15 Types of Lawyers List: Attorney Specialties & Examples

Written by Aaron R. Winston
Last Updated: March 20, 2024 6:15am CDT

When legal issues arise, finding the correct type of lawyer is critical for getting the guidance you need and achieving the best possible outcome.

Doing so is easier said than done, as roles in the legal profession are vast.

Just as there are different kinds of doctors with various specialties, so too do lawyers in the field of law.

Whether you are seeking legal assistance in the form of a free consultation or a recent law school graduate deciding on a career path, understanding the different kinds of lawyers can be incredibly beneficial.

In this article, we’ll explore the 15 most common types of lawyers you may come across in the legal landscape.

So without further ado, let’s get started.

What Types of Lawyers Are There?

We will begin with a list of the different types of lawyers you can find among the more than 1.3 million attorney population in the United States:

Types of Lawyers

• Family Lawyer
• Criminal Defense Lawyer
• Personal Injury Lawyer
• Corporate Lawyer
• Immigration Lawyer
• Intellectual Property Lawyer
• Estate Planning Lawyer
• Bankruptcy Lawyer
• Civil Litigation Lawyer
• Real Estate Lawyer
• Entertainment Lawyer
• Tax Lawyer
• Employment Lawyer
• Social Security Disability Lawyer
• Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Whether you’re dealing with a contract dispute, facing criminal charges, or simply needing advice on estate planning, a legal expert is ready to assist.

Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the roles, responsibilities, and expertise of each of these critical legal professionals.

Family Lawyer

A family lawyer is a type of attorney who specializes in family law issues and handles various legal matters concerning close relatives. This legal practice often involves sensitive subjects.

Family lawyers must be skilled in navigating complex personal and emotional issues while also providing legal guidance and representation.

What Do Family Lawyers Do?

Family lawyers specialize in a range of family legal matters and cases, including:

• Divorce and Separation: Assist with the dissolution of marriage and related agreements.
• Child Custody and Visitation: Negotiate custody arrangements and visitation schedules.
• Child Support: Establish and enforce child support orders.
• Spousal Support: Address alimony or maintenance post-divorce.
• Property Division: Help divide assets and debts during a divorce.
• Domestic Violence: Represent victims or those accused of domestic violence in court.
• Adoption and Guardianship: Facilitate the legal process of adopting a child or establishing guardianship.
• Paternity: Determine and dispute paternity issues.
• Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements: Draft and enforce agreements made before or after marriage.
• Juvenile Law: Matters involving minors, including juvenile delinquency and dependency cases.

Family lawyers may also provide counsel on matters such as reproductive rights, same-sex marriage, and international family law.

They must stay current with the changing family law legislation to ensure their client’s best interests are represented within the bounds of the law.

How Much Do Family Lawyers Make?

The average family lawyer salary in the United States is $93,882 per year in 2024.

Notable Family Law Attorneys

• Brett S. Ward: Co-chair of Blank Rome LLP’s Matrimonial and Family Law practice in New York, NY. Mr. Ward is highly regarded for his expertise in complex family law cases, including custody and divorce matters.
  He is recognized for his skillful litigation and negotiation, contributing significantly to his reputation as a leading family lawyer. Mr. Ward is included in the 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Family Lawyers list.
• Beth F. McCormack: An Equity Partner at Beermann LLP, Beth McCormack focuses on family law and advocates for the well-being of children in divorce proceedings.
  As a Chicago-based lawyer, Ms. McCormack emphasizes mediation and collaborative law as tools for achieving amicable resolutions and is a recognized leader in her specialty.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

A criminal defense lawyer is a legal professional representing individuals charged with criminal conduct, working to protect their rights and build a strong defense.

Criminal lawyers navigate the complexities of the legal system and criminal cases, challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate on behalf of their clients in court to achieve the best possible outcome, whether it’s a dismissal, acquittal, or reduced sentence.

What Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Do?

Criminal defense lawyers specialize in defending and providing legal guidance to people charged with crimes, including the following types of criminal law matters:

• DUI/DWI: Defense against charges of driving under the influence or driving while impaired. An attorney who handles these claims is commonly called a DUI lawyer.
• Traffic Tickets: Avoid or reduce the severity of penalties clients face for traffic ticket violations, such as speeding, rolling stops, and failing to yield the right-of-way at a flashing red light.
• Drug Crimes: Representation for charges related to the possession, distribution, or manufacturing of illegal substances.
• Violent Crimes: Defense for individuals accused of assault, battery, domestic violence, or homicide.
• Theft and Burglary: Legal assistance for those charged with theft, larceny, burglary, or robbery.
• Sex Crimes: Defend against accusations of sexual assault, rape, or possession of illegal materials.
• White-Collar Crimes: Defense for non-violent crimes committed in commercial situations, such as fraud, embezzlement, or insider trading.
• Juvenile Defense: Specialized defense strategies for minors facing criminal charges in court.
• Appeals: Help with appealing convictions in hopes of overturning them or reducing the penalties.
• Probation Violations: Represent individuals accused of violating the terms of their probation.
• Expungement: Legal services to help clear or seal criminal records when possible.

