Introduction
Not every lawyer handles every problem. The right attorney depends on the kind of issue you’re facing whether it’s an injury, a criminal charge, a family dispute, or a workplace problem so knowing the difference saves you time before the first call.
Key Takeaways
The right lawyer depends on the kind of problem you are facing and what you need help doing next. I’d start by identifying the legal issue, then look for someone whose practice fits it.
- Personal injury lawyers handle claims involving injuries and losses.
- Criminal defense lawyers represent people facing criminal accusations.
- Family, employment, estate, real estate, immigration, and bankruptcy matters call for different kinds of experience.
- The right lawyer depends on your legal issue, location, and immediate needs.
- Ask about relevant experience, communication, fees, and the next steps before deciding.
What Are the Different Types of Lawyers?
Lawyers specialize in various fields of law, meaning that a lawyer suitable for one case might be inappropriate for another case.
In my view, the best starting point would be the problem itself – a bodily harm, crime accusation, a family-related issue, or financial problem.
There may be some cross-over, and you will have to consult several lawyers regarding which area they practice. Below are brief descriptions, which should not replace professional advice tailored to your case.
The designation of the lawyer can give you a clue about his specialization, but not whether he deals with your particular problem.
In my view, the best starting point would be the problem itself — a bodily harm, a crime accusation, a family-related issue, or a financial problem.
For example, a lawyer specializing in family law may deal with divorce, parental custody, or any other aspect of family law. You can always ask a potential client how often such cases come up and what are the first steps in his opinion.
Also, it’s helpful to consider the type of assistance you require. You may need somebody to assist with explaining a procedure, negotiating on your behalf, preparing documentation, or even representing you in a legal setting.
In cases where you’re not sure, I would recommend writing down the details of what occurred and what you’re trying to achieve beforehand.
Main Types of Lawyers and What They Do
The list below includes various legal services that people often need, although there may be overlapping among the services listed.
It depends on the case at hand and even the jurisdiction because a lawyer does not necessarily do the same things every day, so it would be advisable to check on the specific issue rather than the title.
Personal Injury Lawyers
Car accidents, slip and fall, workplace injuries, and wrongful death claims
Criminal Defense Lawyers
DUI, assault, theft, drug charges, and other criminal matters
Family Lawyers
Divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic relations cases
Employment Lawyers
Wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and wage disputes
Estate Planning & Probate Lawyers
Wills, trusts, inheritance, and estate administration matters
Real Estate Lawyers
Property purchases, disputes, landlord-tenant issues, and closings
Immigration & Bankruptcy Lawyers
Visas, green cards, debt relief, Chapter 7, and Chapter 13 filings
Personal injury lawyers
Personal injury attorneys specialize in legal matters concerning injuries. Depending on the situation, the individual might be trying to determine whether they have a case, what information to collect, how to explain losses, or when to hire a personal injury lawyer.
The most important first step is to determine the type of problem that needs to be addressed – it narrows the search to the appropriate experience, rather than a general term.
LawyerHelpNow assists people in finding a personal injury attorney at no cost. If one wants to connect, they can initiate a free legal consultation.
When comparing attorneys, you should ask about the types of injury cases they handle, how much a personal injury lawyer costs, how fees are structured, and what the next steps would be.
LawyerHelpNow provides an option for individuals to find a personal injury lawyer at no cost, which could be helpful while initiating this search process.
Nevertheless, I would personally inquire of each attorney about their experience and expertise.
Criminal defense lawyers
Criminal defense attorneys defend individuals accused of crimes and help them understand the proceedings and their options.
It all depends on the particular problem: someone asking what is loitering may simply want to understand a particular regulation, while someone accused of an offense should seek professional legal advice.
If an arrest itself is disputed, the circumstances may raise separate questions about wrongful arrest and the available legal remedies. Laws concerning loitering and other offenses vary from state to state.
The information provided by a criminal defense attorney will clarify the meaning of such an accusation in this particular state and will provide you with recommendations on what to do.
I wouldn’t advise you to rely on the general information found in the Internet; rather, it would be wise to show your lawyer the specific notice or charge you received.
Family lawyers
A family lawyer can deal with any legal issues concerning family relations such as divorce and custody disputes.
One could need a specific type of a family lawyer depending on what one’s priority is, that is, to settle out of court, prepare for litigation, or understand the legal document already in place. Would it be advisable to find out if the lawyer frequently deals with such cases?
Employment lawyers
Employment lawyers provide legal advice or representation for people dealing with workplace or employment issues.
A person may require assistance regarding workplace disputes, an issue with an employer, or another employment matter.
