4 Types of Lawyers and What They Do

Lawyers can help with almost any situation involving the law and legal rights. It can still be confusing even if you have a general idea of what lawyers do. Lawyers specialize in specific areas of the law, so even if we all know that lawyers help people, it’s not always clear which type of lawyer someone needs. If you think you might need a lawyer at some point in your life, here is a list of different styles and what they do. Most people will need legal representation at one point or another throughout their lives, so read on to learn more about different types of lawyers and what they do.

 

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Personal Injury Lawyer 

 

If you’ve suffered an injury or lost a loved one due to another person’s negligence, an personal injury attorney can help you seek financial compensation. You may have heard this type of lawyer referred to as a “personal injury attorney,” “injury lawyer” or “accident lawyer.” Regardless of what you call it, it’s essential to know that these lawyers don’t handle any criminal defense. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they don’t get paid unless you win your case. They also typically don’t charge for an initial consultation, phone calls or emails. If you’ve been injured and are unsure what to do, this type of lawyer is the best person to contact.

Criminal Attorney

 

Criminal attorneys, also called defense attorneys, represent people charged with murder, robbery and drug possession. They can also help with related court issues, such as a divorce or child custody battle due to criminal charges. If you’ve been charged with a crime, it’s essential to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer will be able to help you prepare a defense, gather evidence and represent you in court. If you’re charged with a crime that you didn’t commit (e.g., you were falsely accused), your criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the court system and prove your innocence. For an example of this, read about the expunging of the Daniel Fung arrest records on historical marihuana convictions that took place in states where use is now legal.

Family Law Attorneys

 

Family law attorneys can help you with issues related to divorce, domestic abuse, child custody, child support, adoption, name change or guardianship or property division. Family law attorneys can help you whether you are the person filing for divorce or if you are the person being served divorce papers. If you are in an abusive relationship, you can file for a protection order that may include a clause about child custody and visitation. Family law attorneys can also help you with adoption details, changing your name after a divorce, dealing with property division or if you are the caretaker of a child who was left out of a divorce decree.

Real Estate Lawyers

 

Real estate lawyers can help you with issues relating to buying or selling property. Whether it's a new construction property or a used house, real estate lawyers can help with all aspects of the transaction. They can help draw up contracts, negotiate with lenders and sellers and even mediate landlord/tenant disputes. If you own a house, you may need a real estate lawyer if you plan on refinancing, buying or selling another property or having a dispute with a neighbor.

Conclusion

 

Choosing a lawyer is not something you should do lightly. You should take your time to find someone you feel comfortable with, who you can trust and who can help you solve your issues. If you have any questions about the different types of lawyers, don’t hesitate to contact a lawyer in your area.

 

 

This is a contributed post.