What are types of law you can practice and what are the pros and cons of each? These days, there are about as many practice areas and subspecialties within the law as there are attorneys.
As a starting place, the American Bar Association currently has 35 different practice groups, but even that list doesn’t begin to cover all of today’s practice areas (things like Animal law, Elder law, and Maritime law aren’t represented, for example).
With so many options, it’s important to find a niche that not only aligns with your interests but also suits your strengths and career goals. To help you on this journey, this post explores seven types of law to practice, including the unique challenges and rewards of each.
In closing, we’ll also explore several “up and coming” practice areas you may want to consider as you settle into your career.
Ultimately, what matters most (in my humble opinion) is that you feel some sort of passion for the practice area you choose. Trust me when I tell you it is a lot easier to get up and go to work in the morning when you feel a strong sense of justice pulling you toward the office.
But enough about my opinions; let’s dive in and see which types of law you can practice.
1. Criminal law
Criminal law focuses on offenses against the public (local, state, or federal), making it one of the most high-profile areas of legal practice. As a criminal lawyer, you could find yourself defending clients accused of crimes or working as a prosecutor to put the bad guys in behind bars.
The responsibilities include everything from investigating cases and gathering evidence to representing clients in court and negotiating plea deals.
- Pros: Criminal law offers courtroom experiences right from the start, as well as the chance to make a significant impact on clients’ lives. If you thrive under pressure and enjoy the thrill of courtroom battles, this might be the right fit for you.
- Cons: The high-stress environment and potentially heavy caseloads can be challenging. Criminal lawyers often work long hours and face intense scrutiny, which can take a toll on personal well-being.
2. Civil litigation
Civil litigation involves resolving disputes between individuals or organizations. This can range from personal injury cases to contract disputes to complex intellectual property litigation, and everything in between. Civil litigators represent clients in lawsuits, handle pre-trial procedures, and conduct trials.
- Pros: Civil litigation offers diverse case types and intellectual challenges. Each case is unique, providing opportunities to develop creative legal strategies, learn about a variety of industries, and sharpen your advocacy skills.
- Cons: Long hours and contentious interactions with opposing counsel are common in this field. The workload can be demanding, with tight deadlines and intense pressure to deliver favorable outcomes for clients. Also, if it’s courtroom action you crave, civil litigators are less likely to handle trials early in their careers than criminal attorneys.
3. Trusts and estates
Trusts and estates law focuses on estate planning and managing clients’ assets both before and after death. This area of law involves drafting wills, setting up trusts, protecting and distributing assets, and handling probate matters.
- Pros: Helping clients plan for the future and ensuring their wishes are honored can be deeply rewarding. The work environment is relatively stable, with less of the high-stakes drama found in other legal fields.
- Cons: This area of law can be emotionally taxing, as it often involves dealing with clients during difficult times. Attention to detail is crucial, as even small mistakes can have significant consequences.
4. Corporate (transactional) law
Corporate transactional law, deals with business-related legal matters. Corporate lawyers draft contracts, advise on mergers and acquisitions, and ensure regulatory compliance for their clients. If you weren’t sure whether to go to law school or get your MBA, this may be the practice area for you.
- Pros: Corporate law offers high earning potential and opportunities to work in various industries. The work is intellectually stimulating and can involve complex problem-solving and strategic planning.
- Cons: The long hours and high-pressure situations can be demanding. Corporate lawyers often work on tight deadlines and may need to navigate challenging negotiations and high-stakes deals that impact the bottom lines of corporations and shareholders alike.
5. Real estate law
Real estate law involves all matters related to property transactions, from residential purchases to commercial developments. Among many other things, real estate lawyers handle purchase agreements, resolve property disputes, and ensure compliance with zoning laws.
- Pros: Real estate law offers tangible outcomes, as you can see the physical results of your work in the properties and developments you help bring to fruition. There is stable market demand, making it a potentially steady career choice.
- Cons: Market fluctuations can impact the volume of work and the nature of transactions. The work is often detail-oriented, requiring meticulous attention to contracts and regulatory compliance. If you fall asleep easily while reading dry legal text, this may not be the career for you.
6. Labor and employment law
Labor and employment law focuses on workplace issues, with attorneys generally representing either employees or employers. This area includes handling disputes (including litigation), advising on labor regulations, negotiating class action settlements, and drafting employment contracts.
- Pros: Labor and employment law is impactful work, directly affecting people’s livelihoods and working conditions. The diversity of cases – from discrimination claims to union negotiations – keeps the work engaging and varied.
- Cons: Disputes in this field can be contentious, requiring strong conflict resolution skills. Additionally, labor laws and regulations are constantly evolving, necessitating continuous learning and adaptation. Additionally, there can be great variation among laws in different states, making multi-state practice all the more difficult.
7. Family law
Family law deals with domestic relations and family-related issues, such as prenuptial agreements, divorce, child custody, and adoption. Family lawyers guide clients through emotionally charged and complex legal matters on a daily basis. This is another area where both litigation and transactional work might make up a part of your day.
- Pros: Family law allows you to make a personal impact on clients’ lives, helping them through some of their most challenging times. The variety of cases can be fulfilling, offering opportunities to work on different aspects of family dynamics.
- Cons: This area can be emotionally taxing, as it often involves high-conflict situations and deeply personal issues. Family lawyers need to be empathetic and patient, with strong interpersonal skills to manage client relationships effectively.
8. Emerging areas of law to watch
As the world changes, so does the law. Areas of law that were unheard of 30 years ago (e.g., internet law) are critical today.
Keeping an eye on practice area trends and market demands can help you position yourself for a highly rewarding career.
Here are some of the types of law to practice thought to be most in demand in the coming years:
Cybersecurity law
With the rapid advancement of technology, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for businesses and individuals alike. Lawyers specializing in this area help clients navigate complex issues such as data breaches, privacy laws, and regulatory compliance.
As cyber threats continue to grow, the demand for experts in cybersecurity law is expected to increase, offering a steady career path for the foreseeable future.
Environmental and climate law
As awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the need for legal expertise in this area. Environmental and climate law involves advising clients on regulations related to sustainability, pollution control, and conservation.
Lawyers in this field work with government agencies, non-profits, and private companies to develop and implement policies that protect the environment. With today’s global emphasis on combating climate change, this area of law is set to expand significantly.
Healthcare law
The healthcare industry is continuously evolving, driven by changes in technology, policy, and patient needs. Healthcare lawyers assist clients with issues related to medical malpractice, healthcare regulations, and patient rights. They also navigate the complexities of healthcare mergers and acquisitions.
The ongoing changes in healthcare legislation, the lack of affordable healthcare, and the impact of public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic ensure that healthcare law will remain a vital and growing field.
Artificial intelligence and robotics law
As artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics become more integrated into everyday life, the legal implications of these technologies are becoming increasingly important.
Lawyers specializing in AI and robotics law address issues such as liability, intellectual property, and ethical concerns. This cutting-edge field offers opportunities to shape the entire legal industry as technology continues to advance.
Conclusion
So, thought about what types of law to practice? Choosing the right area is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make, and each type of law offers unique challenges and rewards, so it’s important to consider your interests, strengths, values, and long-term goals.
Whether you’re drawn to the excitement of the courtroom, the intellectual challenges of transactional work, or the thrill of shaping emerging practice areas, there’s a path that’s right for you.
Take the time to explore different areas, seek internships, and gain firsthand experience to find your perfect fit.
Good luck!
