What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need?

There are many types of lawyers and they are not interchangeable.

So, what kind of lawyer do I need?

Let’s be honest: most people don’t wake up in the morning thinking, “Man, I hope I need to get a lawyer today!”

Hiring an attorney typically stems from one of two reasons: either you think something terrible might happen or it already has.

And the first question you have to consider is, “What kind of lawyer do I need?”

In this article, we’re going to discuss the various types of lawyers and why your choice of legal representation matters so much.

Why Does It Matter?

So, why does it matter what type of lawyer you hire?

Much like medical doctors, lawyers specialize in specific types of cases. A cardiologist wouldn’t know how to best treat your stomach ulcers. And you’d never consult an anesthesiologist about your asthma.

Medical doctors train for a very narrow niche for a long time before they go into practice. They need this time to become an expert in their field so they can best treat their patients.

Lawyers need similar specialized education and training to help their clients. An immigration lawyer spends his time and energy learning about immigration laws. A corporate lawyer spends her time and energy on corporate law.

This kind of expertise takes a long time to develop and experience in a particular area of the law is invaluable. You don’t want to retain an attorney who dabbles in a certain area of the law when the defense has an expert attorney on their side (and rest assured, they will).

You want an even playing field.

Types of Attorneys

There are many types of law and each of the main categories listed below can be further broken down into more specific fields.

This is only a small portion of the vast variety of lawyers. Once you can narrow down the category of lawyer you need, you’ll need to find one who specializes in your particular type of case.

Bankruptcy (bankruptcy proceedings and debt relief negotiations)
Business (trademarks/copyrights, cyber laws, contracts, incorporation, and litigation)
Criminal Defense
DUI
Employment (workers’ comp, discrimination, harassment, wage and overtime, and benefits)
Estate Planning (wills and trusts)
Family (divorce, child custody, and adoption)
Immigration
Personal Injury (physical, psychological, vacation injuries, or emotional damage)
Real Estate (foreclosure, ownership, and landlord/tenant relations)

Some attorneys practice only one type of law; others may work with a few similar cases (drug charges and DUIs, for example).

Most attorneys offer a free consultation, so you can (and should) interview more than one to get an idea of what it will be like to work with them.

Above all, it is important to find an attorney who specializes in your unique type of case.

For example, not every corporate attorney has the same type of experience. One might know more about patent law. Another may specialize in breach of contract lawsuits. One might have worked exclusively for a single company.

Another thing you need to consider is what you’re expecting from your case.

Tell Us About Your Case

If there’s a chance you will go to court, you should find an attorney who is well versed in litigation. Not every attorney has this skill, and it can have a significant effect on the outcome of your case. Insurance companies and defendants know which lawyers are willing to try a case and also which ones have the skills to win it.

It’s also important to do your research upfront to avoid going through the process of switching attorneys later.

Above all, the kind of lawyer you need is the one who will win your case. And what they specialize in is only part of that equation.

Looking For a Qualified, Board Certified Attorney?

At Beers & Gordon, we specialize in:

Our attorneys have nearly 70 years of combined experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants in these areas of the law. This is how you become an expert. While we understand that mediation and arbitration are often preferable to a trial, we are experienced in litigation techniques and poised to represent you in a courtroom if necessary.

After nearly 70 years in the legal community, our attorneys know others who practice other areas of the law. So, if you do not know someone but have questions about an area of law that is not our expertise, we can help direct you to the right person for your case. Please don’t hesitate to call and ask for a referral to another attorney. We are here to help.

If your case involves an injury, we believe your personal injury case is too important to trust with just any attorney. You need an experienced attorney who will handle your case from start to finish.

Call today to schedule a free consultation with a licensed attorney—not a paralegal or case worker.

We look forward to serving you!