The type of legal help needed will depend on what happened and the specific issue involved. There are different types of workplace disputes, so it is always useful to explain what happened and whether he/she deals with that kind of workplace case.
Estate planning and probate lawyers
Estate planners deal with the preparation of legal papers about the management of one’s affairs, whereas probate attorneys focus on issues related to the handling of the estate after death of a person.
The two may overlap in some cases, but they are different from each other as the first is a preparatory action, while the second deals with an ongoing process.
Real estate lawyers
Legal services related to real estate involve problems with property transactions and disputes. The person buying or selling the property can use the help of the lawyer when dealing with papers or disputes.
Ask about the type of real estate transaction or problem the lawyer can solve because not all real estate practices cover all issues.
Medical malpractice lawyers
These lawyers handle claims that a doctor, nurse, hospital, or other provider’s care fell below the accepted standard and caused harm. These cases often rely on medical records and expert review, so they tend to be more complex than a typical injury claim.
Filing rules and deadlines vary by state, so ask early about timing. If this fits your situation, see our medical malpractice lawyer page.
Workers’ compensation lawyers
Workers’ compensation covers injuries and illnesses connected to a job, and it generally works through a state system rather than a typical lawsuit. A lawyer can explain what benefits may be available and help if a claim is delayed or denied.
If you were hurt at work, our workplace injury lawyer page can help you take the next step.
Business and corporate lawyers
Business lawyers advise on forming a company, drafting and reviewing contracts, regulatory compliance, partnership disputes, and buying or selling a business.
Some focus on small businesses, while others work mainly with large corporations. Ask whether the lawyer’s experience matches the size and type of business you have.
Intellectual property lawyers
Intellectual property lawyers help protect creative and inventive work through patents, trademarks, and copyrights.
They may also help if someone else is using your work without permission. These are separate legal areas, so ask which one the lawyer focuses on.
Tax lawyers
Tax lawyers can help with IRS or state tax disputes, audits, unpaid taxes, and tax planning. They’re different from accountants, although the two sometimes work together. If you’ve received a notice, bring it to your first consultation.
Civil rights lawyers
Civil rights lawyers handle claims involving discrimination or violations of legally protected rights. Depending on the facts, this can overlap with employment law, which is why a first consultation helps sort out the right fit.
Immigration lawyers
An immigration attorney will give you legal advice concerning an individual’s rights to enter, reside in, and work in a particular country, which includes green card applications, visa applications, and naturalization.
As immigration laws are subject to change and the entire process entails a lot of paperwork, make sure that the lawyer has handled such cases before.
Bankruptcy lawyers
Debt lawyers assist those individuals and corporations who are facing problems relating to debts by helping them comprehend different choices and solutions, such as filing for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
Inquire about the process involved for your particular situation, as different financial situations and different state laws determine what will happen.
| Legal concern | Practice area to ask about | Useful first question |
|---|---|---|
| An immigration-related matter | Immigration law | Does your practice handle this kind of immigration issue? |
| Debt or possible bankruptcy | Bankruptcy law | Can you explain the options for my circumstances? |
| A question involving both areas | Ask each relevant practitioner | Which part of the situation do you handle? |
The key is to describe the concern plainly and ask whether the lawyer handles that exact type of matter. If a situation touches more than one area, a lawyer can clarify the scope of their work and whether another kind of counsel may also be needed.
Civil Law vs. Criminal Law: What’s the Difference?
The government initiates criminal proceedings against an accused individual in which case the potential consequences could be penalties or incarceration.
Civil cases, on the other hand, are disputes between individuals and/or entities, where the consequences will likely entail compensation or a court judgment without necessarily being criminal in nature.
What is important here is that the two fields require different types of attorneys. Criminal defense attorneys represent defendants charged with committing a crime, while personal injury, family law, labor law, and real estate attorneys represent parties in civil disputes. This is where I would start.
Which Type of Lawyer Do You Need?
The first thing that I would do is to find out the cause or reason why I am looking for the particular service.
Whether it is due to injury, arrest or charge, a family dispute, work place issue, and debt issues all will lead me to various fields of law.
In case of uncertainty in my description of the problem, I should write it down along with deadlines and any documents that I may have. Then I should ask the question which I need to be answered.
The second step is to think about the help that I am looking for at the moment. It might be needed for me to consult somebody in order to understand the notification, agreement, preparation for the hearing, or future actions.
The first thing that I would do is to find out the cause or reason why I am looking for the particular service.
The lawyer in the field may not deal with your particular situation. So, it is better to ask him about it first.