How Much Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Make?

The average criminal defense lawyer salary in the United States is $102,634 per year in 2024.

Famous Criminal Defense Attorneys

Johnnie Cochran: A highly influential and revered attorney, Johnnie Cochran is known for his exceptional skill in high-profile criminal and civil cases.

He gained widespread recognition for his role as the lead defense attorney in the O.J. Simpson murder trial, where his compelling advocacy and strategic courtroom presence captivated the nation.

Cochran’s commitment to justice and civil rights made him a trailblazer in the legal profession, leaving an indelible mark on the field of law.

Personal Injury Lawyer

A personal injury lawyer is a type of civil lawyer who represents individuals in cases who have been physically or psychologically injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another person, company, government agency, or entity.

They primarily work to secure compensation for their clients’ injuries and losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Do Personal Injury Lawyers Do?

Personal injury lawyers represent and sue on behalf of injured and damaged plaintiffs for many common case types, including:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Represent individuals involved in accidents with a car, motorcycle, truck, and other types of vehicles.
• Workplace Injuries: Assistance with workers’ compensation claims and lawsuits related to injuries sustained on the job.
• Medical Malpractice: Represent patients in gross negligence cases harmed by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
• Slip and Fall Accidents: Legal help for injuries sustained on someone else’s property due to unsafe and negligent conditions, like on an apartment complex.
• Product Liability: Represent claimants in lawsuits against manufacturers, distributors, or retailers for injuries caused by defective or unsafe products.
• Wrongful Death: Represent families seeking justice and compensation for the death of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence.
• Assault, Battery, and Other Intentional Torts: Represent clients in legal action for injuries resulting from intentional harm rather than negligence.
• Defamation: Take legal action for clients who suffered harm to their reputation through libel or slander.
• Animal Bites: Seek compensation for victims of animal attacks, often involving dog bites.
• Toxic Tort: Represent people harmed by exposure to toxic substances, such as asbestos or hazardous chemicals.
• Birth Injuries: Bring claims for injuries suffered by newborns due to medical negligence during childbirth.

How Much Do Personal Injury Lawyers Make?

The average personal injury lawyer salary in the United States is $102,429 per year in 2024.

Prominent Personal Injury Lawyers

• Ben Crump: American attorney recognized nationally for his legal prowess and advocacy for social justice.
  Ben Crump has received numerous awards and is involved in various legal and community organizations. His work spans several practice areas, including civil rights, personal injury, and wrongful death. Crump represented the family of Ahmaud Arbery.
• W. Mark Lanier: Founder of The Lanier Law Firm, Mark Lanier has secured multiple high-value verdicts in personal injury cases, including a notable multiple billion dollar verdict against pharmaceutical giants like Johnson & Johnson (talcum powder lawsuit).
  His expertise and success in litigation have made him a well-known figure in the legal community.
• John Morgan: Leading attorney at Morgan & Morgan, America’s largest personal injury law firm, John Morgan has built a reputation for representing clients in a wide range of personal injury cases.
  The firm’s extensive involvement in various cases and commitment to its advertised “only pay if we win” has made it a significant nationwide presence in the field.

Corporate Lawyer

A corporate lawyer specializes in corporate and business law. They focus on advising companies on their legal rights, responsibilities, and obligations and handle various legal tasks.

Their duties include drafting contracts, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and regulatory compliance.

What Do Corporate Lawyers Do?

Corporate lawyers work with businesses of all sizes, navigating complex legal issues to ensure that companies operate within the bounds of the law, including:

• Corporate Governance: Advise companies on the structure and functioning of the board of directors and ensure compliance with corporate charters and bylaws.
• Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Negotiate and draft agreements for the sale or purchase of companies and Conduct due diligence to assess legal risks.
• Securities Law Compliance: Assist with the issuance of stocks and bonds. Adhere to SEC regulations and make required filings.
• Contract Law: Draft, review, and negotiate business contracts and advise clients in breach of contract disputes.
• Tax Law: Advise entities on corporate tax planning and compliance.
• International Business Law: Assist with international trade agreements and foreign investments. Responsible for compliance with international laws and regulations.
• Environmental Law: Ensure that business practices comply with environmental regulations. Advise on sustainability initiatives and green business practices.
• Bankruptcy and Restructuring: Provide counsel on debt management and insolvency processes. Assist with restructuring corporate debts and operations.

