Law Firms:

Law firms, sometimes with one lawyer and sometimes with thousands will typically become highly proficient in one or several areas of law.  In addition to state divisions, Lawyers-by-City.com is divided into areas of specialty for personal injury lawyers, divorce attorneys, criminal lawyers, etc.

Lawyers/Attorneys:  

Since lawyers are individually licensed to practice law in a particular state, this legal directory is divided into state listings.  Any lawyers (attorneys) or law firms listed on a state page will be able to practice law at least in that state, although it is wise to check with the State Bar Association in that state to be certain that your lawyer is properly licensed to practice law in that state.

Lawyers and Law Firms by Specialty

Please note that although the American Bar Association recognizes Certification programs for certain legal specialties (for example, Bankruptcy, Family law, and Criminal law), State Bar associations handle areas of legal specialization differently.  You can contact the State Bar association in your state to find out which areas of practice offer certification programs recognized in each state.  The list below identifies areas of practice or specialization that may or may not be recognized legal specialties in your state.  However, attorneys will often concentrate in certain areas of practice more than others.

Personal Legal Issues

Adoption - Attorneys who specialize in adoption may be able to help you with the legal documents required, helping you negotiate with adoption agencies both in the United States and foreign countries, if you are seeking a foreign adoption. See Adoption Lawyers.

Bankruptcy Lawyers - When you need legal advice or help to file for personal bankruptcy or other protection from your creditors, you will need Bankruptcy Lawyers.

Civil Rights Lawyers - For issues that involve housing discrimination, educational discrimination or other discrimination issues related to race, sex, age or disabilities or issues relating to an individual's rights as guaranteed by the US Constitution you should seek counsel from  Civil Rights Lawyers or attorneys specializing in employment law.

Criminal Lawyers - Any issues that involves being charged with a crime, including DWI, traffic violations or any case involving either jail time or jury trials, would be handled by Criminal Lawyers. 

Elder Law Lawyers - Issues related to senior citizens, such as housing issues, mental incompetence issues, long-term health care or Social Security issues are sometimes handled by attorneys who concentrate in an area of law commonly known Elder Law.

Employment Lawyers -Employment issues, such as workers compensation for employment related injuries, discrimination in the workplace, sexual harassment issues, whistle blower protection or any work related legal issues, can consult an Employment Lawyer.

Entertainment Lawyers - The entertainment industry has unique legal issues that have prompted some attorneys to concentrate on this area of practice as a specialty.  Legal issues related to contract negotiations, royalty rights and other intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry are often handled by attorneys commonly known as Entertainment Lawyers, although any attorney who is knowledgeable about contract law or intellectual property would be qualified to advise clients on these same issues.

General Practice Attorneys - Many attorneys and law firms, even those with areas of specialization, will spend some portion of their time on general legal matters.  These might include contract disputes, liable actions, family issues, real estate law, wills and probate, criminal law, traffic cases and other legal matters.  See General Practice Lawyers.

Family Law - Divorce, child custody, adoption, child support, and matters involving Domestic Violence, Visitation Rights, Prenuptial Agreements, Guardianships, Unmarried Couples, Powers of Attorney or competency hearings for family members would often be handled by a Family Law Specialist or Divorce Lawyer.

Immigration Law - Individuals who need legal assistance with Non-Immigrant (Temporary) Visas, Immigrant Visas (Permanent Green Cards), obtaining US Citizenship, or Deportation from the United States, should consult an Immigration Lawyer who specializes in this area of law.

Intellectual Property Lawyers - Intellectual property includes US Patents, Trademarks, Copyright issues, including many issues related to doing business on the Internet, such as domain name disputes and theft or misuse of intellectual property on the Internet. If you need help getting a patent on an invention or securing other intellectual property rights, talk with Intellectual Property Lawyers.

Legal Malpractice Lawyers - If you do not feel that you have received proper or ethical treatment from your attorney and want to file a complaint or a law suit against your attorney, you will want to consult an attorney who specializes in Legal Malpractice.

Litigation - Litigation attorneys, also known as trial lawyers, handle a diverse set of legal issues from depositions to court trials. Lawyers experienced in litigation are also well versed in tactics to avoid costly litigation, such as "cease and desist" letters, negotiation and mediation. Class actions, personal injury claims, damages resulting from breach of contract situations and other issues that may result in court appearances or jury trials are also handled by Trial Lawyers.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers - Medical malpractice is an incredibly severe occurrence, often resulting in tragic, lasting damages to individuals, sometimes including death. Medical malpractice lawyers work to obtain remuneration for a person, or in the case of wrongful death the administrator of the deceased’s estate, whose life has been damaged by this tragedy. To constitute medical malpractice in a court of law it must be demonstrated that the patient who suffered injury or death had a relationship with a health care provider (be it a hospital, clinic, doctor, nurse or other medical provider).

Military - The United States constitution authorizes Congress to pass rules for the government and management of land and naval forces. The rules that Congress has passed, notably contained in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, are the basis for what is today referred to as military law. As the code is unique to the armed forces, matters that arise within the services often require the legal guidance of a military lawyer. The most common cases for military lawyers are criminal cases that have originated from within the military. All matters relating to military discharge and court-martials also fall under military lawyers’ expertise. Appeals for promotions, corrections of military records, security clearances, medical military malpractice, and most other military-related issues are all handled by military lawyers. Finally, a.w.o.l. cases require a highly qualified military lawyer.

