Lawyers are incredibly beneficial to society as a whole. They guide individuals and businesses in the decisions they make, they advocate for those who need justice, they hold their clients accountable to the laws of society, and they help make the laws clear to those living under them.

Most people will need to work with a lawyer or attorney at least a time or two when they get into legal trouble, need to navigate a certain decision-making process, or want advice or a courtroom advocate.

1. Personal Injury and Workers Compensation Lawyers

Personal injury lawyers help individuals after certain types of accidents that leave individuals chronically injured. It is always best to hire personal injury lawyers as soon as possible following an accident because they can help individuals through all of the confusing steps of dealing with insurance companies or settling with those responsible for the accident.

Personal injury lawyers can help with the following concerns among many others:

• Automobile accidents;
• Medical malpractice;
• Assault and battery, and
• Slander and libel.

Workers compensation lawyers provide similar services but mainly work with individuals who have been injured at work. This type of lawyer can help workers cash in on the benefits that they have been promised or hash out a settlement with the employer. Also, one can represent the employee at a hearing or trial.

A personal injury or workers compensation lawyer should be licensed to practice in the state of injury, should have a good trial record, and should have a clean disciplinary record.

2. Criminal Defense and DUI Attorneys

A criminal defense lawyer or public defender represents an individual or organization that has been accused of a crime. These crimes may range in scope and seriousness but could include such crimes as domestic violence, homicide, or DUI.

Under United States law, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. A good criminal defense attorney will build up a case of innocence for his or her client, so that guilt cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. In the U.S., all those accused of crimes have the right to work with a defense attorney.

A DUI attorney is specifically versed in defending individuals who have been accused of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These legal representatives will explain the charges as well as the options for dealing with the charges to the client while also representing the client in court as necessary. He or she may be able to advocate for a lighter sentence.

It is vital to choose a criminal defense lawyer or a DUI attorney who has a good track record of successfully defending clients. To help in the process of deciding, many offer free face-to-face interviews.

3. Family and Divorce Lawyers

Family law can include:

• Marriage, divorce, and annulment;
• Child custody;
• Adoption and guardianship, and;
• Alimony and child support.

Not only can these lawyers help individuals dissolve their marriages, set up custody rights and visitation times, and determine spousal and child support amounts, but they can represent these individuals to resolve disputes through mediation rather than litigation whenever possible. Individuals should be sure to search for family lawyers who practice in the county where the case will be filed.

A divorce lawyer is one type of family lawyer who is particularly invaluable when individuals wish to dissolve their marriage. Whether the divorce is contentious or not, this can be a rough time as the couple must split up their assets and come to an understanding about child custody when applicable. Although some couples believe they can work through a divorce on their own, a lawyer can help with the administrative aspects of the decision and can provide support in contentious situations.

4. Real Estate and Estate Lawyers

A real estate lawyer deals with property of all types whether personal or corporate. This professional can deal with mortgages, buyouts, closings, purchase agreements, titles, deeds, and real estate transfers. Many times, these jobs are cut-and-dry, but they require someone experienced in the real estate laws of the state and county to ensure that the matter is handled correctly. Other times, the lawyer handles disputes between two parties who claim to own the same property or who cannot come to terms on purchase agreements.

On the other hand, an estate lawyer deals with all types of assets rather than just tangible property. He or she can help with wills, trusts, and estate planning to determine what will happen to properties, investments, personal possessions, and other assets when a person passes away.

The best way to find a quality real estate or estate lawyer is to ask for suggestions from local family and friends, to contact the state’s bar association, and to check reviews. Additionally, individuals will want to select a lawyer who specializes in their particular needs whether that is residential or commercial real estate, trust law, or probate law.

Conclusion

Because there are so many different types of lawyers, individuals will want to research what each one does and what each type of lawyer specializes in long before they need to work with a legal professional. These four types of lawyers are among the most common and can help individuals who have been injured, who have been accused of breaking the law, who are going through a tough time personally, or who want to make long-lasting financial decisions.