Common Practice Areas, Explained

Lawyers tend to specialize, much like doctors. Asking a real estate attorney to handle a criminal charge would be like asking a dermatologist to set a broken bone. To find the right help, it pays to know which type of lawyer matches your situation. This page explains the most common practice areas in plain language so you can search and call with confidence.

Personal Injury

Personal injury lawyers help people who have been hurt because of someone else’s negligence, such as in car accidents, slip-and-falls, or unsafe conditions. These cases are frequently handled on a contingency fee, meaning the lawyer is paid from any recovery. If you have been injured in Florida and another party may be at fault, this is usually the right starting point.

Family Law

Family lawyers handle divorce, child custody and support, paternity, alimony, and related matters. Because these cases are personal and emotional, communication style and trust matter a great deal when choosing one.

Estate Planning and Probate

Estate planning attorneys prepare wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives so your wishes are honored. Probate lawyers handle the court process of settling an estate after someone passes away. Florida has its own probate procedures, so local experience is helpful.

Criminal Defense

Criminal defense lawyers represent people accused of crimes, from minor offenses to serious felonies. If you are charged with anything, talking to a defense attorney quickly is important, because early decisions can affect the whole case.

Real Estate Law

Real estate attorneys handle property purchases and sales, title issues, landlord-tenant disputes, and closings. Given how much money real estate involves, professional review of documents can prevent costly surprises.

Business and Employment Law

Business lawyers help with forming companies, contracts, partnerships, and disputes. Employment lawyers handle workplace issues such as wrongful termination, discrimination, or unpaid wages. Some firms cover both; others focus on one side.

Immigration Law

Immigration is largely governed by federal law, so immigration attorneys can often help regardless of which state you live in. They assist with visas, green cards, citizenship, and removal defense.

Bankruptcy and Consumer Debt

Bankruptcy lawyers help individuals and businesses manage overwhelming debt and understand their options for a fresh start. Consumer law attorneys also handle disputes with creditors and unfair practices.

What If You Are Not Sure?

If your situation does not fit neatly into one category, do not worry. Describe what happened when you call, and a lawyer will tell you whether it is their area or refer you to someone better suited. Many issues touch more than one field, and good attorneys are used to pointing people in the right direction. From here, see how to choose the right lawyer and our questions to ask before hiring.

This is general educational information for Florida consumers, not legal advice.

For more on our Florida practice, see our overview of Florida estate planning. Morgan Legal Group's affiliated New York office also handles how a will is contested in New York.