Types of Law Practices

What lawyers do

• All lawyers, no matter the specialty, conduct research, interview clients and other parties and, if going to court, prepare arguments for trial. Not all lawyers are trial lawyers, but all lawyers are prepared in law school for presenting cases in court and are licensed for going to trial.
  
  

Who lawyers work for

• Some lawyers may have their own practices or work in group practices. Probate lawyers are an example. Others, such as insurance defense lawyers, may work in the legal departments of companies. Lawyers, such as environmental lawyers, are also hired by government agencies and non-profit organizations.
  
  

Specialty preparation

• Preparation for a specialty law practice does not require specific education, but taking courses related to the specialty during undergraduate work can be helpful to understanding the industry the lawyer will be practicing in. All potential lawyers should have a varied background.
  
  

Example: intellectual property attorney

• Intellectual property attorneys are the lawyers who protect the owners of patents, trademarks and copyrights. They are also called entertainment attorneys, patent attorneys and trademarks attorneys. They work for patent, trademark and copyright holders to determine if there has been infringement.
  
  

Example: Employment attorney

• Employment attorneys protect employee rights. Employee attorneys may work on cases involving discrimination in the workplace and also represent employees in breach-of-contract cases. Employment law may also include tax representation and immigration law.