Often there’s a misconception that the only time you need a lawyer’s help is if you’re being sued or you need to sue someone, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes a lawyer’s expertise can come in handy if you’re trying to protect your rights, or if you’re looking to purchase or sell a home. For example, if you want to start your own business, you can consult with a lawyer, to help you get started on the right foot. When finding a lawyer it is important that you choose someone whom you trust and feel comfortable working with. Below are a few areas of law that might come in handy for you.
Employment Law
As a worker it is important that that you understand your rights, whether you are entering the job market or you were recently terminated. Federal and state governments have passed a wide range of employment laws protecting employees from discriminatory treatment, unsafe work conditions, unfair labor practices and more. An employment lawyer can protect your job if there’s an issue regarding disabilities, employment contract, employment discrimination, pensions and benefits, sexual harassment, wages and overtime pay, workplace disputes and wrongful termination.
Business Law
If you’re an entrepreneur looking to start a business it’s always a good idea to consult a business law attorney at some point. Business law refers to all areas of law involved in starting and running a business in compliance with federal and state legal business standards. Legal help is a cost of doing business that often saves you money and helps your business in the long run. A business law attorney can help you stay in compliance with the law and spot developing legal issues early. Business law is linked to a variety of legal disciplines, including tax law, intellectual property, real estate, sales, employment law, bankruptcy, and others.
Family Law
Anyone can start a family on their own, but laws regarding divorce and the process of adopting a child are governed by state and federal laws. Family law is a practice area concerned with legal issues involving family relationships, such as adoption, divorce and child custody. It concerns the rights and obligations of spouses, children, and other domestic relations. Most family law attorneys can also assist in the drafting of a prenuptial agreement or post-marital agreement.
Estate Law
Federal and state governments have laws governing estate planning. These laws typically deal with legal requirements of wills, the creation of trusts, the specifics of the probate process, and more. A last will and testament lets you specify the beneficiaries of your assets and property, and assign an executor to close your estate. This law also deals with the creation of living wills, dictating the healthcare treatment they wish to receive should they become too ill to make decisions on their own.
Criminal Law
Criminal law refers to federal and state laws that make certain behavior illegal and punishable by imprisonment and/or fines. A crime is any act or omission of an act in violation of a law forbidding or commanding it. Less serious crimes are classified as misdemeanors. They typically carry a maximum of up to one year in county jail. Some examples include petty theft, possession of small amounts of controlled substances, and first offense of drunk driving. Felonies are crimes of a more serious nature. These carry punishments of a year or more in state or federal prison. Felonies include violent crimes like murder, burglary, and rape.
Do you still have questions about the different areas of law and legal issues? Visit our specific practice areas.