Personal Injury Lawyers - Injuries resulting from automobile accidents, pet bites, motorcycle accidents, as well as injuries resulting from use of products, sexual abuse, wrongful death, toxic mold, railroad accidents, construction accidents, airplane accidents, and class action suits will be handled by a personal injury lawyer.  The initial consultation for many of these cases is free of charge.  Payment for legal services, if the attorney accepts your case is often on a contingency basis.  What this means is the your attorney will only be paid if he wins your case.  The payment will be some percentage of the settlement of judgment that you are awarded.  You should discuss the payment conditions with your attorney to be sure that you understand them prior to signing any documents related to your case. See Personal Injury Lawyers.

Real Estate Lawyers - Lawyers who handle title searches, preparation of real estate closing statements, disputes over real property ownership, easements, buying or selling your home or other residence, construction on your property, eminent domain issues, environmental issues, disputes between landlords and tenants, zoning and land use, disputes between neighbors or even issues involving your property and pets, would generally be handled by Real Estate Lawyers.

Taxation Lawyers - Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audits, tax planning, representation in front of a Tax Court, property tax appeals and tax issues related to both business formation and dissolution are handled by attorneys who specialize in Tax Law.

Traffic Lawyers - Traffic lawyers are legal specialists who understand the local court system dealing with traffic violations. Traffic lawyers handle many minor cases, such as non-moving and speeding tickets for numerous clients. Through the representation of a traffic lawyer, individuals can often be absent for their scheduled court appearance, attain reduced fines and can often keep violations off of their record. Traffic lawyers are also skilled in handling more serious traffic violations, such as DUIs that can result in the loss of licenses.

Trusts, Estates and Wills Lawyers - Estate law specifically deals with the planning of wills to determine how best to distribute an individual’s estate after they pass away. As wills are incredibly important legal documents, it makes sense that a legal specialty exists to help you prepare and alter your will. A wills and estates attorney can help an individual or couple designate the recipients of property and assets, who will look after children, and who will execute the will, among other things.

Business Legal Issues

Corporate Attorneys - Corporate lawyers are legal representatives who are skilled and knowledgeable of various law fields and issues that involve and regulate commercial enterprises. These lawyers work hand in hand with corporations to help them accomplish their goals. Through their understanding of the complexities of local, state and federal corporations law, corporate lawyers advise businesses how to best go about major changes. Such changes can include mergers, restructuring, employment changes and other issues that delve into varying aspects of the law. In addition to advisory roles, and unlike other legal fields, corporate lawyers are experts at negotiation and can work with other corporations to spell out and solidify contractual agreements. See Corporate Lawyers.

Collections and Creditors - Your business may want to hire an attorney to advise you on the laws in your state or the state where the debtor is located.  Attorneys can help you write a collection letter to the debtor, file a lawsuit or work as a mediator to settle a dispute between a debtor and a creditor.  See Collection lawyers.

Employment - Employment issues, such as workers compensation for employment related injuries, discrimination in the workplace, sexual harassment issues, writing sexual harassment policy statements, development of pension and profit sharing plans, pre-employment criminal investigations, drug screening policies or any other employee related legal issues, can consult an Employment Lawyer.

General Business - - Many attorneys and law firms, even those with areas of specialization, will spend some portion of their time on general legal matters.  These might include contract disputes, liable actions, incorporation, real estate law, employment law, mediation, collections and other business matters.  See Business or Corporate Attorneys.

Intellectual Property Lawyers - Intellectual property includes US Patents, Trademarks, Copyright issues, including many issues related to doing business on the Internet, such as domain name disputes and theft or misuse of intellectual property on the Internet. Find Intellectual Property Lawyers.

International - International law is a complex and often confusing field that is currently growing in importance, and slowly defining itself. Obviously, international law transcends national borders. For this reason international law often deals with conflicting legal codes and areas of jurisdiction. Multinational business transactions and contracts constitute one of the fields main areas of focus, and international lawyers are often essential in arranging commercial deals where no clear jurisdiction exists for both involved parties. Infringements of intellectual property in different nations, and issues of citizenship and immigration can also require the expertise of an international lawyer. Finally, commercial disputes and litigation between international companies definitively falls into the realm of international law.

Internet - Legal ownership of domain names, cybersquatting, deep linking, and issues related to copyright or trademark violations or infringement of such rights.  Although many Internet related legal issues involve many of the same issues covered under Intellectual Property rights, an additional understanding of legal problems specific to the Internet can be important to your case.  In such situation, you mat want to consult an attorney who specializes in Internet Law. 

Mediation - Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and lawyers who specialize in mediating disputes are commonly known as ADR Specialists.

Real Estate - - Lawyers who handle title searches, preparation of real estate closing statements, disputes over real property ownership, easements, buying or selling your commercial property, construction on your property, eminent domain issues, environmental issues, disputes between landlords and tenants, zoning and land use, and commercial leases, would generally be handled by Real Estate Lawyers.

Incorporation / Partnerships - Forming a business entity such as a corporation or partnership involved filing incorporation documents with the State, developing partnership agreements, forming limited liability corporations (LLC), writing franchise arrangements, articles of incorporation, buy-out agreements and many other contracts and agreements necessary to start a business.  Most attorneys or law firms that handle General Business Law can be consulted for any of these legal matters.

Taxation - Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audits, tax planning, representation in front of a Tax Court, property tax appeals and tax issues related to both business formation and dissolution are handled by attorneys who specialize in Tax Law.

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