There are all sorts of reasons why you might need a lawyer in your life, and it doesn’t always mean bad news either. It could be that you’re buying a house, starting up a new company or you want to get a patent for something you have invented. But, depending on what situation you’re in, it’s not always clear what type of lawyer you need. There are many different fields of law, and while some people dabble in different areas, others stay focused on one. Here is a break down of the types of lawyer you can get and what you might need them for, so don’t just call the first one you find, look around and see who will be the best person for the job.
Divorce Lawyer
This is exactly as it sounds; if you are going through a separation with your spouse, then it’s a good idea to call in a divorce lawyer even if your spilt is amicable. It’s essential to have a professional involved as they have the experience and the knowledge to help you.
Family Lawyer
You should look for a family lawyer if you are dealing with anything from juvenile delinquency, adoption, paternity issues, child abuse, custody concerns, divorce, and anything else related to the family. Under family law, then find yourself a lawyer who specialises in that particular issue that you are dealing with.
Criminal Lawyer
If you’ve found yourself in trouble with the law, then finding someone who specialises in this is a must. They will be able to help you through every stage from the arrest, investigation, charges, sentencing, and appeals.
Bankruptcy Lawyer
You will need people to deal with your paperwork and understand and educate you through everything’s that’s going on. A bankruptcy lawyer will also represent you during any hearings and be there to support you.
Personal Injury Lawyer
You probably see the adverts all the time, and ‘if you have been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault…’ then you know who to call. Being injured doesn’t just mean physically either; it can mean psychologically, economically, or in reputation. Personal injury lawyers specialise in tort law, the law of civil wrongs such as company wrongdoing and unlawful imprisonment. Car accidents also come under this and even within that there are specialist lawyers for truck accidents that involve negligence.
Real Estate Lawyer
If you are buying or selling a home or sharing assets with your family, then having a real estate lawyer can help. They will be able to document, negotiate, file and fight for you when them to.
Mediation
When relationships are strained, but specific arrangements need to be made, it can be, so it’s a good idea to use a neutral party to guide everyone in clear communication. A mediator is not a lawyer, and they won’t represent you in court. However, they will help you have peace of mind throughout the process and get the best deal and try to help everyone come to an agreement they are happy with.
Wills and Estate Planning Lawyer
It might not be something you want to think about and plan for, however for the sake of your children, your partner and siblings it is far better than you sort out your estate than leaving it to others after you have gone. Having everything planned and outlined make things easier for everyone when they are already having a tough time.
Employment Lawyer
If you have ever been a victim of workplace discrimination or perhaps you have had to negotiate severance, or been sacked unfairly? If anything happens when it comes to your relationship with your employer and your job, then it’s an employment lawyer that you need to see.
Corporate Lawyer
Corporate lawyers are the ones you often see on TV in programmes like Suits. They will ensure that your business is operating well, and they can advise on contracts, and anything else that you need legal help with. They’ll make sure to keep your company out of hot water. Many specialise in various industries, so align yourself with someone who’s an expert in your field.
Intellectual Property Lawyer
In the age of the internet when people can find your work at the click of a button, Intellectual property law is necessary to protect you and all the things you create. It could be the logo for your company or something you wrote, no matter what it is, if you want to protect it, then seek advice from an Intellectual Property Lawyer.
I think this list is a good start, but only focuses on vocational skills. As a lawyer, I think our clients really expect much much more. They expect us to (i) listen to them as a person and not simply as a customers; (ii) understand that their situations and issues really are influenced by personal and emotions situations; (iii) be fair when billing them (note to other lawyers: don’t bill for every damm email you write or 5 minute phone call you have with a client); (iv) they expect us to be pragmatic; and (v) they even like a dose of humor in tense situations. This is only a partial list, but the essence is that in 95% of the situations, your lawyer will be qualified, so it’s the non-legal areas that distinguish a good lawyer from a great lawyer.