If you have ever looked for a lawyer, you know there are many different types of lawyers to choose from. For those in law school and considering becoming a lawyer, it can be excruciating trying to decide what type of lawyer best suits you. Luckily, we have created this guide to help you navigate the complex world of lawyers and what each of them do.
Types of Lawyers
The types of lawyers on this list aren’t necessarily the best lawyers to become, but are the most common choices among law students and also the most in-demand types of lawyers. By choosing to be one of these types of lawyers, you will be ensuring yourself job security and a good salary.
Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers are the law professionals most commonly seen in true crime television shows and movies. As the name suggests, these lawyers are tasked with defending those accused of crimes. For anyone accused of robbery, assault, or even homicide, a criminal defense lawyer is a necessity.
As is the case with most lawyers, criminal defense lawyers take it upon themselves to investigate the case against their client. This means interviewing their client, examining evidence, and working with independent forensic scientists to review the case.
Family Lawyer
Family lawyers focus on family law. This means handling issues along the lines of prenuptial agreements, divorce, child custody, and legal guardianship. Basically, if there are legal matters to be dealt with in a family, a family lawyer takes care of them.
If you are interested in helping settle divorces and drafting agreements to solve familial disputes, this may be the path for you. Being a family lawyer can be extremely rewarding, as you can often help divorces go smoothly and help place children in the custody or guardianship of the right adult.
Civil Litigation Lawyer
Civil litigation is the process of handling non-criminal disputes. When someone feels they have been wronged and seeks some sort of repentance from another party, such as financial compensation, a civil litigation lawyer is hired. Often called litigators, civil litigation lawyers are responsible for fighting for their client.
This type of law often deals with less serious situations than family or criminal defense law. Common disputes include complaints against a city, property disputes, and contract disputes. If you want to work in a less stressful environment, civil litigation may be right for you.
Traffic Lawyer
Have you ever been issued a speeding or parking ticket? If so, you have probably considered hiring a traffic lawyer to help you dispute it. Traffic lawyers help people by having their traffic tickets dismissed.
Anyone who has been given a traffic ticket knows how frustrating the feeling is, especially if you feel it was wrongfully given. For the person who knows that feeling well, becoming a traffic lawyer can be a great way to alleviate some of that pent-up anger and help others avoid unwarranted fines.
Immigration Lawyer
Immigration can be a confusing process and as it becomes more and more common, immigration lawyers grow in demand. As an immigration lawyer, you would be able to help advise people about processes surrounding green cards, visas, deportation, and citizenship.
Being an immigration lawyer comes with its ups and downs. But, if you are able to work through those, you can help people make life-changing decisions. There is nothing more satisfying than being able to watch someone live their best life and know you helped them along the way. If that sounds like your dream, you would make a great immigration lawyer.
Personal Injury Lawyer
If someone sustains any sort of injury due to someone else’s negligence, they can hire a personal injury lawyer to handle their claim. Personal injury lawyers defend those who have been victims of car accidents, bad falls, and product malfunctions, among other things.
Being a personal injury lawyer isn’t for everyone, but for those who want to help others receive compensation over preventable injuries, this may just be the perfect career. If you have ever been in a situation that required a personal injury lawyer, you would make a great one as you would already understand what your clients are going through.
Medical Malpractice Lawyer
For anyone who has had the misfortune of experiencing medical malpractice, the importance of malpractice lawyers is clear. Having to endure any sort of medical malpractice, whether it be surgical mistakes, misdiagnoses, or birth trauma, is a horrible experience. Having a good medical malpractice lawyer helps people get the compensation they deserve.
Even if you have not personally experienced medical malpractice, it isn’t hard to imagine how traumatizing it must be. By becoming a medical malpractice lawyer, you can help people who have suffered from malpractices by filing lawsuits for clients and fighting on their behalf.
There are many other types of lawyers not discussed here, so if none of these types have caught your interest, don’t give up. Many lawyers also specialize in more than one area.
It is totally feasible to specialize in one of these more in-demand types of law as well as whatever you are most passionate about. Just be sure to research how the two will coincide before making the decision to do both.
What Type of Lawyer Should You Become?
Deciding what type of lawyer to become is, again, a difficult choice. While attending law school, you should take advantage of all courses offered and study a little in each area. Once you find the type of law that clicks best with you, start researching what types of lawyers focus in that area of law and make your decision from there.
Becoming a lawyer is often a long and difficult path, so be sure to take your time when deciding what area of law to focus on. Rushing to choose will likely lead to more stress and lower job satisfaction. Choose to become the type of lawyer best suited for you.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
