Lawyers are highly trained legal professionals who must complete seven years of postsecondary studies and earn a bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Once they’ve graduated from law school, lawyers must pass the bar exam.
Lawyers may work on civil or criminal cases, and those who handle civil cases can specialize in several different areas. Some lawyers may never enter a courtroom during their careers, while others may regularly participate in hearings and trials. It’s crucial clients who need legal help approach the correct type of lawyer. Some of the most common legal fields and practices and their differences are explored here.
Criminal Law
Lawyers specializing in criminal law include prosecutors, district attorneys (DAs), and criminal defense lawyers. Prosecutors and district attorneys argue cases against the person charged with a crime. Their job involves gathering enough evidence to convince a jury the accused is guilty. They question witnesses, present evidence, make motions, and give statements. Aspiring prosecutors and district attorneys who are entering law school may Google “transfer law school” to learn how to become transfer students and move to a different law school where they can concentrate on criminal law. It’s crucial to take these steps during the fall semester of your first year of law school.
Law school applicants must pass the law school admissions test (LSAT) administered by the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). Applicants can retake the LSAT to improve their scores. Transfer applicants must have excellent grades, recommendation letters, and a compelling personal statement to transfer to a different law school successfully.
Criminal defense lawyers represent people accused of committing crimes. They may negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor or DA on their client’s behalf. They may also gather the evidence they present in court to cast doubt on their client’s guilt. Like prosecutors and DAs, defense attorneys question witnesses, present evidence, make motions, and give statements in court.
All three types of criminal lawyers must follow the rules of the court. Criminal lawyers may argue cases in state or federal courts. Cases involving crimes on federal land or federal laws, such as antitrust laws, are heard in federal courts.
Personal Injury Law
Individuals who have been physically harmed may need to hire a personal injury lawyer. Personal injury law covers birth injuries, work injuries, and injuries stemming from accidents, such as car accidents. Personal injury lawyers also represent clients who become ill due to another party’s negligence. For example, if an employer fails to provide appropriate protective equipment to protect employees from harmful substances, the employer may be liable if employees get sick. Personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, enabling potential clients to discuss their case and legal rights before hiring an attorney. This way, clients can be confident they have legal grounds to pursue a lawsuit and find a lawyer they’re comfortable with before hiring an attorney. Personal injury attorneys gather evidence and use relevant case law to build their clients’ cases. They may negotiate settlements with insurance companies or the parties responsible for their client’s illness or injury.
Suppose you’re injured at work and live in Chicago. Google “Chicago workers compensation lawyer ” to find a personal injury lawyer who handles workers compensation cases. These attorneys are familiar with workers’ compensation laws. They will discuss your workplace injury with you and any relevant witnesses and gather evidence to support your case. Your attorney may negotiate a settlement agreement on your behalf or present your case in court. Workers’ compensation attorneys fight to ensure their clients receive compensation for their medical bills and compensation for pain and suffering. They’ll also let you know about benefits you may qualify to receive. If you’re unable to work or return to the same career, your lawyer will seek funds to cover your living expenses or the cost of training for a new career.
Labour Law
Labour law is also known as employment law. Labour law involves disputes between employees and employers. Labour lawyers, such as Malliha Wilson, may represent individual employees, unions, employers, or government regulatory agencies. When an employee hires Wilson, it’s her job to gather relevant evidence and use existing labor laws to build a case. Wilson would be an excellent choice, as this alumnus of McGill University has years of experience trying complex litigation pertaining to human rights, and even worked as the Assistant Deputy Attorney General to the Ontario government.
Employees may hire a labor attorney if they believe they’ve been discriminated against due to their gender, race, or age. Unions may hire a labor attorney if an employer’s violating the terms of their collective agreement. Employers may hire labor lawyers to defend themselves against claims made by employees, unions, or government regulatory agencies. Government regulatory agencies may also hire labor attorneys to pursue legal action against a business for failure to comply with local, state, or federal regulations.
Family Law
Family law attorneys handle legal cases involving families. Over 40 percent of marriages in the United States end in divorce. While some divorces are amicable, many divorces involve mediation and court hearings. A person may hire a lawyer to negotiate a fair division of their assets or fight for custody of minor children and child support. Family lawyers also handle adoption cases, ensuring couples satisfy the requirements to adopt a child legally. Child abuse cases also fall under family law. These lawyers may represent people accused of child abuse. They may also represent children involved in abuse or custody cases to ensure the child’s rights are protected.
There are multiple fields of law. Lawyers specialize in a practice area to ensure they’re familiar with relevant case laws and develop years of experience arguing specific types of legal cases. Their experience ensures they offer their clients the best legal representation possible. Common fields of law include criminal law, personal injury law, labor law, and family law.