Navigating the legal system alone can be a daunting task. It can be even more problematic when you don’t know what type of lawyer you need for your specific problem. There are a multitude of specialisations within the legal profession, and understanding the different types of lawyers can help you find the right expertise for your legal issue. Generally, law firms have multiple specialisations, and when you partner with a reputed firm, you can find lawyers for any and all your issues on one place, from business to family law, and even intellectual property lawyers in Sri Lanka.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the different types of lawyers you will find, and their areas of specialisation.
Corporate lawyers
Corporate lawyers, also known as business lawyers in Sri Lanka, assist companies and businesses and offer advice on their legal rights, responsibilities, and obligations. They handle a wide spectrum of legal matters on behalf of their clients, including mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, contracts, labour issues, and compliance with regulations related to certain industries.
They ensure that the business works and operates within the law, minimising legal risks and maximising opportunities.
Civil rights lawyers
Civil lawyers in Sri Lanka advocate for the protection of individual’s rights and liberties. They mainly handle cases involving discrimination, police misconduct, freedom of speech, and other similar civil rights violations. They work towards promoting social justice and to ensure that their clients’ rights are upheld in court. Usually, these civil litigation lawyers in Sri Lanka, handle arbitration and litigation on behalf of their clients.
Family lawyers
Family law encompasses a broad range of issues related to domestic relationships and family. They handle divorce cases, child custody and child support, alimony, adoption, and domestic violence. These lawyers will provide legal advice, mediate disputes, and represent their clients in a court of law if required. The difference in this specialisation is that these lawyers need to navigate emotionally charged situations, and their aim is to ensure best outcomes in the interest of their clients and the children involved.
Personal injury lawyers
If you have been physically or psychologically harmed due to someone else’s negligence or wilful act, then you will need the help of a personal injury attorney. These types of cases often involve vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, slip and fall accidents, etc. They work towards securing compensation for their clients in terms of medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering endured by them, and much more.
The fee structure in these types of cases is generally on contingency basis, where the attorney does not get paid unless there is a settlement.
Criminal defence lawyers
These attorneys specialise in representing those charged with criminal conduct. This can be both individuals and organisations. They handle minor offences such as traffic violations, as well as more serious crimes like murder, drug trafficking, and white-collar crimes. They need to ensure a fair trial for their clients, protecting the rights of the accused, and seeking to achieve the best possible outcome, through negotiations, pleas bargains or trial.
Employment lawyers
These legal representatives work on behalf of both employees and employers, in matters related to workplace right and responsibilities. Cases involving wrongful termination, harassment, discrimination, wage disputes and contract negotiations are handled by them. They also advice businesses regarding labour law compliance, assisting them with creating fair workplace policies.
Intellectual property lawyers
They specialise in protecting the rights of creators and inventors, handling issues related to patents, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets. They help their clients to secure legal protection for their creations and innovations, as well as to enforce their rights against infringements.
Environmental lawyers
These attorneys focus on issues related to environmental protection and conservation. They work on cases involving pollution, natural resource management, land use and climate change. They represent their clients in regulatory compliance, litigation and advocacy, and often work with government and non-profit organisations. They also work with private companies to promote sustainable practices and policies.
Bankruptcy lawyers
When individuals and businesses face financial distress and are seeking relief through bankruptcy proceedings, they need to engage the services of these attorneys. They will guide their clients through the intricate process of filing for bankruptcy, while working towards protecting their clients’ assets and help them to get a fresh start, through negotiations with creditors etc.
Real estate lawyers
Any and all legal matters related to real estate are handled by these attorneys, including buying, selling, leasing, and financing of real estate. Their activities include reviewing contracts and agreements, conducting title searches, and ensuring that all transactions comply with state and local laws. They may also represent clients in cases involving boundary disputes, zoning issues and landlord-tenant conflicts.
Entertainment lawyers
These attorneys-at-law represent clients related to the entertainment industry, including film, television, music and sports. They handle contracts negotiations, intellectual property rights, talent representation and dispute resolution. The entertainment industry generally involves very complex and high-stakes agreements, and these attorneys will help their clients navigate these complexities with ease.
Medical malpractice lawyers
If a patient has suffered harm due to the negligence or misconduct of a healthcare professional, they are generally represented by attorneys specialising in this area of expertise. Misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors etc are handled by them. They work towards securing compensation for their clients in terms of medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, while at the same time holding healthcare providers accountable for their actions or negligence.
Choosing the right lawyers can have a significant impact on the outcome of your legal battle, which is why it is important to understand the different types of lawyers out there, so that you can find the most suitable expertise for your case.
