Becoming a lawyer requires more than dreaming and having a sharp mind- you must also be able to think on your feet to outwit opponents inside the courtroom. If your client is facing a wrongful conviction, it’s your job to ensure their freedom by finding the real killer. This takes passion and keen intellect, which drives many people to aspire to become lawyers.
The justice system encompasses many different aspects, from dispatching away criminals to safeguarding intellectual possession and ensuring that the correct family member inherits their grandfather’s will. In other words, there are various different kinds of law to practice. Each type of law needs a different skill set, so professionals may choose to specialize in a separate area.
When seeking a new profession, it is important to inspect the different careers out there and then determine which of these suits your interests and skill. Do you enjoy working with numbers, or do you get satisfaction from sticking it to unscrupulous employers? Both ways, there’s sure to be a career path that’s perfect for you.
Suppose you’re unsure which area of law to specialize in. Here is a compiled list of 35 various types of lawyers and their average pay so that you can make an informed decision. Each specialization has its unique set of responsibilities and a challenge, so choosing one that aligns with your interests and skills is essential.
1. Business lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $116,690
A business lawyer is a professional who assists businesses with legalized matters. These lawyers aid in finding and resolving many present conflicts, as well as help, prevent any future issues. Business lawyers are essential in keeping businesses running smoothly and protecting them from legal trouble.
They are comfortable negotiating and reviewing contracts, litigating in court, and controlling acquisitions and mergers. Further, they can assist businesses with compliance and risk management. By adding these services, business lawyers help businesses to work evenly and effectively.
2. General practice lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $108,320
A general practice lawyer is a lawyer who is competent in many areas of law and can provide routine legal services. General practice lawyers may assist with leases, family law, minor crime justice cases, personal injury, neighbor disputes, and real estate. They may also be able to provide advice on other legal matters.
3. Prosecutor
Mean yearly salary: $66,400
As a prosecutor, you will be responsible for charging and trying cases on behalf of someone accused wrongly. You will work closely with police to check, look after appeals and prepare cases for trial. Your ultimate goal will be to ensure that all criminals are punished relatively. This critical role comes with a significant amount of responsibility. In law practice, many people think of attorneys as the prosecutors in the courtroom who put away criminals. However, there is more to being a lawyer than just being a prosecutor.
4. Criminal defense lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $81,490
A criminal defense lawyer is a professional who specializes in defending individuals who have been accused of committing a crime. This role is critical to the justice system, as these lawyers ensure that their clients receive a fair trial. It involves examining evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and negotiating plea deals on behalf of the accused. Throughout the process, the criminal defense lawyer is a confidant and ally to their client, ensuring that they understand the legal process and supporting them during this difficult time.
5. Intellectual property lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $128,670
Intellectual property lawyers protect their client’s intellectual property, such as patents, copyrights, and trademarks. They may also work on licensing and other legal agreements involving intellectual property rights. These lawyers often consult with clients on ways to maximize the value of their property folder and stay compliant with applicable laws.
6. Human rights lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $122,250
A human rights lawyer provides legal representation and gives aid to individuals who have been victims of violations. They work to protect the fundamental human rights of their clients and may also help to build new legislation to confirm these rights in the future. As a human rights lawyer, you will be busy fighting for the equality of all people.
7. Contract lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $94,900
Contract lawyers are responsible for drafting and reviewing contracts and representing clients in contract disputes. They play an essential role in ensuring that the terms of a contract are fair and legally binding.
Contract lawyers typically have a law degree and experience in negotiating and litigating contractual disputes. They must be able to communicate complex legal concepts to their clients and understand the intricacies of the contracting process.
8. Tax lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $100,140
A career as a tax lawyer can be gratifying financially and in terms of job security. Tax lawyers focus on helping their clients resolve disputes with the tax authorities, minimize their tax liabilities, and represent them during the proceeding, if necessary. Although tax law can be complex, a good lawyer will have a thorough understanding of the relevant laws and regulations and be able to communicate effectively with clients. Tax law might be perfect if you are interested in a challenging and stimulating career!
9. Medical malpractice lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $95,000
As a medical malpractice lawyer, you would be responsible for fighting for the justice of patients who a healthcare provider has wronged. It could involve representing them in court and working on getting them compensation for their injuries.
Medical malpractice lawyers focus on cases where medical professionals have harmed patients. These cases can involve surgical errors, birth injuries, treatment delays, misdiagnoses, or failure to obtain consent.
10. Financial lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $112,440
A financial lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in financial law. Financial lawyers typically work with clients on transactions, such as mergers and acquisitions, and advise them on compliance with financial regulations. Further, they may work with clients on litigation matters related to finance.
A financial lawyer is someone who specializes in working with financial agreements and compliance with laws. They may be involved in financial negotiations and work with borrowers and lenders. Financial law is constantly growing complex, so financial lawyers must keep up to date with the latest developments.
