Common Practice Areas, Explained

Lawyers specialize, and matching your problem to the right type of attorney is the first step toward getting good value. A specialist usually works faster and more confidently than a generalist, which keeps costs down. Below are the practice areas Brooklyn consumers most often need, in plain English.

Family Law

Family lawyers handle divorce, child custody and support, visitation, and related matters. These cases are emotional and often urgent, so communication and trust matter a great deal. Because outcomes vary widely, ask carefully about likely costs and whether negotiation or mediation could resolve things more cheaply than litigation.

Personal Injury

Personal injury attorneys represent people hurt in accidents, including car crashes, slips and falls, and similar incidents. These cases are commonly handled on a contingency fee, meaning the lawyer is paid a percentage of any recovery and nothing if you lose. Compare percentages and ask how case expenses are handled. See our fees guide for details.

Criminal Defense

Criminal defense lawyers represent people accused of crimes, from minor offenses to serious charges. If you are facing charges, this is not an area to handle alone. If cost is a concern, ask about public defense eligibility, which exists to ensure representation regardless of ability to pay.

Real Estate

Real estate attorneys handle buying, selling, and leasing property, plus closings and disputes. In New York, an attorney is commonly involved in residential closings. Many charge a flat fee for a standard transaction, which makes comparing quotes easy for budget-minded buyers and sellers.

Estate Planning and Probate

These lawyers prepare wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, and guide families through administering an estate after a death. Simple documents are often available for a flat fee, while complex estates cost more. Knowing the difference helps you avoid overpaying for a straightforward will.

Landlord-Tenant

Landlord-tenant attorneys handle disputes over leases, repairs, security deposits, and eviction. Both tenants and landlords in Brooklyn use them. Because amounts in dispute can be modest, weigh the fee against what is at stake, and check whether free tenant resources apply to your situation.

Employment Law

Employment lawyers handle workplace issues such as wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and unpaid wages. Some take cases on contingency, while others bill hourly. Ask which applies to your situation during the consultation.

Business and Contracts

These attorneys help with forming businesses, drafting and reviewing contracts, and resolving commercial disputes. For small businesses watching every dollar, a flat-fee contract review can prevent far more expensive problems later.

Matching Yourself to the Right Lawyer

Once you have identified your practice area, look only at attorneys who focus on it, then compare a few. Our guide to choosing a lawyer and questions to ask will help you pick the best value within that specialty.