If you have always wanted to become a lawyer then you will know that once you obtain your Juris Doctor (J.D) and pass your state bar examination, you can begin practicing. But before that, you will need to decide which type of lawyer you want to be. And this can be a tough decision. After all, you will need to think about your reasons for specializing in a particular field. Do you want to work in the area that earns the most money, or would you prefer to be a lawyer working in one of the most demanding fields?
Perhaps the best way to decide is to consider which area of law you find most appealing. Learning more about what the role of different types of lawyers involves might make it easier for you to pick an area to specialize in.
Immigration Law
Immigration attorneys such as those working at Graham Adair (https://grahamadair.com/) work closely with individuals and families applying to come to the U.S. for various reasons. It might be that they are coming here to study or work or simply to be with family members. Sometimes, they will represent those who have fled their own countries and who are looking for asylum. Immigration lawyers often work for government agencies or non-profit organizations. Others will work for large immigration law firms. The average salary for immigration lawyers is $82,721.
Tax Law
Tax lawyers help their clients navigate the complex tax laws, ensuring they stay on the right side of the IRS. Tax lawyers will interpret the ever-changing tax laws and will help their clients with tax planning. They work in various settings such as large corporate firms, government agencies and nonprofits. The average salary for an entry-level tax I attorney is $104,627. Senior tax IV attorneys earn an average of $203,916.
Family Law
Family lawyers deal with domestic issues including adoption, guardianship, child welfare, divorce, and custody matters. They might write prenuptial agreements, draft contracts, resolve family disputes, or counsel individuals on their legal options. They typically work at small law firms or for non-profit organizations. Family lawyers earn an average of $74,024.
Intellectual Property (IP) Law
Intellectual property lawyers work for people like artists, inventors, authors, and businesses and protect their rights and creations. They will take care of issues such as trademarking, patenting, copywriting, and the protection of trade secrets. IP lawyers earn an average of $117,637.
Criminal Defense
Criminal defense lawyers work for those who have been accused of a crime. They can either work as private attorneys or as a public defender. The role of the criminal defense attorney is to represent the client and protect their best interests within the confines of the law. Criminal defense lawyers often spend a lot of time in court. Private criminal defense lawyers work for larger firms or may have their own private practices. Public defenders work for the public defender’s office. A private criminal defense lawyer earns an average of $94,618 while a public defender earns an average of $56,951.
Corporate Law
Corporate lawyers handle legal matters for corporations to ensure that all their transactions are meeting local, state, and federal laws. They might be responsible for handling business formations, patents, mergers, acquisitions, and dissolution of a business. Corporate lawyers earn an average of $107,897.
Conclusion
When deciding what type of lawyer that you want to be, it is a good idea to find out more about what the duties and responsibilities are as well as what the average salary is. Consider which fields of law really interest you as this will mean you are likely to enjoy the work you do.