11. Immigration lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $120,350
An immigration lawyer is responsible for researching the difficulty of immigration laws and assisting individuals who are trying to become citizens. It may involve paperwork, documentation gathering, putting forward strategies, and looking out for the next move. The goal is to ensure that your client receives citizenship as efficiently and effectively as possible.
12. Family lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $75,100
Family lawyers play an essential role in society, helping families navigate through some of the most challenging times in their lives. They specialize in divorce, child custody, and adoption and work tirelessly to ensure that the best interests of their clients are always represented.
These lawyers must be experts in all areas relating to family and use strong skills to steer this difficult time.
13. Workers’ compensation lawyer
Average annual salary: $67,040
A workers’ compensation lawyer is someone who helps people get the benefits they are owed after being injured at work. It can involve working with the insurance company to ensure they are not liable for too much or helping the injured worker get the necessary benefits. Either way, this type of lawyer is essential in making sure that people who have been injured at work are taken care of.
A workers’ compensation lawyer may have a similar job to a medical malpractice attorney. This lawyer collects evidence, interviews witnesses, and writes legal documents. If necessary, they will also go to court to represent their clients.
Workers’ compensation lawyers such as those from Alliance Compensation and Litigation must be committed to ensuring that the clients are supported throughout the process.
14. Employment lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $88,800
An employment lawyer is a professional who helps protect the rights of employees in the workforce. It can include handling cases of sexual harassment, wrongful termination, discrimination, and contract violations. They work for EEO violations and businesses or give aid to employees who feel targeted.
15. Personal injury lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $50,000
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they receive a percentage of the settlement or verdict awarded to their clients. This arrangement allows injured people to have legal representation even if they cannot afford to pay an attorney’s hourly rate.
These lawyers will manage the lawsuit from start to finish, as they evidence of injuries, calculate expenses and investigate witnesses covering the case.
16. A social security disability lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $118,210
A social security disability lawyer is a professional who helps people with disabilities navigate the Social Security Administration application process. They may also assist in the appeal process, interact on behalf of the client, and appear at hearings on behalf of the customer. This type of lawyer can help ensure that people with disabilities receive the benefits they are entitled to.
17. Bankruptcy lawyer
Average annual salary: $75,500
Bankruptcy lawyers work with their clients to assess all evidence and debts to determine if filing for bankruptcy is the best option. If it is not, they will work to negotiate settlements with creditors on behalf of their clients. It includes preparing paperwork, overseeing negotiations, and ensuring that settlements are carried out smoothly. Bankruptcy lawyers aim to protect their client’s interests and minimize the negative financial impact of bankruptcy.
18. Real estate lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $83,390
A real estate lawyer is responsible for reviewing and clearing the fund’s transfer in a real estate transaction. Real estate lawyers can represent the seller or the buyer in a transaction, so their duties may vary depending on their client’s needs. However, the lawyer’s ultimate goal is to protect their client’s interests and ensure a smooth transaction. In some cases, they may also assist clients in claiming damages from the devastating McBride fire, ensuring that their property rights are upheld and compensated appropriately.
19. Entertainment lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $106,000
As an entertainment lawyer, you would help your clients come to an agreement and forward contracts for many different entertainment-related reasons. They can include movie contracts or tv productions, recording music, and more. You would need to have a strong understanding of the law as it relates to these areas and the challenges your clients might face. It would allow you to protect their interests and ensure they get the best possible deal.
20. Mergers and acquisitions lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $117,450
Mergers and acquisitions lawyers play a pivotal role in drafting and negotiating contracts for firms. They also advise on the financing aspects of acquisitions and mergers. Their duties include identifying any legal issues associated with the merger, making a plan, and directing due diligence. In other words, they handle everything from start to finish to ensure the process goes smoothly. It isn’t an easy task, which is why these lawyers are so well-compensated.
21. Public interest lawyer
Mean Yearly salary: $68,630
They work to advance social justice and civil rights by representing clients who may not be able to afford legal representation. These lawyers often work for legal support offices and public defenders, and their jobs span various specialties. Public interest lawyers play an essential role in society by fighting for the rights of those who may not be able to fight for themselves.
22. Tort lawyer
Average annual salary: $89,550
A tort lawyer is a lawyer who helps people who another person has been mentally or physically harmed. These lawyers are experts in all areas of law, but they are personally good at trial law. It means that they can help their clients get the compensation they deserve.
23. Civil rights lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $88,580
A civil rights lawyer fights for the rights of individuals who have been discriminated against. It can include discrimination in employment or even voting. Civil rights lawyers make sure their clients don’t undergo brutal and strange punishment or loss of job due to unfairness. They work to ensure that everyone is treated equally under the law.
24. Constitutional lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $76,350
A career as a constitutional lawyer can be rewarding and challenging; it is a lawyer who specializes in the laws, relationships, and rights given to their customers. They must uphold the federal constitution and take cases that defend their client’s constitutional rights. It plays a vital role in society by ensuring everyone is treated fairly and protected by the law.
25. Estate planning lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $81,370
An estate planning lawyer helps clients plan for what will happen to their assets after they die. It includes assessing, itemizing, estimating, and taxing the property. These lawyers help their clients safeguard, arrange and give out their assets in the most efficient way possible.
