5 types of lawyers

The field of law includes many kinds of lawyers, each specialized in their own area. Discover five types of lawyers and their job descriptions here.

When you enter the legal field, you have the option to choose a specialization from a variety of practice types. Of the many different fields of law, each targets a unique demographic or legal matter.

If you’re interested in pursuing law, you may want to familiarize yourself with the different types of lawyers to determine which path is right for you. 

What are the different types of lawyers?

Below are just a few of the types of lawyers currently practicing in the field.

1. Bankruptcy lawyer

A bankruptcy lawyer or attorney is utilized by clients facing a financial crisis and who are considering or in the process of filing for bankruptcy. This type of lawyer is responsible for providing counsel to clients on whether or not filing for bankruptcy will be beneficial to them in the long run.

These lawyers are also responsible for helping clients who are in debt to negotiate with their creditors on how the debts can best be paid without incurring more charges for their clients.

A bankruptcy lawyer typically handles bankruptcy and debt relief cases for clients. Their clients could be individuals or companies.

2. DUI-DWI lawyer

A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) lawyer represents clients who have been charged with DUI or DWI and work to reduce their sentences or expunge them.

A DUI defense lawyer may defend a diverse range of clients facing different charges of driving under the influence, including drunk biking, felony DUI, aggravated DUI, and more. This type of lawyer must be an expert in the sometimes complicated driving and biking laws of their clients’ states in order to properly defend them and get the best outcomes from court cases.

3. Real estate lawyer

Real estate lawyers specialize in handling mortgages, purchase agreements, and transfer of documents between buyers and sellers of a given property. These lawyers can also represent land and estate developers, landlords, and tenants to ensure that payments, documents, and mortgages are properly laid out in the best interest of their clients.

These types of lawyers can be hired by land or property sellers who want to ensure their processes are legally sound. Real estate lawyers also represent buyers to ensure they are not getting ripped off or short changed throughout the transaction.

4. Family lawyer

Family lawyers specialize in domestic legal proceedings and cases such as divorce, adoption, paternity, alimony, child custody, and any other legal issues pertaining to families. These types of lawyers use their expertise to help individuals and family units through often delicate and emotional situations in their lives. Family lawyers should be prepared to utilize and express empathy and help their clients get the best legal outcome.

A family lawyer’s job can also extend to cover different aspects of legal proceedings that can affect a family. This includes tax laws, real estate, criminal laws, and more. Family lawyers will likely cover a broad field of practice.

5. Civil rights lawyer

Civil rights lawyers protect clients from discrimination. Violation of civil liberties and rights including harassment, discrimination, human rights abuse, and denial of voting rights are some of the cases that these lawyers handle on behalf of their clients.

Civil rights lawyers will need to be fluent in local and federal laws surrounding civil rights and discrimination, utilize research, and represent clients in court when necessary. These lawyers ensure that their client is not discriminated against on the basis of race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender, and more.

The law field is vast and offers plenty of opportunities to specialize in an area that’s interesting to you. Begin your journey in law at The Colleges of Law. Our degree programs include J.D., M.A. in Law, and dual degree options. Learn more here or fill out the form below to request more information.