Bankruptcy lawyers handle insolvency matters under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. They may focus on consumer bankruptcy, representing individuals or creditors, or commercial bankruptcy, representing corporate debtors and creditors. In both areas, they work on restructurings, plan confirmations, and valuation disputes. Clerking or interning with a bankruptcy practice can help you decide whether the field is a good fit.
Some states also offer optional bankruptcy law certification.
2. Business lawyer (corporate lawyer)
Business lawyers, or corporate lawyers, handle legal matters for companies and help ensure compliance with local, state, and federal law. Their work often includes mergers, acquisitions, business formation and dissolution, intellectual property, liability disputes, legal research, document drafting, and contract negotiation.
Some law schools offer business law certificates alongside a JD. After graduation and bar admission, business lawyers often work at law firms or as in-house counsel.
3. Constitutional lawyer
Constitutional lawyers interpret and apply the U.S. Constitution, balancing government powers and individual rights. Their work may include challenging laws, handling discrimination cases, teaching, and arguing civil rights issues, sometimes before state supreme courts or the U.S. Supreme Court.
Some law schools offer certificates or advanced coursework in constitutional law. These are optional but may show strong interest in the field.
4. Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyers represent people accused of crimes and protect their rights within the justice system. They may serve as public defenders or private attorneys and often appear in court, especially when cases go to trial.
Several state bar associations offer optional criminal law specialty programs or trial certification.
5. Employment and labor lawyer
Employment and labor lawyers handle legal issues involving employers, employees, and unions, including discrimination, harassment, wages, benefits, and pensions. Labor lawyers focus more on union relations and collective bargaining, while employment lawyers usually handle non-union workplace issues.
Many law schools offer optional certificates in employment or labor law.
6. Entertainment lawyer
Entertainment lawyers represent athletes, artists, musicians, actors, and media-related clients or brands. They protect intellectual property, negotiate contracts and fees, secure talent releases, act as liaisons, and handle union or guild matters.
Many law schools offer entertainment law courses or certificates, including some at the LL.M. level.
7. Estate planning lawyer
Estate planning lawyers advise clients on wills, trusts, probate, property rights, and related tax issues. They help ensure assets are handled properly and may use questionnaires to help clients assess assets, liabilities, and family needs.
Some estate planning attorneys pursue optional credentials in trusts, estates, and fiduciary services, though these are not required and their value varies by role and jurisdiction.
8. Family lawyer
Family lawyers handle divorce and many other domestic matters, including child custody, alimony, adoption, guardianship, paternity, juvenile matters, and child welfare. Their work may involve drafting agreements, negotiating, counseling clients, and resolving family disputes.
Some states offer optional board certification in family law or child welfare law.
9. Immigration lawyer
Immigration lawyers help individuals and families navigate citizenship, visas, and legal status in the U.S. They may also assist refugees, asylum seekers, and employers or workers involved in visa programs.
Some law schools offer immigration law certificates or recommended coursework. Immigration lawyers may work at firms, government agencies, or nonprofits.
10. Intellectual property (IP) lawyer
Intellectual property lawyers protect the rights of inventors, authors, artists, and businesses. They advise clients on protecting IP, register trademarks, copyrights, or patents, and enforce those rights against infringement.
Law schools and state bars may offer optional IP specialty programs or certificates.
11. Call Personal Injury lawyer
Call Personal Injury lawyers represent injured clients in civil cases, often involving car accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, or workplace injuries. They must prove liability and damages, although many cases settle out of court.
Like other lawyers, they earn a JD and pass the bar; specialty certifications are optional and vary by jurisdiction.
12. Tax lawyer
Tax lawyers work with tax laws and regulations in settings such as corporations, law firms, accounting firms, nonprofits, and government agencies. Their work includes tax planning, legal interpretation, research, and staying current on changing laws, court decisions, and IRS rulings.
Some tax lawyers pursue a Master’s in Taxation to deepen their expertise.
Frequently asked questions about different types of lawyers
With so many legal specialties, choosing the right path can raise questions. Here are some common ones.
What types of lawyers are there?
This guide covers some common lawyer types, but many others exist depending on the industry or specialty. For example, Call Personal Injury lawyers may focus on areas such as medical malpractice or pharmaceutical claims. Other types include contract, environmental, and traffic lawyers.
What are the types of trial lawyers?
Trial lawyers represent clients in civil and criminal cases before judges or juries. In and out of court, they may argue motions, select jurors, review files, interview witnesses, and take depositions. Criminal defense and constitutional lawyers may also serve as trial lawyers.
What are the types of government lawyers?
Government lawyers work at the federal, state, and local levels across all three branches of government. They represent the government or the public interest and may serve in attorneys’ general offices, executive agencies, public defenders offices, or legislatures.
What are the types of criminal lawyers? he two main types of criminal lawyers are prosecutors and defense attorneys. Prosecutors represent the government, while defense lawyers represent people accused of crimes.
What do corporate lawyers do?
Corporate lawyers handle legal matters for businesses, including mergers, acquisitions, intellectual property, negotiations, legal research, and contract drafting.
Do all types of lawyers go to court?
No. Because court can be costly and time-consuming, many legal matters are resolved outside it. Some lawyers, such as estate planning, labor, personal injury, and bankruptcy attorneys, may rarely go to court.