How Much Do Corporate Lawyers Make?

The average corporate lawyer salary in the United States is $108,516 per year in 2024.

Famous Corporate Lawyers

• H. Rodgin Cohen: A partner at Sullivan & Cromwell in New York, Cohen is renowned for his work in the financial sector, including his involvement in high-profile deals and bank failures.
  Cohen’s expertise in regulatory and internal investigations of financial institutions has earned him legendary status among corporate lawyers.
• Betsy Holden: A former co-CEO of Kraft Foods. After her tenure at Kraft Foods, she joined McKinsey & Company as a senior advisor, leveraging her extensive experience in corporate leadership and legal expertise to guide the firm and its clients.
• Jeff Skilling: A former CEO of Enron. Skilling is a notable figure with a background in corporate law.
  His tenure at Enron was marked by significant achievements and controversies that led to profound changes in corporate governance and regulatory practices in the United States.

Immigration Lawyer

An immigration lawyer specializes in laws and regulations concerning immigration issues. They provide legal advice and representation to individuals, families, and businesses navigating the complexities of immigration law.

Their expertise is essential for ensuring compliance with the legal requirements of moving to or remaining in a country, dealing with visas, and resolving immigration-related disputes.

What Do Immigration Lawyers Do?

Immigration lawyers specialize in and assist clients with a variety of immigration-related legal matters, including:

• Visa Applications: Give guidance on various types of visas, such as work, student, and family-based visas.
• Green Cards: Help clients obtain permanent residency status.
• Citizenship: Help clients become citizens through the naturalization process.
• Deportation Defense: Represent clients in deportation or removal proceedings.
• Asylum and Refugee Status: Help individuals and families seeking protection from persecution or fear of persecution in their home country.
• Immigration Appeals: Handle appeals on immigration rulings.
• Employment for Non-Citizens: Advise people on work authorization and employment-related immigration issues.
• Family-Based Immigration: Assist with writing and filing petitions for relatives to immigrate.
• Adjustment of Status: Help clients transition from a temporary to a permanent resident status.
• Consular Processing: Help people apply for visas abroad through a U.S. consulate.
• Immigration Compliance: Provide counsel to employers on how to comply with immigration laws and regulations, specifically about hiring practices.

How Much Do Immigration Lawyers Make?

The average immigration lawyer salary in the United States is $89,091 per year in 2024.

Notable Immigration Lawyers

• Kate Kalmykov: Recognized as a Lawdragon 500 leading lawyers honoree.Kate Kalmykov of Greenberg Traurig stands out for her commitment to opening doors and borders for businesses, organizations, and individuals seeking new opportunities.
  Her work highlights the essential role of immigration lawyers.
• Ignacio Donoso: Founder and managing attorney of Donoso & Partners. Ignacio Donoso is celebrated for his expertise in business immigration law. He has worked with investors, technology companies, and academics.
  Mr. Donoso has over 20 years of experience and a strong track record of helping clients navigate the U.S. and Canadian visa systems.
• Bernard Wolfsdorf: American immigration lawyer and former President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Born in South Africa, Mr. Wolfsdorf specializes in many immigration areas.
  He has over 25 years of experience as a law specialist and is based in Los Angeles.

Intellectual Property Lawyer

An intellectual property (IP) lawyer specializes in the legal protection of inventions, designs, trade secrets, and artistic works. They ensure that individuals and companies gain and maintain exclusive rights to their creative endeavors and innovations.

What Do Intellectual Property Lawyers Do?

Intellectual property lawyers assist individuals and businesses in matters related to intellectual property, including the following specialties:

• Patent Law: Assist clients in obtaining patents to protect inventions and handling patent infringement cases.
• Trademark Law: Help clients register trademarks for brand identity elements such as logos and slogans and deal with trademark infringement.
• Copyright Law: Ensure clients’ literary and artistic works are legally protected and pursue copyright infringement cases.
• Trade Secret Law: Advise clients on how to protect confidential business information from competitors.
• Licensing: Assist in drafting and negotiating licensing agreements to allow others to use IP in exchange for royalties or other compensation.