Sometimes the situation requires assistance in different legal issues. And the very first lawyer with whom you will communicate will give you information about it. But you do not have to know the terms of law in advance.
General Practice vs. Specialist Lawyers
Some lawyers handle a mix of everyday matters, such as a simple will, a small contract, or a traffic issue. Others focus on one narrow field and handle those cases day in and day out. Smaller firms often combine related areas, like family law and estate planning.
For a simple or routine matter, a general practice lawyer may be enough. For anything complex, high-stakes, or time-sensitive, I’d lean toward someone who focuses on that area and ask how often they handle cases like yours.
How Do Lawyers Charge for Their Services?
Fee structures vary by practice area, and it helps to know the common ones before you call:
- Contingency fee: The lawyer is paid a percentage of what you recover, and common in injury cases. See our guide to how a contingency fee works.
- Hourly rate: You’re billed for the time the lawyer spends on your matter.
- Flat fee: A set price for a defined service, such as drafting a will or handling an uncontested filing.
- Retainer: An upfront deposit the lawyer draws from as work is done.
Costs and terms differ from lawyer to lawyer, so ask for the fee agreement in writing and make sure you understand which expenses are separate. For injury cases, you can also read how much a personal injury lawyer costs.
How to Choose the Right Lawyer
With the field of practice in mind, one can now search for a lawyer whose experience is in line with the case he or she has. Inquire about similar cases, the person working on the case, and the next step. Personally, I think that clarity and the ability to ask more questions are important factors.
Asking a few simple questions may help get things started off on the right foot and help you make comparisons:
- Do you deal with matters such as mine?
- What do I need to bring in terms of information and documentation?
- Who would be my contact person?
- How are fees and expenses dealt with?
For personal injury matters, it can also be useful to understand whether the attorney works on a contingency fee basis and what expenses may be separate from the attorney’s fee.
Some of the answers may give you insight into the attorney’s experience and communication style, and what kind of process to expect.
Fees and services vary, so make sure to have the fees explained to you in relation to your particular matter.
Timing and location could also come into play, particularly if there is a legal deadline or a procedure that needs to take place locally.
Personally, I think that clarity and the ability to ask more questions are important factors.
For an injury claim, you may also want to ask the attorney how long a personal injury case takes and what factors could affect the timeline.
Provide all necessary dates and documents and inquire about any actions that need to be taken immediately, if any. Selecting the right lawyer is not about getting the most grandiose title possible.
Find a Personal Injury Lawyer
If your legal issue involves an injury, finding an attorney with experience in the specific type of case can make the search easier. LawyerHelpNow helps individuals find a personal injury lawyer at no cost and connect with legal assistance based on their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers below offer general guidance on choosing a legal practice area. The right fit depends on the facts and applicable local law.
Can one lawyer handle more than one area of law?
Yes. Some lawyers, especially in smaller firms, practice in two or three related areas. For a complex matter, ask how often they handle your specific type of case.
What’s the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?
In everyday use in the U.S., the two words are often used interchangeably. Either way, what matters is that the person is licensed to practice in your state and has experience with your type of issue.
Do I need a specialist, or will any lawyer do?
For simple or routine matters, a general lawyer may be enough. For anything complex or time-sensitive, a lawyer who focuses on that area is usually the better fit.
What type of lawyer handles an injury claim?
A personal injury lawyer may handle a legal claim related to an injury. Ask whether the lawyer has experience with the kind of incident and issue involved.
When should I contact a criminal defense lawyer?
Consider contacting one if you are facing a criminal accusation or need advice about a criminal matter. A lawyer can discuss the specific allegation and local process.
What does a family lawyer help with?
Family lawyers handle legal matters involving family relationships, which may include divorce, parenting arrangements, or related disputes. Ask about experience with your particular concern.
What kind of lawyer handles a workplace dispute?
An employment lawyer may advise or represent people in workplace-related legal matters. Describe the situation and ask whether the lawyer handles that type of issue.
Do estate planning and probate lawyers do the same work?
Their work can overlap, but estate planning generally concerns preparing for how affairs will be handled, while probate work concerns matters involving an estate after someone dies. Ask which service fits your need.
Which lawyer should I contact about a property matter?
A real estate lawyer may handle legal matters involving property transactions or disputes. The type of transaction or concern will help determine whether a particular lawyer is a good fit.
What should I ask before hiring a lawyer?
Ask about experience with your type of matter, the first steps, communication, who will handle the work, and how fees and costs are explained. Make sure you understand the answers before deciding.
