Lawyers generally have a broad knowledge of the law itself, however, they often choose to work in a specialist area that deals with a specific aspect of legal work.
1. Employment law
This area of law covers the legal matters between employees and the workplace. Employment lawyers are responsible for ensuring companies follow legal and non-discriminatory recruitment practices.
They typically deal with issues such as workplace safety, sexual harassment, child labour laws and disputes over wages.
2. Corporate law
Corporate lawyers work on the behalf of organisations, concentrating on forming, managing and dissolving commercial transactions and acquisitions. They also draft contracts and agreements and negotiate various deals.
3. Clinical negligence law
Medical negligence claims solicitors specialise in helping clients receive compensation if they’ve suffered a serious or life-changing injury as a result of clinical negligence.
These lawyers work closely with their clients to gather evidence to present a case in court. Helping their clients get justice and receive compensation is the primary goal in this area of law.
4. Family law
This area focuses on the relationships between individuals and their families, including anything from divorce, domestic abuse, child support and prenuptial agreements.
Duties include drafting custody agreements, arranging court-ordered child support or arranging the immigration process for international adoptions.
5. Tax law
Tax lawyers help clients reduce their tax liabilities, assisting individuals, corporations or businesses.
The role can involve helping the client understand tax codes, ensuring people follow local, state and international laws and providing counsel if an individual has violated the law with their tax operations.
6. Criminal law
Criminal lawyers assist with the prosecution or defence of individuals facing accusations of committing a crime. These lawyers must be fair and impartial, fully understanding their clients’ legal rights.
7. Environmental law
This area focuses on the laws behind the preservation and management of our natural resources. These lawyers will often work for an individual, government agency or advocacy organisation, working on cases that involve the quality of air and water, pollution and deforestation.
8. Property law
Property lawyers work on commercial or residential cases on behalf of an individual or organisation. They primarily deal with the buying and selling of a property, whilst also focusing on construction and planning law.
9. Human rights law
This area covers equality, discrimination, freedom of speech and prisoners’ rights, focusing entirely on the Human Rights Act 1998. Human rights lawyers will often work for a human rights organisation or charity, fighting for the rights of individuals who have been a victim of human rights violations.
10. International law
Covering a broad area within the public and private sector, cases often involve other nations, foreign groups or international organisations.
International lawyers are required to speak multiple languages. You’ll likely work for large corporations and finance divisions in this role.