Roles of IP Attorneys

• Legal Advice: Provide expert legal advice on protecting and enforcing IP rights.
• Registration and Application: Guiding clients through the complex IP registration and application process.
• Litigation: Represent clients in court or dispute resolution proceedings related to IP issues.
• IP Strategy: Help clients develop strategies to monetize and manage their IP assets effectively.
• Compliance and Due Diligence: Ensure clients comply with IP laws and conduct due diligence concerning IP during mergers and acquisitions.

How Much Do Intellectual Property Lawyers Make?

The average intellectual property lawyer salary in the United States is $199,306 per year in 2024.

Prominent Intellectual Property Lawyers

• Barton Showalter: A Partner in the Intellectual Property Department at Baker Botts L.L.P.. Mr. Showalter’s practice emphasizes patent litigation and post-grant proceedings. Mr. Showalter, based in Dallas, Texas, has over 30 years of experience.
• Heidi Keefe: A Partner and member of the Board of Directors at Cooley LLP. She has litigated more than 100 patent cases across the United States. Keefe’s expertise particularly stands out in the tech and science domains.
• Bradford G. Addison, Ph.D.: Now retired, Bradford Addison was co-chair of the Barnes & Thornburg Life Sciences group. He successfully litigated over 10,000 original and complex patent cases.
  His legal understanding and a Ph.D. in pharmacology uniquely position him to handle cutting-edge science and technology innovations.

Estate Planning Lawyer

An estate planning lawyer is a legal professional specializing in preparing legal documentation and providing advice on distributing a person’s assets after death.

They ensure that an individual’s final wishes are honored and that the transfer of assets is smooth, tax-efficient, and in accordance with the law.

What Do Estate Planning Lawyers Do?

Estate planning lawyers help clients create customized estate plans, including:

• Drafting Wills and Trusts: Create legal documents that dictate how assets should be handled after the client’s death.
• Estate Tax Planning: Advise individuals and couples on minimizing estate taxes and ensuring compliance with tax laws.
• Establishing Powers of Attorney: Prepare directives that grant someone else the authority to make decisions on the client’s behalf if they are unable to do so.
• Healthcare Directives: Draft living wills and other directives related to healthcare decisions, such as a Medical Power of Attorney form.
• Guardianship Designations: Help clients choose appropriate guardians for minor children or dependents with special needs.
• Charitable Planning: Assist with integrating charitable giving into the estate plan.
• Business Succession Planning: Advise business owners on how to pass on ownership and control of their company.
• Asset Protection: Guide clients on how to protect assets from creditors, lawsuits, or divorces.
• Document Review and Update: Check that all client estate planning documents are up-to-date and reflect current laws and personal circumstances.
• Probate Process: Assist with the probate process with the inheritors, which is the court-supervised distribution of an estate.
• Conflict Resolution: Act as a mediator to resolve disputes among or between beneficiaries and the estate.

Estate planning lawyers play a crucial role in helping individuals plan for the future, providing peace of mind that their wishes will be respected and their loved ones will be taken care of.

How Much Do Estate Lawyers Make?

The average estate lawyer salary in the United States is $165,095 per year in 2024.

Notable Estate Planning Lawyers

• Michael Yee: Founder of Yee Law Group in Sacramento, California. Michael Yee’s practice focuses on estate planning, asset protection, and probate law. He has earned a reputation for providing exceptional legal representation and guidance in estate planning matters.
• Gerry W. Beyer: Professor Beyer is a renowned expert in estate planning and teaches courses on wills, trusts, and estate administration at Texas Tech University School of Law, where he joined the faculty in June 2005.
• Gideon Rothschild: Senior Counsel at Moses Singer. As a well-respected estate planning attorney, Gideon Rothschild is known for his asset protection and international estate planning expertise.
  He is a sought-after speaker and has authored numerous estate planning and taxation articles.

Bankruptcy Lawyer

A bankruptcy lawyer specializes in the laws that pertain to the bankruptcy process.

These legal professionals are skilled in helping clients navigate the complex process of declaring bankruptcy, including preparing and filing bankruptcy petitions, representing clients in court, and providing guidance on the financial and legal implications of bankruptcy.

What Do Bankruptcy Lawyers Do?

