As an expert in the field of law, I have seen firsthand the vast array of opportunities that a law degree can offer. However, with so many different legal fields to consider, it can be overwhelming to decide which area of law to focus on. While law schools do not expect students to choose a specific field before enrolling, it is always beneficial to have a basic understanding of the various types of law. In this article, I will provide a comprehensive guide to the four main types of law and the various subfields within each category. Whether you are a current law student or considering pursuing a career in law, this guide will help you gain a better understanding of the different areas of law and their potential career paths.
Animal Law
One of the lesser-known fields of law is animal law, which deals with non-human animals.As an animal law attorney, your main objective would be to defend animal rights and advocate for their well-being. This may involve working with organizations and allies that serve and represent animals, as well as reporting inhumane animal facilities and practices.
Banking and Financial Law
Bankruptcy is a legal process that involves individuals or companies who are unable to pay their outstanding debts. This field of law is closely related to banking and financial legislation, which oversees the organization, ownership, and operation of banks and other financial service providers. This includes regulating financial institutions and their lending practices for borrowers.Professionals in this field may work as internal advisors for financial institutions or for banking and financial law firms.They may also handle matters such as reporting practices, taxes, and transactions.
Civil Rights Law
Civil rights law guarantees equal treatment for all individuals and prohibits discrimination. This field of law is closely related to civil liberties, which refer to the basic rights and freedoms guaranteed in federal and state constitutions. Lawyers who specialize in civil rights law have the power to ensure that all individuals are treated equally before the law. They may work for non-profit organizations focused on addressing civil rights issues, such as the ACLU, Southern Poverty Law Center, or Human Rights Campaign. Additionally, major private companies may also employ attorneys in this field to handle a variety of legal issues.Constitutional Law
Constitutional law involves the interpretation, adherence, and modification of the United States Constitution.Attorneys in this field may practice privately or for firms, representing clients and litigating cases in court. While constitutional law jobs may be scarce, they offer a unique opportunity for lawyers to work closely with our nation's framework. The Constitution has numerous applications that are relevant to many other fields of law, making it a valuable area of study for aspiring lawyers.
Corporate Law
Corporate law is one of the most well-known fields of law, thanks to its prevalence in television and movies. This field involves establishing the rules and regulations necessary for corporations to form and function. As a corporate attorney, your primary objective would be to handle all aspects of a corporation's legal administration. This may include managing merger procedures, acquisitions, liability disputes, patents, legal compliance, and more.Criminal Law
Criminal law is a broad field that encompasses all aspects of crime and punishment.Prosecutors work for the government at both the state and federal levels, while defense attorneys may work in private firms or for the government. One of the most well-known aspects of criminal law is the right to an attorney, as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution. This ensures that individuals who cannot afford an attorney will be provided with one by the government.
Education Law
Education law covers legal issues related to schools, students, and staff. As an education attorney, your primary objective would be to promote a high-quality educational experience for all involved. This may involve defending the rights of students and teachers, reporting tuition fraud, and developing new educational policies.Entertainment Law
The entertainment industry is a complex and ever-evolving field that requires legal expertise in various areas. Entertainment lawyers may handle matters such as payments, regulatory compliance, contracts, and more for clients in music, publications, television, and other industries.Labor Law
Labor law focuses on the rights of workers and their relationships with employers.As an employment attorney, your primary objective would be to ensure fair treatment for workers. This may involve handling disputes between employees and employers, addressing issues such as discrimination or harassment in the workplace, and advocating for workers' rights.
