While some students may think they have it all figured out when deciding to go to law school, they still need to determine what field of law to specialize in, as this will dictate what their options are once they graduate.
There are many areas of law that an attorney can specialize in, but each area is so detailed that it is nearly impossible to become an expert in multiple areas. It is best to choose a niche that you are most interested in and focus on becoming the most knowledgeable and well-versed in the laws regarding your specialty. Just as a gynecologist isn’t going to be an expert in heart health, a criminal defense attorney is not going to be an expert on creating a living will.
The following are some of the most common areas of law to consider when choosing a legal professional.
Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice provides individuals who were injured through neglect or disregard by a healthcare professional or facility with the opportunity to seek compensation for their injury. This area of law also applies to families who have lost a loved one due to medical malpractice. Lawyers who specialize in this understand intimately the laws that determine what actions or lack of action fall under medical malpractice. They also understand how the courts work in your state so that they can provide you with the best possible representation. Companies like Vanderbilt medical malpractice have thrived focusing only on this area.
Criminal Defense
Criminal defense lawyers represent people who are accused of crimes to ensure they get a fair trial, and their side of the story is made clear to judges and juries. There are private defense attorneys that work within a firm, and there are defense attorneys that work within specific jurisdictions to defend people who can’t afford an attorney otherwise. When working in criminal defense, you need to be familiar with all penal laws in your jurisdiction, as well as how the court system works, what juries look at, and the best ways to defend your client, which will include strategy, and an in-depth understanding of legal details.
Cannabis
With the legalization of marijuana in states like Colorado, a need for lawyers who fully understand the laws related to cannabis and businesses specializing in cannabis has developed. This is to ensure those business owners are being afforded the same legal rights and protections as other types of business. This requires a balance of understanding of business law and drug laws regarding the growth and distribution of cannabis and cannabis-related products. Cannabis attorneys in Colorado are seeing the massive growth in business and the growing need.
Business Lawyer
A business lawyer can cover a vast array of factors pertaining to business creation, development, and operation. Business lawyers may be utilized to create and review contracts and documents. They may specialize in patent protection and infringement, or they may be there to defend a business when sued. There are many different situations where a business may need legal representation. When working within business law, it is essential to understand the laws as they pertain to companies in each municipality you cover, as they may vary from one area to the next.
Personal Injury
Personal injury lawyers and medical malpractice lawyers often overlap, but there are some differences. For example, some personal injury lawyers specialize in car accidents, while others specialize in class action lawsuits related to illness or injury. Similarly to business, personal injury has a broad scope that allows you to choose a distinct specialty for you to create a niche within the broader market.
When it comes time to specialize, law students have a plethora of options. Keep this list in mind to help you determine the best option for you.