Bankruptcy lawyers assist clients with the bankruptcy process, including:

• Advising on Eligibility: Determine the type of bankruptcy (Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 13) clients can file based on their financial situation.
• Asset Protection: Help clients understand which assets can be protected from creditors during the bankruptcy process.
• Debt Discharge Analysis: Evaluate which debts can be discharged and which may remain after the bankruptcy proceeding.
• Legal Representation: Represent clients in all bankruptcy-related hearings and negotiations with creditors.
• Financial Planning: Assist clients in planning for a financially stable future post-bankruptcy filing.

Bankruptcy lawyers often offer specialized knowledge for individuals or businesses, tailoring their services to the unique needs of their clients.

Their expertise is crucial in ensuring clients make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcome in a bankruptcy case.

How Much Do Bankruptcy Lawyers Make?

The average bankruptcy lawyer salary in the United States is $102,634 per year in 2024.

Prominent Bankruptcy Lawyers

• Thomas Lauria: A highly regarded bankruptcy attorney with more than 30 years of experience, Thomas Lauria is recognized for his extensive work in restructuring over $100 billion of debt.
  Mr. Lauria has represented clients in high-profile bankruptcies, including acquiring Six Flags.
• Philip Anker: As the co-chair of the Bankruptcy and Financial Restructuring Practice Group, Philip Anker is an experienced bankruptcy litigator with over 30 years of practice.
  He has been recognized as one of the “Best Lawyers” in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law since 2005. His achievements include successful Chapter 11 reorganization proceedings for Startec Global Communications.

Civil Litigation Lawyer

A civil litigation lawyer, often called a litigator or trial attorney, specializes in representing clients at trial during non-criminal legal disputes. These disputes can involve issues such as personal injury, employment, real estate, and more.

What Do Civil Litigation Lawyers Do?

Lawyers who litigate civil law cases specialize in assisting clients in a broad range of disputes, including:

• Personal Injury: Advocate for clients injured due to another’s negligence.
• Employment Law: Handle cases involving workplace issues such as discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination.
• Family Law: Deal with legal matters and attend hearings for divorce, child custody, and support cases.
• Business Litigation: Resolve disputes between businesses or between businesses and individuals, including contract disputes and intellectual property claims.
• Real Estate: Litigate cases about land, real property ownership, landlord-tenant issues, and zoning laws.
• Environmental Law: Represent cases involving environmental issues and regulations.

Roles of Civil Litigation Lawyers

• Case Assessment: Analyze the facts to determine the legal merits of a case.
• Pleadings: Draft and file the necessary documents with courts to initiate or respond to a lawsuit.
• Discovery: Gather evidence through depositions and subpoenas.
• Pre-Trial Preparation: Prepare for trial by formulating a legal strategy, preparing witnesses, and organizing evidence.
• Negotiation & Mediation: Attempt to settle out of court to avoid the costs and risks of trial.
• Trial: Represent clients in court, presenting evidence, and arguing before a judge or jury.
• Appeal: If necessary, seek to reverse a trial outcome through the appeals process.

The ultimate goal for a civil trial lawyer is to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients, whether through negotiation and settlement or by winning a court case.

How Much Do Civil Litigation Lawyers Make?

The average civil litigation lawyer salary in the United States is $171,226 per year in 2024.

Prominent Civil Litigation Lawyers

• Anne Bremner: An accomplished American litigator and television personality, Anne Bremner is a prominent figure in the legal community.
  She has defended law enforcement in several high-profile civil rights cases and is a regular contributing legal analyst on various TV networks.
• Gloria Allred: Known for her work in women’s rights and civil rights law, Gloria Allred has been involved in high-profile civil litigation cases, representing clients in cases related to gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and other civil rights violations.
  Allred represented multiple victims in Bill Cosby’s sexual assault cases.
• David Boies: Chairman of Boies Schiller Flexner LLP. With a distinguished career in civil litigation, David Boies has been involved in many high-profile cases, including antitrust, intellectual property, and commercial litigation.
• Faith E. Gay: Founding Partner at Selendy Gay PLLC. A resident of New York City with more than 30 years of experience, Faith E. Gay is a distinguished litigator who has handled a wide range of lawsuits.
  She is recognized for her legal acumen and client advocacy in high-stakes cases.

Real Estate Lawyer

A real estate lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in matters related to property, from transactions to disputes. They assist clients in navigating the complex legal landscape of buying, selling, leasing, and developing real estate.

This type of attorney ensures that all documents and procedures comply with state and federal laws and protect their client’s interests throughout the process.

What Do Real Estate Lawyers Do?

