Trained lawyers have a wide variety of legal areas they can practice in, depending on what sort of work they want to specialize in. This guide to the main areas of legal practice will help trainees get more of an idea.
Civil Law
This involves non-criminal disputes that are between private parties, whether that’s organisations or individuals, which are brought before a judge. The judge looks at the obligations and rights of each party before awarding compensation. Civil law covers tort family, property and contract law, and civil lawyers spend their time liaising with clients, representing them in court, drafting legal documents and looking at points of law. Most law firms in the UK will employ a range of lawyers who can represent a wide range of clients, and if you’re looking for a London law firm, experts such as www.forsters.co.uk/ can provide advice on different legal matters.
Corporate Law
Lawyers working in corporate law are focused on directors’ and shareholders’ rights, articles of association and public listing of companies, as well as their incorporation or delisting.
Criminal Law
Criminal behaviour which is tried in a court of law is covered by criminal law. It can involve small cases such as shoplifting through to more serious offences like rape and murder. If you’re a public practitioner, you work for the Crown Prosecution Service, while a private practitioner’s role is to represent the defence. Criminal law can also include international laws for issues like money laundering and terrorism. Solicitors work in a variety of organisations, including private practice, central government, legal departments within companies, law centres and the Crown Prosecution Service.
Employment Law
Employment law involves the legal relationship between employers and employees, with legislative focus usually on areas like redundancy and dismissal, discrimination, data protection and working hours.
Family Law
This law covers a wide range of issues like parental responsibility, domestic violence, same-sex parenting and property and finances upon divorce. It requires good communication skills and empathy, as you are dealing with clients’ personal matters.
