There are many specialities in legal practice. Only attorneys and advocates may appear in courts. Both are lawyers. But many lawyers never wish to or need to appear in court.
Property and development attorneys:
These are usually conveyancers and notaries. They do leases, transfers and all property related work usually also winding up of deceased estates.Litigation experts:. Personal injury attorneys: Road Accident Fund and medical malpractice in the main but also work related industrial accidents.. Civil and criminal case attorneys: Contract breach, evictions, damage claims, [civil] and defence of people and engaging with the National Prosecution Authority to withdraw charges or for settlements [‘plea bargains’].. Family lawyers: Family lawyers represent clients in maintenance and divorce issues. They also work on children’s court cases. Many are also qualified Family Law mediators.The Corporate World:. Intellectual property lawyer: An intellectual property (IP) lawyer specialises in protecting, managing, and commercialising IP assets, trade marks, patents, inventions as well as brands.. Corporate attorney: These provide legal services for businesses – from giant multinationals to small companies. Their services include creating new contracts, drafting myriad legal documents, mergers, acquisitions, listings on stock exchanges, negotiations with other companies, compliance with legislation and securities.. Labour and Trade Union lawyer: They represent both employer and employees in dispute negotiations. But they also ensure compliance and should have mediation and negotiation skills.. Tax and Estate Planning lawyers: They advise individuals, businesses and government agencies on taxes, tax laws, tax disputes and accounting matters. They also advise on best tactics for tax avoidance [not evasion!] for estate planning, such as trusts.The Public Sector:
Many lawyers are prosecutors, magistrates and judges. State and provincial departments all have their legal counsellors to prepare regulations, enforce laws and negotiate with companies and individuals. This sector also includes lawyers dealing with international bodies, such as the UN, EU, AU and Brics.
Finally, actors, oil, rhinos, airports and harbours all have lawyers too! Some attorneys work in entertainment, representing actors, singers, groups, celebrities, sports stars, and negotiate their contracts and often also serve a PR role.. Energy and Resource lawyers: They represent the oil, gas and utility companies and some specialise in mining and extraction law and permits.. Environment, Marine and Conservation Attorneys: Usually at odds with the energy and mining people. They fight for the environment, sea, climate and natural resources, often with public-interest organisations.. Air and Maritime Attorneys: Air lawyers with aircraft, air safety, civil aviation, licensing, permits and a host of issues relating to air transport for goods and passengers. Maritime law deals with ships, cargo, risk, insurance, ship chandlers.