A real estate lawyer advises clients in a broad range of land and property legal matters, including:

• Transaction Assistance: Draft and review purchase agreements and manage closing processes.
• Title and Ownership Issues: Conduct title searches, resolve disputes, and advise on joint ownership structures.
• Land Use and Zoning: Provide legal advice on zoning laws, obtain permits, and represent clients in land use hearings.
• Construction Law: Draft construction contracts, resolve contractor disputes, and handle mechanic’s liens.
• Real Estate Litigation: Represent clients in lawsuits, litigate breach of contract cases for real estate, and boundary and easement disputes.
• Real Estate Financing: Advise clients on mortgage and financing options and help navigate foreclosure proceedings.

Real estate lawyers work closely with other professionals, such as realtors, inspectors, and lenders, to ensure that their clients’ real estate transactions and investments are legally sound and their rights are protected.

How Much Do Real Estate Lawyers Make?

The average real estate lawyer salary in the United States is $163,780 per year in 2024.

Prominent Real Estate Lawyers

• Robert J. Ivanhoe: Senior Chairman of the Global Real Estate Practice at Greenberg Traurig. Robert J. Ivanhoe is a prominent real estate attorney based in New York and has experience in commercial real estate transactions, joint ventures, and financing.
• Adam Leitman Bailey: Founder of Adam Leitman Bailey, P.C. Adam Leitman Bailey is a prominent American real estate attorney known for his expertise in real estate litigation and transactions.
  He has received numerous legal awards and has been involved in high-profile residential and commercial real estate cases throughout his career. Leitman Bailey received the AV Preeminent peer rating category from Martindale Hubbell.

Entertainment Lawyer

An entertainment lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in the laws concerning the entertainment industry.

They provide legal guidance to individuals and companies engaged in all areas of entertainment, such as film, music, television, theater, publishing, digital media, and sports.

What Do Entertainment Lawyers Do?

Entertainment lawyers represent a variety of entertainment professionals, including actors, record producers, musicians, and other performers, in the following matters:

• Contract Negotiation: Negotiate deals and contracts on behalf of their clients, helping to secure favorable terms and conditions for employment, distribution, and other agreements.
• Intellectual Property: Advise and take measures to protect their client’s copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, safeguarding against unauthorized use.
• Litigation: Represent their clients in court or in arbitration, defending their rights and interests.
• Business Formation and Advice: Assist with the legal side of forming and running a business within the entertainment industry. These tasks include incorporating an LLC and constructing partnership agreements.
• Regulatory Compliance: Advise their clients on legal compliance issues in the entertainment industry, such as labor laws and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules.
• Financing and Investments: They offer advice on financing projects and can help negotiate investment deals for productions or companies.

By providing these services, entertainment lawyers play a crucial role in the success and protection of entertainers and entertainment companies.

How Much Do Entertainment Lawyers Make?

The average entertainment lawyer salary in the United States is $100,626 per year in 2024.

Famous Entertainment Lawyers

• Marty Singer: Considered to be one of Hollywood’s most widely recognized and wealthy attorneys, Martin D. Singer is a prominent entertainment lawyer.
  Born in Brooklyn, Singer has represented many high-profile clients in the entertainment industry, including top actors, athletes, and musicians, such as golfer Tiger Woods and singer Britney Spears.
  Since graduating from law school in 1977, Singer has been involved in various legal aspects of entertainment law, including contract negotiations and intellectual property rights.
• Patricia Glaser: Partner and Chair of the Litigation Department at Glaser Weil. Patricia Glaser is a highly respected entertainment lawyer with extensive experience in representing major entertainment companies, production studios, and individual artists.
  She is known for her work in high-stakes litigation and complex entertainment industry negotiations.

Tax Lawyer

A tax lawyer is a type of attorney who specializes in the complex and technical field of tax law. They are experts in the legal aspects of taxation and provide a wide range of services to individual and corporate clients.

Their primary role is to assist clients in navigating the complexities of tax law, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing legal advice on tax-related matters.

What Do Tax Lawyers Do?

Tax lawyers can specialize in various areas within the field of tax law, including but not limited to:

• Corporate Tax Law: Advise businesses on their tax obligations, helping with the structuring of companies to optimize tax efficiency and assisting with corporate tax filings.
• International Tax Law: Handle tax issues that arise with international transactions, including the tax implications of doing business across borders and foreign tax credits.
• Estate and Gift Tax Law: Advise clients on estate planning, wills, and trusts to minimize estate and gift taxes. They also guide executors through the probate process.
• Tax Controversy: Represent clients in disputes with tax authorities such as the IRS or state tax agencies, including audits, appeals, and litigation.
• Tax Compliance: Ensure clients meet all tax filing requirements, including preparing tax returns and necessary documentation.
• Sales Tax Law: Advise businesses on sales tax liability and compliance, including the collection, remission, and dispute resolution related to state and local sales tax.

