Law is a very vast subject. As a result, most lawyers will focus on a certain branch of law.
When hiring the right attorney for your needs, it can be important to know the different types of lawyer and the individual services they each provide. In this post, we’ve provided a lowdown on 7 of the most common types of lawyer.
Criminal lawyers
These lawyers work on criminal cases, helping to provide a fair trial to those accused of crimes by either working on the prosecution team or the defence team. They provide advice during police interviews, as well as presenting a case on behalf of the accused or victim in court. Some criminal lawyers are able to work on a variety of crime cases, while some focus on specific crimes like fraud or drink-driving.
Business attorneys
Business attorneys work with company owners to navigate the complexities of business law. They are able to advise and assist companies on how to comply with regulations, set up an LLC, apply for patents/trademarks and avoid lawsuits. They can also help draft business contracts. Some business attorneys may specialise in certain industries like manufacturing or retail. Payment options vary a lot with some lawyers charging hourly rates and other fixed fees or retainers.
Family lawyers
A family lawyer provides advice and representation for matters such as marriage, divorce, child custody and adoption. They can draft prenups, help settle disputes and also secure injunctions in cases of abuse. Family lawyers typically charge hourly rates for their service.
Conveyancers
When buying or selling a home, you will need a conveyancing solicitor. These lawyers handle the paperwork involved when transferring ownership. They also handle the transfer of money and can conduct searches with local authorities and the Land Registry to better understand planning permissions and legal restrictions. For unique types of property like commercial properties, you may want to look into specialist conveyancers.
Estate planners
Estate planners focus on legal matters related to death and inheritance. If you want to write a will, assign a power of attorney or explore ways to reduce inheritance tax for your loved ones, you can use an estate planner to do all of this. Some estate planners charge flat fees, while others charge hourly rates.
Personal injury lawyers
Been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence? A personal injury lawyer can help you to file a lawsuit. These lawyers provide advice for individuals involved in car accidents, workplace accidents and slips and falls. Some of these lawyers specialise in areas such as medical malpractice or asbestos exposure. Many operate on a no win, no fee basis.
Bankruptcy lawyers
If you need to file for bankruptcy, you will need to hire the help of a bankruptcy lawyer. These lawyers can handle all the paperwork for you, as well as helping to explore other debt relief options and potentially negotiating with creditors on your behalf. They are knowledgeable when it comes to all things debt-related and typically charge an upfront fee for their service.