Whether you’re a training solicitor wondering what to specialise in, or are a member of the public currently facing legal issues, you may be curious to the different areas of the law.
Depending on what area of the law an issue falls into, you may need to either consult a specialist or plan your career path towards specialist training. If you’re a budding solicitor, it depends where your passions or skills lie.
Understanding the diverse areas of law is essential in any case, and fortunately legal offices such as THB Solicitors Ipswich employ solicitors with various specialisms and expertise. So you know if you speak to them, you’ll be pointed in the right direction. Many solicitors’ offices have branches across a county or multiple counties, so you can find help and advice locally.
Each area of the law has its own set of rules, regulations, and complexities. So to help you understand these different areas better, here’s an introduction to several different areas of law…
Family Law
Family law encompasses legal matters such as family relationships, which includes marriage and divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence.
Solicitors in this specialism will help clients navigate through some highly emotional issues. Family disputes can be complex, but with the right guidance, representation, and the possibility of mediation, a solution can be found in court via sometimes extensive negotiations.
Criminal Law
Criminal law covers every kind of offence from theft to assault and murder. Solicitors who practise criminal law will represent individuals that are accused of committing one of these criminal offences.
Solicitors will ensure the accused rights are protectedthroughout the legal process. They will also provide legal advice, prepare a defence strategy, and represent their client in court. If innocent, they will work to defend against the prosecution accusations and evidence in order to free their client. If pleading guilty, they will work to try and minimise the sentencing.
Employment Law
Employment law protects both employers and employees, andgoverns their relationship. This area of law covers issues such as contracts, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and workplace health and safety.
Solicitors with employment law expertise can advise both employers and employees on their rights and obligationsshould any issues come up. They may mediate disputes and represent clients in an employment tribunal.
Property Law
Property law deals with legal matters related to property (real estate). This includes buying, selling, leasing, and renting property. It can also cover things such as building new property or extensions and the permission required, as well as any potential complications that could arise.
As dealing with property likely means dealing with large amounts of money or value, it’s important to have a specialist guide and assist you through what can be a highly complex and sometimes risky process.
Solicitors will make sure transactions are done properly, contracts are legally binding and all other legal requirements are followed properly.
Not just limited to purchases and transactions, property solicitors can help with disputes related to property ownership, land boundaries, and mediate landlord-tenant issues.
Property solicitors will deal with both personal/family properties, as well as commercial buildings.
Commercial Law
Commercial law refers to business matters, whether that’s transactions or activities. This could involve contracts, partnerships, mergers, acquisitions, and intellectual property rights.
Commercial law solicitors help provide legal advice and representation to businesses of all sizes. This helps businesses to navigate complex legal issues surrounding business and additional things like property, employment, and tax.Basically, commercial solicitors help keep businesses out of trouble, preventing them from accidentally breaking any lawsand so on.
Commercial solicitors may also specialise in commercial litigation which involves resolving disputes between businesses or individuals through legal proceedings. These disputes might relate to contract issues, debt recovery, shareholder concerns or breach of fiduciary duties.
Immigration Law
When immigrants enter and reside in a new country such as the UK, they need someone to offer advice and stand up for their rights.
Solicitors who specialise in immigration law assist foreign individuals and families with visa and citizenship applications, asylum claims, residency permits, and deportation proceedings. This ensures immigrants can safely and legally start a new life in a new country.
Wills and Probate
Specialists in this area of the law help individuals write wills and then follow those wishes after a person dies. They may also help with the creation of trusts and acquiring probate, which is the legal right to deal with someone’s property, money, and possessions (aka their estate) after they die.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of different areas of law, and having a basic understanding of each of them is useful to know in life. Remember, whatever your circumstances, you can always arrange an initial chat with a legal advisor to find out more.