Tax lawyers are an invaluable resource for anyone facing complicated tax issues or seeking to ensure compliance with the myriad of tax laws and regulations. Their expertise can save clients time, money, and legal problems.

How Much Do Tax Lawyers Make?

The average tax lawyer salary in the United States is $133,948 per year in 2024.

Notable Tax Lawyers

• Bryan C. Skarlatos: Partner at Kostelanetz LLP and Adjunct Professor at New York University School of Law. Bryan C. Skarlatos is a distinguished tax attorney with more than 35 years of experience representing clients in civil and criminal tax matters.
  He has been involved in high-profile tax cases and is recognized for his knowledge of tax law and litigation.
• Robert E. McKenzie: An experienced tax lawyer at Saul Ewing in Chicago. Robert E. McKenzie specializes in representing individuals and businesses before the IRS.
  McKenzie is recognized as an authority on tax-related issues and has appeared on national news stations, including shows like NBC’s Datelines.

Employment Lawyer

An employment lawyer specializes in legal matters related to the workplace and labor laws.

They assist clients by providing legal advice and representation in cases involving employment disputes, negotiating employment contracts, discrimination in the workplace, and wrongful termination.

Employment lawyers also help people understand their rights as employees and navigate complex legal processes to seek fair treatment and compensation in the workplace.

What Do Employment Lawyers Do?

Some of the specialties of employment lawyers include:

• Equal Opportunity Employment Commission (EEOC) Claims: Represent clients who were discriminated against based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected statuses and bring EEOC claims.
• Sexual Harassment: Bring claims on behalf of employees who are victims of sexual harassment while on the job. Provide legal representation to employees seeking justice for affected employees.
• Wrongful Termination: Assist individuals who have been unlawfully terminated from their jobs. They navigate the legal process to hold employers accountable for illegal firing practices.
• Contract Negotiation and Review: Help clients navigate employment contracts, ensuring that the terms are fair and in compliance with labor laws. They negotiate contract terms and review agreements to protect the interests of employees.
• Wage and Hour Disputes: Represent clients in cases about unpaid wages, overtime violations, and other wage and hour issues. Employment lawyers advocate for fair compensation and adherence to labor laws.
• Family and Medical Leave: Assist employees in understanding and enforcing their rights to family and medical leave, ensuring employers comply with relevant laws and provide necessary accommodations.
• Workplace Safety: Handle claims related to workplace safety violations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
• Disability Accommodations: Handle cases of ADA violations and the denial of reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities.

How Much Do Employment Lawyers Make?

The average employment attorney salary in the United States is $96,555 per year in 2024.

Notable Employment Lawyers

• Elisha Barron: Partner at Susman Godfrey in New York. Elisha Barron is a highly accomplished attorney who has played a pivotal role in securing over $1 billion in jury verdicts and settlements.
  One notable employment law case involved her acting as legal counsel for an individual in a private AAA arbitration against a previous employer for discriminatory practices.
• Michael J. Gottlieb: Partner in the Litigation Department and a member of the Executive Committee at Wilkie Farr & Gallagher LLP in Washington, DC.
  An experienced trial lawyer, Michael Gottlieb, obtained a $148.1 million jury award for two election workers in Fulton County, Georgia, defamed by Rudy Guliani. He represented these two plaintiffs pro bono in December 2023.

Social Security Disability Lawyer

A Social Security disability lawyer specializes in helping individuals navigate the complex process of applying for and obtaining Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits from the government.

These lawyers provide valuable assistance to individuals who cannot work due to a disability and help them access the benefits they are entitled to.

What Do Social Security Disability Lawyers Do?

Some of the specialties and roles of a Social Security disability lawyer include:

• Application Assistance: Social Security disability lawyers help individuals with the initial application process, ensuring that all necessary documentation is completed accurately and efficiently.
• Medical Evidence Gathering: They assist in gathering medical evidence to support the disability claim, working closely with healthcare providers to ensure all relevant documentation is obtained.
• Hearing Representation: Social Security disability lawyers represent their clients at administrative law judge hearings, presenting the case and advocating for the client’s right to obtain benefits.
• Appeals Representation: If an initial application of a client gets denied, SSDI lawyers can represent individuals filing for disability in the appeals process. They advocate for their client’s rights and increase the chances of a successful appeal.

