The 10 Types Of Attorneys You Need To Know

In a lawsuit-happy country like the United States, sometimes the law and court system can seem especially overwhelming. There are attorneys for every type of case imaginable, so finding the right one can feel like a hassle. Luckily for you, here’s a quick list of ten popular types of attorneys — these broad categories will simplify some of the legal process for you.

1. Intellectual Property Attorney

If you have questions regarding copyrights, trademarks, patents, or trade secrets, these are the attorneys for you. While it may not seem like it, intellectual property attorneys have been involved in some of the most humorous and bizarre cases out there — just check out this romance author’s trademark case.

2. Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve suffered injuries on the job, in a car, or even on the job, a personal injury attorney can help you receive compensation for damages or injuries caused.

3. Corporate Attorney

Primarily useful if you own a corporation, corporate attorneys can help with compliance, governance, and formation issues.

4. Immigration Attorney

An immigration attorney can help you deal with visas, green cards, and, broadly any type of citizenship or asylum issues you may have. Generally overworked and underpaid, they play an especially pivotal role in many people’s lives.

5. Criminal Attorney

The type of lawyer famous on crime television shows, criminal attorneys can help with bail, arrest, pleas, and your constitutional rights.

6. Tax Attorney

Helpful to both individuals and companies, tax attorneys can help untangle the many complications that roll around every spring. They can help with local, state, and tax laws — so hopefully, your IRS troubles aren’t too taxing.

7. Family Attorney

Notable for their role in divorce cases, family attorneys also may be involved in prenuptial agreements or child custody cases. With over half of American marriages ending in divorce, they’re in especially high demand at the moment.

8. Civil Litigation Attorney

While there are many sub-specializations of attorneys within this field, broadly, any civil litigation attorney will help with those facing a lawsuit.

9. Estate Planning Attorney

As many people age, they become especially concerned with where their assets and finances will go when they pass. An estate planning attorney can help draw up wills and establish trusts so all your loved ones are taken care of.

10. General Practice Attorney

The jack-of-all-trades of the legal world, general practice attorneys can handle a range of legal issues, and often have expertise in many different fields.

There are many other kinds of attorneys; this certainly isn’t an exhaustive list. That being said, there are some clear delineations between the types of attorneys. When searching, it’s best to find an attorney that suits your own needs best, with experience handling the type of case you’re facing. Ask questions, check out their background and previous cases, and remember to do your research beforehand. You’ve got to be the judge of this, and with a little thoughtfulness and research, you’ll have a clear understanding of the types of attorneys in the world and their roles.