Overcoming The Law School Hump: 5 Best Law Specializations to Practice In

After that first year of law school where most, if not all, of your classes are decided for you, it can be a little daunting to decide what area of law you want to specialize in that will provide a job for you shortly after graduation. Some students take only bar-tested courses, but doing so comes at the cost of truly knowing a specific field inside and out. So which specializations are really the best? That depends on your definition of "best." Family LawrnThis is not a field for the faint of heart. It can be stressful dealing with your clients' issues in divorce or custody disputes, but the work is always there. Divorce rates hovering around 50 percent of all marriages, many during those early years when children are young. Even after the initial divorce, issues can arise with alimony, child support, or custody. Family law attorneys can also handle issues like adoption or represent the children caught in the middle of divorces and custody proceedings. Criminal LawrnLike family law, this is an area of law that isn't going away. Criminal courts overflow with cases in many cities and prisons in the U.S. make headlines for running at and above capacity. This is a field where there is ample opportunity to find varied work. Criminal law offers the opportunity for further specialization. White collar crimes can carry shades of tax law and business organizations. Domestic cases can involve aspects of family law. And many cases in criminal law are, at least, interesting. It will be beneficial to obtain a trial advocacy degree to get experience and greater specialization in the field. Intellectual PropertyrnLitigation in intellectual property law has been expanding exponentially over the last few years, particularly in the area of patent law. Whether it is a matter of seeking a patent or protecting one, a number of cases have proceeded so far as to go before the Supreme Court (famously, the matter of patenting portions of the human genome and the case of replanting patented seeds). Labor and EmploymentrnThe economy has created a surprising number of possibilities for attorneys in the labor and employment field. These attorneys may offer guidance with in-house disputes, they may assist employees with contract negotiations, or they may guide a company through the process of lay-offs. Attorneys can also find a place representing businesses or disgruntled former employees in suits for wrongful termination or pursuing a better severance package. Internet and Technology LawrnAny specialization that shows a command of Internet law and terms will be useful in the coming years. Many firms will consider hiring a less experienced attorney if he or she can show an understanding of this increasingly important field of law. With the prevalence of the internet and technology, it is nearly impossible to think of any field of law that is not impacted by them. With the given economy and legal climate, these five areas of law are wise choices that should carry a law student's career through those early years as a practicing attorney and could carry through into their later careers. Choosing a specialization is more than just looking at the market. It is also about looking at the student's own strengths. Ultimately, what is "best" for one student may not be the "best" for another.