26. Securities lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $228,910
A securities lawyer is a professional who specializes in counseling clients on financial investments and the laws and regulations surrounding them. These lawyers work to ensure that their clients comply with the SEC and have all the necessary documents to do so. They also advise investors who are misled during the investment process.
27. Military lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $76,480
Military lawyers often have to deal with different rules than public lawyers. It is because their work is to give a defense for the person in the military or their partner who is going through legal action. These types of cases are commonly done within a military court. Therefore, the lawyer needs to be specialized in this area.
28. Government lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $126,300
As a government lawyer, you would be responsible for representing the interests of your government in court. It could involve handling legal issues affecting the state and national government. It could be an excellent career choice if you are passionate about your government!
29. Aviation lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $89,680
An aviation lawyer ensures that all aspects of aircraft operation, including ground services, and airports, comply with the law. Aviation lawyers commonly symbolize pilots, producers, and buyers in criminal and civil cases.
30. Maritime lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $75,130
A maritime lawyer specializes in cases that occur on open water. It can include anything from boating accidents to injuries that occur while out at sea. Maritime lawyers need to have a strong understanding of the international law and order governing the seas and oceans, known as Sea Law. Staying up-to-date and knowledgeable in this area is essential for a maritime lawyer to be successful.
31. Traffic lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $70,780
A traffic lawyer is an attorney who specializes in defending clients against traffic violations. If a client picks to fight a quotation in the open space of the court, these lawyers are called upon. Firms such as Faraj Defence Lawyers can assess every aspect of the case and can provide advice for all options to achieve the best possible outcome. Traffic lawyers typically have extensive experience and knowledge in traffic law and can provide their clients with the best possible defense against charges.
32. Civil litigation lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $76,240
A civil litigation lawyer is a legal professional who takes care of conflicts in which people are searching for financial harm instead of cases involving criminal charges. This law zone is quite large, but what sets these lawyers apart is that their work does not include criminal penalties. Civil litigation lawyers may deal with various cases, ranging from breach of contract to personal injury.
33. Gaming lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $62,130
They work with those related to video game functioning, like raffle operators and gambling holders. Their primary responsibility is to make sure to request relevant law and order. It may involve representing their clients in court but also before state and local gaming regulatory bodies as needed. In addition to providing legal advice and support, gaming lawyers may also be involved in contract negotiations, licensing agreements, and other aspects of the gaming industry.
34. Digital media and internet lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $51,040
Digital media lawyers specialize in protecting creator law, copyright law, and the validity of creating sites. They also handle defamation cases involving what is issued and broadcasted. This area of law encompasses a wide range of media, including telecasts, issuing, film and tv, social media, ads, and marketing.
35. Environmental lawyer
Mean yearly salary: $59,530
An environmental lawyer advocates for the defense of the inborn environment. It can include improving water quality, preserving lands, and developing clean energy sources. They may also work to pass climatic changes and dirt management laws. Environmental lawyers play an essential role in keeping the planet healthy and safe for future generations.
In Conclusion
You can select a large diversity of lawyers with dissimilar areas of law to specialize in. Meeting the right lawyer for your assets depends on your interests, skills, and aims. Whatever path you select, remember that becoming a lawyer is a rewarding and fulfilling experience that will allow you to help others while providing you with a stable career.
FAQs
What are some ordinary misconceptions about lawyers?
Some usual misconceptions about lawyers consist of all being rich, ruthless, and consistently winning in court. Nevertheless, this is not always the case. Lawyers come from all walks of life, and each has unique skills and experiences.
What are some common duties of lawyers?
Some normal assignments of lawyers contain researching cases, interviewing clients, and representing their clients in court. Further, to these duties, lawyers are responsible for ensuring that their client’s rights are protected.
What are some common law areas that lawyers specialize in?
Lawyers can specialize in a huge range of law areas, such as criminal law, civil law, family law, and environmental law. Choosing a specialization that superbly suits your interests and capability is necessary.
What are some common myths about lawyers?
Some common myths about lawyers contain all lawyers being wealthy, merciless, and always winning in court. However, this is not always the case! Lawyers come from all walks of life, and each has their own unique skills and experiences.
What are some normal challenges that lawyers face?
The legal profession often comes with long hours, high-stress levels, and demanding clients – this can make it difficult for lawyers to maintain a healthy work-life balance. In addition, the pressure to always be available can lead to burnout. To combat these challenges, some lawyers have started to implement self-care practices into their daily routines.
What are some skills that lawyers need to be successful?
As a lawyer, you will need to have excellent examination and writing abilities, critical thinking skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with clients and other legal professionals. These skills are essential for success in this field – without them, you will likely find it difficult to progress in your career.
What are some things to consider before becoming a lawyer?
Some things to ponder before becoming a lawyer incorporate your aim, interests, and skills. Further, you should be sure that you are ready for the long hours and high-stress quantity that come with being a lawyer.
