With so many options for law specialties, it can be hard to know what career path you want to take. Understanding what each type of lawyer entails can help you decide which degree to pursue.

Employment lawyers work on behalf of employees, assisting them with severance packages and filing lawsuits for illegal terminations. They also help clients with workers’ compensation claims.

Contract Lawyer

A contract lawyer helps clients draft contracts and agreements that are free of loopholes, legally enforceable, and admissible in court. Contract attorneys also help clients resolve contract disputes.

They must have excellent analytical skills to take in all the information they’re dealing with and be able to break it down for their clients so that everyone can understand it. They must also be great communicators because they will likely need to mediate a lot of contract disputes.

Additionally, they may be called upon to write legal briefs for a firm that is short-staffed on a specific matter. This makes contract lawyers a vital part of the legal world.

Corporate Lawyer

A corporate lawyer works with businesses of all sizes and types. They help clients structure business ventures, identify the right regulatory standards and ensure the company follows legal obligations. Corporate lawyers may also practice in the areas of project finance law or securities law.

Securities laws involve a complex series of rules that dictate what information a company must disclose to investors. These attorneys advise clients on these regulations and help prevent fraudulent activities like insider trading.

In addition, corporate lawyers handle all responsibilities associated with mergers, acquisitions and IPO’s. They also draft, review and negotiate legal contracts on behalf of their clients. They may also work with venture capitalists to help small businesses find funding. They also specialize in corporate governance, drafting articles of incorporation and bylaws and advising executives and directors on their rights and responsibilities.

Civil Rights Lawyer

Whether you’re seeking legal advice on civil rights or civil liberties, this lawyer is well equipped to work with you. Civil rights refer to the laws created to protect individuals against discrimination on a variety of grounds such as gender, age, religion, national origin and sex.

Those who hire this type of attorney often have had their civil rights violated and are looking to file a lawsuit against the responsible party to seek compensation for their suffering. The civil attorney will conduct relevant interviews, communicate with the opposing counsel and may have to negotiate with your insurance company to reach an agreement on your claim.

They will also be familiar with various federal and state laws that protect against the deprivation of these rights. In addition, this lawyer may be involved in cases involving hate crimes and police misconduct.

Criminal Lawyer

Criminal lawyers are concerned with protecting the rights of people who are suspected of committing crimes. They may work as a public defender, prosecutor or in private practice.

A strong criminal lawyer will have the ability to read their clients well and understand what they are going through. This allows them to build a strong defence for their client.

They will be able to identify any potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and find ways to exploit them. They will also work to gather additional evidence and determine what their chances of acquittal are. They will also assist in jury selection and help to veto jurors who have sympathy or bias. They will also handle any plea bargaining with the prosecution.

Entertainment Lawyer

As their name suggests, entertainment lawyers may work with clients in the music industry, movie or television business, or other areas of creativity. This could mean helping a client secure an acting job, or negotiating contract terms with other entities in the industry that will help bolster their career.

In addition, intellectual property protection is crucial in this industry. From a screenwriter’s spec script to a musician’s original song, it needs protection from those who would try to buy it, license it or infringe on it without proper compensation.

Additionally, entertainment attorneys might need to advise their clients on matters related to payroll, including contractor versus employee distinctions and child labor laws. They may also help with union, guild and other association matters. The right lawyer will know how to approach these issues with sensitivity, skill and experience.

Constitutional Lawyer

Constitutional lawyers are involved in cases that focus on the interpretation, implementation, and amendment of laws. They also ensure that people’s rights are protected during legal proceedings, especially in civil matters.

Lawyers in this field work for nonprofit organizations, law firms, and private companies. However, they may choose to take on cases on their own after gaining sufficient experience.

They may be called on to defend clients against government institutions, and they often argue cases at the Supreme Court level. Constitutional lawyers aim to make significant changes in social justice and equality across the country. They have a high demand from citizens that feel their rights have been violated or abused by certain policies and actions. They also have the potential to earn higher salaries than other lawyers.

Startup Lawyer

Startup lawyers provide legal counsel to startups from the beginning stages of their existence. They help their clients incorporate, draft contracts with founders and investors and ensure that they’re in compliance with all relevant laws.

They can also assist startups with intellectual property issues, such as filing patent applications or drafting confidentiality agreements with any parties who may be privy to sensitive information. They can also help startups set up business structures based on their finances, plans and goals.

Attorneys who specialize in startup work often find themselves negotiating a lot of venture financing deals. This can be stressful because it can cause them to lose sight of other priorities. That’s why some startups choose to work with a lawyer who offers flat-rate packages that they can budget for in advance. This way, they can focus on their needs while remaining competitive with their peers.

Real Estate Lawyer

Real estate lawyers assist with a variety of legal matters involving property. Whether it’s an issue involving zoning laws or disputes with neighbors, real estate lawyers help resolve legal issues that may arise during a transaction. Fortunately, they specialize in property conveyancing in Gold Coast and they can help you draft contracts for a home purchase or review documents from your lender. They also help guide clients in complying with local laws and meeting requirements and deadlines.

Law students interested in becoming a real estate lawyer can gain valuable experience by interning or summering at a law firm. This experience will help them learn the skills and knowledge they need to become a successful real estate lawyer. They can also attend courses that focus on property and contract law.

Intellectual Property Lawyer

Whether it’s a work of art, an invention or an idea for a new business, if you’ve invested a lot of time and money into creating something original, you may need an intellectual property lawyer to protect your interests. They can help you secure copyrights and trademarks to prevent others from stealing your creation or using your name.

These lawyers often work with clients that range from pop stars and entertainment companies to pharmaceuticals, software makers and other businesses. They may need to conduct searches and complete painstaking analysis of highly technical materials. They’ll also handle litigation in court if necessary. For more information, check out the American Intellectual Property Law Association’s website and “Before the Bar” blog. It offers valuable advice for law students and legal professionals.

Estate Planning Lawyer

An estate planning lawyer creates documents that ensure you’re able to leave behind a legacy and protect your family after death. These lawyers can help you plan for long-term care, provide for heirs with special needs, or protect assets from Medicaid recovery.

They may also help you appoint a guardian for children with special needs or help you disinherit immediate family members. They can also assist with minimizing tax consequences and avoiding probate court.

Zimmet notes that when looking for an estate planning attorney, you want one who’s willing to answer your questions and explain things in a way that you can understand them. They should also make you feel comfortable and put you at ease. They should also be knowledgeable about the laws in your state. Analytical thinking is important as well, because they must evaluate complicated situations and decide on the best solution for their clients.