The legal profession is not monolithic. Attorneys focus on specific areas of law that require dedicated knowledge, ongoing education, and often years of caseload experience. Knowing which practice area covers your legal matter is the first step in finding representation.
Family law
Family law covers divorce, legal separation, child custody and support, adoption, guardianship, and domestic partnerships. These matters are governed by state law, which means local experience matters considerably.
Criminal defense
Criminal defense attorneys represent individuals and organizations charged with criminal offenses. They handle everything from misdemeanor charges to felony trials, appeals, and expungements.
Personal injury
Personal injury law covers civil claims arising from accidents, negligence, product liability, and medical malpractice. Attorneys in this area typically work on contingency, meaning no fee is owed unless the case resolves in your favor.
Business and corporate law
Business attorneys handle entity formation, contracts, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, employment disputes, and regulatory compliance. The right attorney for a startup looks different from the right attorney for a company facing litigation.
Estate planning
Estate planning attorneys help individuals and families prepare for the transfer of assets, including drafting wills and trusts, designating beneficiaries, planning for incapacity, and navigating probate.
Real estate law
Real estate attorneys handle residential and commercial transactions, title disputes, landlord-tenant matters, and zoning or land use issues. Many states require an attorney at closing.