It can be difficult for those who don’t know the legal system to navigate through its complicated landscape. When seeking legal advice, it’s crucial to select the right lawyer. Lawyers specialize in various fields, such as healthcare law, corporate law and civil rights. Each lawyer has their own specialization and responsibilities. We spoke to Ahmad Karzai in Toronto, a Criminal Lawyer at Ahmad Karzai Law Professional Corporation, recently, to learn more about different areas of law.
Legal software has made legal services more accessible, but not all lawyers are equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to address your needs. Understanding the various specialties within the legal profession can help you identify the best type of lawyer to suit your needs.
- Criminal Defense Lawyer : “As a criminal defense lawyer I represent people accused of crimes and protect their rights before the justice system” says Criminal Lawyer Akash Dhillon of A. Dhillon Law Professional Corporation located in Brampton, ON. These lawyers can represent clients in court as public or private attorneys. Criminal law specialization programs are offered by some state bar associations that certify criminal trial attorneys.
- Bankruptcy Attorney: Bankruptcy attorneys are experts who specialize in U.S. Bankruptcy Code, and handle insolvency matters for their clients. They specialize in consumer bankruptcy or business bankruptcy. They handle tasks such as financial restructuring, plan reviews, and value disputes. The experience gained from internships and clerkships at firms that specialize exclusively in bankruptcy is extremely valuable. Some states offer certifications that demonstrate bankruptcy expertise.
- Corporate Lawyer : Business attorneys are also called corporate lawyers. They supervise the legal affairs and compliance of companies with federal, state and local laws. They oversee mergers and purchases, business formation, intellectual property, and liability disputes. Their duties include legal research, contract negotiation, and document writing. Some law schools offer business law certificates alongside JD degrees in order to prepare students for careers as corporate lawyers.
- Family Law Attorney “Family Law lawyers handle domestic relations issues such as divorce and adoption,” says Malerie Rose, a Mississauga lawyer with Rose Family Law. They settle disputes and negotiate agreements. Some states offer certification in family law for qualified practitioners.
- Constitutional Attorney: Constitutional lawyers interpret and apply the U.S. Constitution, while balancing individual rights with government interests. They can provide constitutional expertise, challenge the constitutionality of legislation, or represent individuals in discrimination cases. They are involved in civil right cases and may argue legal questions before the state Supreme Court or federal Supreme Court. Students can enhance their knowledge by pursuing constitutional laws certificates or a higher level of study in related fields.
- Employment and Labor Lawyers: This group of lawyers deals with the relationship between employers, employees and unions. These lawyers also deal with workplace issues like discrimination, wage regulations, and benefits. Labor lawyers focus on the union-management relationship, while employment lawyers are concerned with issues that arise in non-union workplaces. Some law schools offer certificates of specialization in employment/labor law, but these are not necessary for practice.
- Entertainment lawyer: Acting as a media representative, entertainment lawyers protect intellectual property and negotiate contracts. These lawyers deal with copyright, talent contracts and union membership. There are many law schools that offer certificate or class programs in entertainment law.
- Estate Planning Lawyer: These lawyers specialize in wills, trusts and tax implications. They also advise their clients on asset distribution and tax implications. The clients are guided to evaluate assets and liabilities in order to ensure compliance with tax and legal laws. Some of them go on to obtain additional certifications, such as CTEP and AEP.
- Immigration lawyer A immigration lawyer helps individuals and families resolve citizenship, visa and deportation issues. They can assist employers, refugees, asylees, and others with work visa programs. Some law schools have certificate programs in immigration law.
- Intellectual Property Lawyer: IP lawyers protect inventors’ rights by addressing issues related to trademarks, copyrights and patents. They advise on IP protection strategies and enforce rights in order to prevent infringement.
- Personal Injury Lawyer: Personal Injury lawyers represent their clients in civil cases involving injuries that are caused by negligence or accidents. Negotiations are also possible. Personal injury certificates are available in some states, but they are rare.
- Tax Lawyer: Tax lawyers offer tax planning and compliance advice. Some people pursue Master’s Degrees in Taxation to gain advanced knowledge of tax law.
It is important to understand the different roles and qualifications of legal professionals, both for those who want to navigate the legal system as well as for attorneys seeking a new career.