Social Security disability lawyers play a crucial role in helping individuals with disabilities secure the financial support they need to maintain their quality of life.

How Much Do Social Security Disability Lawyers Make?

The average social security disability lawyer salary in the United States is $119,097 per year in 2024.

Prominent Social Security Disability Lawyers

• Frank N. Darras: Founding Partner of DarrasLaw. Frank N. Darras, practicing in Ontario, California, is a prominent long-term disability lawyer who has made significant contributions to the field of disability law.
• Eric C. Conn: Disbarred disability lawyer and convicted felon. Eric Christopher Conn is best known for his leading role in orchestrating the largest Social Security fraud scheme in United States history, which cost the U.S. taxpayer $550 million.
  Eric Conn’s story has been the subject of documentaries, podcasts, and media coverage.

Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

A workers’ compensation lawyer specializes in representing employees injured on the job and in workplace accidents. They help injured workers navigate the complex filing process for workers’ compensation benefits and protect their rights throughout the claim process.

What Do Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Do?

Workers’ compensation lawyers specialize in a range of areas related to workplace injuries, including:

• Claim Filing and Management: Assisting clients in filing initial workers’ compensation claims and managing the entire process.
• Appeals and Disputes: Representing clients in appeals and disputes related to denied or disputed workers’ compensation claims.
• Medical Evidence Evaluation: Assess medical evidence to support the client’s claim for benefits.
• Negotiation and Settlement: Negotiate with employers and insurance companies to secure fair settlements for injured workers.
• Third-Party Liability: Pursue compensation from third parties, such as equipment manufacturers or subcontractors, whose negligence contributed to the workplace injury.

These specialists are well-versed in labor laws and deeply understand the intricacies of workers’ compensation claims.

How Much Do Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Make?

The average workers’ compensation lawyer salary in the United States is $171,288 per year in 2024.

Prominent Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Kim C. Smith: Managing Attorney, Workers’ Compensation at Bailey & Galyen. Kim C. Smith has over 20 years of experience as a Workers’ Comp. attorney in Texas and is admitted to the Oklahoma and Texas state Bars.

In Summary About the Different Kinds of Lawyers

In the diverse field of law, there are many types of lawyers, each specializing in their unique areas of expertise. Each of these lawyer types plays a crucial role in the U.S. justice system, catering to the specific legal needs of their clients.

We hope you found this article helpful and are confident in its integrity, as the topic is relevant to our company experience at Express Legal Funding.

As a company, our staff has a long history of working and communicating with the various types of lawyers whose specialties and expertise are on the list.

We encourage you to read more of our expert content blog to learn about the field of law, including the top pros and cons of being a lawyer.

More about us: At Express Legal Funding, we are committed to providing transparent, fair, and fast pre-settlement funding to plaintiffs who have hired a lawyer to represent them and need financial assistance during their legal claim journey.

About the Author

Author profile

Aaron R. Winston

Strategy Director at Express Legal Funding | Author Website

Aaron Winston is the Strategy Director of Express Legal Funding. As "The Legal Funding Expert," Aaron has more than ten years of experience in the consumer finance industry. Most of which was as a consultant to a top financial advisory firm, managing 400+ million USD in client wealth. He is recognized as an expert author and researcher across multiple SEO industries.
Aaron Winston earned his title "The Legal Funding Expert" through authoritative articles and blog posts about legal funding. He specializes in expert content writing for pre-settlement funding and law firm blogs.
Each month, tens of thousands of web visitors read his articles and posts. Aaron's thoroughly researched guides are among the most-read lawsuit funding articles over the past year.
As Strategy Director of Express Legal Funding, Aaron has devoted thousands of hours to advocating for the consumer. His "it factor" is that he is a tireless and inventive thought leader who has made great strides by conveying his legal knowledge and diverse expertise to the public. More clients and lawyers understand the facts about pre-settlement funding because of Aaron's legal and financial service SEO mastery.
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He keeps an academic approach to business that improves the consumer's well-being. In early 2022, Aaron gained the Search Engine Optimization and the Google Ads LinkedIn skills assessment badges. He placed in the top 5% of those who took the SEO skills test assessment.
Aaron's company slogans and lawsuit funding company name are registered trademarks of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He has gained positive notoriety via interviews and case studies, which are a byproduct of his successes. Aaron R. Winston was featured in a smith.ai interview (2021) and a company growth case study (2022).
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Aaron was born in Lubbock, TX, where he spent the first eight years of his life. Aaron attended Akiba Academy of Dallas, TX.