administration, or a corporation. They focus on certain fields of law, including bankruptcy, proprietary information, or securities. In addition, they help individuals in contract negotiations, the formation of organizations, and acquisitions and mergers.

2. Family

Family lawyers are knowledgeable about all laws governing marital relations and family matters. The majority of people associate family lawyers with divorce. However, various other types of lawyers deal with everything from adopting children and surrogacy to child delinquency and domestic abuse.

A family lawyer is the type of lawyer who might best be able to guide you through the procedure.

3. Tax

Tax lawyers operate in various contexts and are well-versed in tax rules and regulations. These contexts include corporations, law companies, finance companies, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.

They are responsible for tax planning, understanding tax legislation and its implications for their clients, and conducting extensive research. Generally, they should closely track tax law developments, court judgments, and Internal Revenue Service rulings due to the intricacy of tax laws and how often they might change.

4. Medical Malpractice

Individuals who hire medical negligence lawyers have almost always been injured due to a medical professional's mistake. These lawyers represent people harmed by improper treatment, negligence, failed operations, or misdiagnosis.

A malpractice lawyer might also handle healthcare practitioners who are facing allegations and are frequently hired directly by the medical facility where the specialist works.

5. Immigration

Immigration law is a complicated and dynamic field. For an immigrant, you may find securing the right visa and becoming a citizen complex and intimidating.

An immigration lawyer may guide you in navigating the system and might be able to advise you on the best course of action. In addition, they handle all areas of immigration law. Generally, immigration lawyers can serve with a wide range of concerns, such as:
  • Asylum application
  • Getting your green card
  • Obtaining a work visa
  • Citizenship in the United States

6. Bankruptcy

Clients of bankruptcy lawyers receive advice from attorneys on their qualifications to file for bankruptcy. The advice given to clients addresses the sorts of bankruptcies most appropriate for their situations and the various legal and possible solutions to bankruptcies.

Lawyers specializing in bankruptcy law can act as advocates for a wide range of clients, including individual and corporate parties, creditors' associations, and bankruptcy administrators.

Bankruptcies are categorized as follows:
  • Debts are being modified to fulfill responsibilities
  • When a customer sells off their properties to pay off their debts
  • Debt reorganization inside companies to satisfy their commitments

7. Criminal


A criminal defense lawyer is an expert in managing all aspects of the legal process involved in a criminal case. From the moment their clients are taken into custody, through the investigations, the filing of charges, the trial, and the subsequent punishment, they help provide legal advice.

If their clients appeal the ruling made in their case, they still have some work to perform. A competent criminal lawyer is familiar with the intricacies of the legal system and can use this knowledge to help clients avoid being sentenced to jail.

8. Intellectual

Lawyers that specialize in intellectual property infringement defense work for individuals and businesses. Intellectual Property lawyers devote significant effort to assisting clients in avoiding infringement of others' rights and ensuring that their intellectual property is appropriately protected under the law.

They also help people secure patents, trademarks, copyrights, and proprietary information. If clients need to pursue a case to claim their rights, they may represent them in court.

9. Constitutional

Constitutional lawyers are responsible for ensuring that their client's rights and the interests of government agencies are fairly and adequately represented in the law. Constitutional interpretation is the subject of various subspecialties within the legal profession.

For instance, some attorneys specialize in constitutional law, and part of their duty is to investigate whether or not specific laws comply with the constitution. Some are qualified to practice as legal lawyers for universities or organizations under federal jurisdiction.

Constitutional lawyers are required to have a comprehensive awareness of the various ways in which the fundamental constitution of the nation is interpreted. If you have a keen eye for detail and aren't afraid to think creatively, a career as a constitutional lawyer could be the perfect fit for you.

10. Employment

Workplace friction is inevitable. You might be wrongfully suspended as an employee, harassed and threatened, or have issues with your company. Therefore, you should see an employment attorney. Wrongful termination, sexual misconduct, discrimination, and worker's compensation conflicts are all issues that employment lawyers deal with.

They could also assist employees in terminating their employment agreements. Additionally, they counsel businesses on their rights and obligations, such as wage and hour legislation, addressing employee grievances, and establishing work contracts.

What Is the Difference Between An Attorney And A Lawyer?

Although these two titles are frequently interchanged, there is a distinction between attorneys and lawyers. For instance, earning a Juris Doctor degree - a graduate-entry specialist degree in law - is one thing; passing the bar test and practicing law is another.

A lawyer is a broader phrase that might refer to anyone in the legal profession. An attorney is more particular and generally refers to a lawyer who works in a legal company. In most circumstances, an attorney gives their clients legal counsel and representation.

They could work for a law firm, as "solo practitioners," or for the government or another institution. The lawyer typically has greater courtroom expertise and handles complex legal matters.