There are so many types of lawyers, with different types of qualifications and salaries. There’s a lot to know about this profession! Some lawyers specialize in criminal law, while others focus on civil litigation. Some work for the government, while others choose to work at private firms or schools, and a government lawyer in New York will have a very different set of expertise compared to a south carolina truck accident lawyer, for example.
In this blog post, we will explore 15 types of lawyers and what they do. We’ll also cover qualifications for these types as well as salary expectations for each one!
1. Legal Assistants
Legal assistants, also known as paralegals, provide support to lawyers and other legal professionals. A bachelor’s degree (with an emphasis on law) and a license or certificate that demonstrates skill in the field is required for this role.
Assistants’ salaries vary depending on the industry, location, and work experience. In general, however, lawyers earn about $25/hour.
2. Corporate Lawyers
Corporate lawyers work with companies to ensure that they comply with the law. They also provide legal advice and represent their clients in court or during negotiations.
In order to become a corporate lawyer, you’ll need a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. You will also likely need several years of experience working as a lawyer in the field.
Corporate lawyers make an average of about $111,000 annually.
3. Criminal Lawyers
Criminal lawyers represent individuals who have been accused of a crime. They help ensure that the defendant’s rights are protected and they also work to prove their client is innocent or reduce sentencing if found guilty.
To become a criminal lawyer, you’ll need to earn your Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school (usually after earning your bachelor’s degree). You’ll also need to be licensed to practice law in your state.
Criminal lawyers typically earn between $40,000 and $200,000 annually.
4. Civil Lawyers
Civil lawyers represent clients in civil suits, which involve issues such as contract disputes, personal injury, and property damage.
In order to become a civil lawyer, you’ll need to earn your Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Civil lawyers make an average of about $111,000 annually.
5. Legal Researchers
Legal researchers typically work for lawyers. They use their extensive knowledge of the law to find information that can help support a case.
To become a legal researcher, you’ll need an advanced degree in another field (such as engineering or science).
Legal researchers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually.
6. Patent Lawyers
Patent lawyers help clients get patents for their inventions. This involves doing extensive research into patent law as well as working with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
To become a patent lawyer, you’ll need to earn your Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school (usually after earning your bachelor’s degree). You’ll also need to be licensed to practice law in your state.
Patent lawyers make an average of about $128,000 annually.
7. Family Lawyers
Family lawyers represent clients in family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and adoption.
In order to become a family lawyer, you’ll need to earn your Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Family lawyers make an average of about $111,000 annually.
8. Elder Law Attorneys
Elder law attorneys specialize in helping seniors with legal issues that affect their physical and mental well-being.
To become an elder law attorney, you’ll need to earn your Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school (usually after earning your bachelor’s degree).
Elder law attorneys make an average of about $111,000 annually.
9. Estate Planning Lawyers
Estate planning lawyers help their clients create wills and trusts that will protect their assets after they die. They also provide guidance on taxes and other legal issues related to estate planning.
In order to become an estate planning lawyer, you’ll need to earn your Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
Estate planning lawyers make an average of about $111,000 annually.
10. Administrative Law Attorneys
Administrative law attorneys advise companies and individuals on federal laws that regulate various types of industries.
To become an administrative law attorney, you’ll need to earn your Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school (usually after earning your bachelor’s degree).
Administrative law attorneys make an average of about $111,000 annually.
11. Tax Lawyers
Tax lawyers help their clients understand and comply with the complex tax laws of the United States.
To become a tax lawyer, you’ll need to earn your Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school (usually after earning your bachelor’s degree). You’ll also need to be licensed to practice law in your state.
Tax lawyers make an average of about $128,000 annually.
12. Securities Lawyers
Securities lawyers represent clients who have been accused of violating securities laws. They also help companies that are planning to offer securities to the public file the proper paperwork.
To become a securities lawyer, you’ll need to earn your Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school (usually after earning your bachelor’s degree).
Securities lawyers make an average of about $128,000 annually.
13. Business Lawyers
Business lawyers help their clients resolve a wide range of legal issues, including copyright and trademark law.
In order to become a business lawyer, you’ll need to earn your Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school (usually after earning your bachelor’s degree).
Business lawyers make an average of about $111,000 annually.
14. Environmental Lawyers
Environmental lawyers represent clients who are accused of violating environmental laws. They also help companies that are planning to build or expand their business comply with environmental regulations.
To become an environmental lawyer, you’ll need to earn your Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school (usually after earning your bachelor’s degree).
Environmental lawyers make an average of about $111,000 annually.
15. Criminal Defense Lawyers
Criminal defense lawyers help their clients avoid conviction and jail time by representing them in court.
To become a criminal defense lawyer, you’ll need to earn your Juris Doctor degree from an accredited school (usually after earning your bachelor’s degree). You will also likely need several years of experience working as a lawyer in the field.
Criminal defense lawyers make an average of about $111,000 annually.
The Future of Law as an Industry?
The future of law as an industry is constantly changing, and those who can keep up with the latest trends and changes will be in the best position for success. If you’re interested in a career in law, there’s no better time than now to get started.
Some famous lawyers from the past include John Adams, Abraham Lincoln, and Clarence Darrow.
Famous lawyers from the present include Alan Dershowitz, Gloria Allred, and Robert Shapiro.
Conclusion:
The path to becoming a lawyer can be long and challenging. You must find the right law school for your interests, so take time to research schools in-depth before making any decisions about which one is best for you. When it comes down to choosing between public or private law schools, remember that there are benefits and drawbacks of both types of institutions.
If you want more information on how lawyers make money, what type of degree they need, or other details about this profession then our blog post should answer all your questions!