An individual interested in becoming a lawyer is presented with a wide range of possibilities as to what type of law to pursue. In any professional endeavor, people are often most successful when working in an area they are passionate about. For those who choose to pursue the law, whether they wish to specialize in a certain aspect of the law or run a multi-area practice, there is an ever-increasing variety of areas to consider.
Medical malpractice attorneys, slip and fall attorneys, wrongful death attorneys, and product liability attorneys work in what are considered “high visibility” areas due to the number of lawsuits filed and the number of exposure these lawsuits sometimes experience. Other areas of law that fit into this category include finance, personal injury, and criminal defense.
Some attorneys focus on multiple areas of the law. There are also those who become experts in one or two areas. These attorneys realize that potential clients value experience. When an attorney can show a successful track record over an extended period of time, it increases their credibility and builds client confidence.
We have briefly mentioned some of the popular areas in which lawyers practice. Below is a more detailed breakdown of some specialty areas of personal injury law.
Toxic mold: Sometimes called “black mold,” this is a fungus that grows primarily indoors. This mold can release dangerous toxins that can cause serious health problems for those exposed. Lawyers who specialize in this area represent clients who have been affected by exposure to these toxins due to the negligence of parties such as building owners and homebuilders.
Wire Fraud – Similar to mail fraud, but involving electronic communications. Specifically, wire fraud is an action taken with the intent to defraud money or property through the use of a communication device, such as the Internet. Due to the advancement of technology, more “cyber crime” incidents are occurring than ever before. These include a growing number of electronic fraud incidents.
Law of the Sea: Also known as Maritime Law or Admiralty Law. This type of law falls into the broader category of international law; which establishes norms and laws that govern international and territorial waters and maritime routes. This includes trade, travel, incidents and accidents involving ships and other sea vessels. Lawyers who specialize in Admiralty Law are called “solicitors” when they try cases.
This is just a very cursory look at some of the different types of law that new lawyers have the option to consider. Competition can be strong in the most popular and highly exposed legal areas. But if these are areas of great interest to a lawyer starting his career, he should not be discouraged. The “cream always rises to the top”.
However, if a new attorney finds one of the law’s niche fields intriguing enough to venture into, they can carve out a segment of the market in which they can specialize and prosper.