The legal world is big and changing and if you want to build a career, knowing the 6 types of law most in demand will help you make an informed decision.
Many lawyers have a broad understanding of the law but they focus on a particular area so they can develop expertise and offer more niche services.
Specialisation is not only good for deepening legal knowledge but can also impact earning potential. Some areas of law pay more because of complexity, demand or societal importance.
But location, firm size and level of seniority also come into play. A lawyer in London will earn more than a lawyer in a smaller town even if they specialise in the same area.
This article will look at 6 types of law in demand including corporate law, human rights law, employment law, criminal law, intellectual property law and clinical negligence law.
We’ll go into what each area involves, the earning potential and why it’s in demand.
And we’ll look at the factors that affect a lawyer’s salary so this is a useful guide for those considering a legal career or looking to switch specialisms.
6 Types of Law Most in Demand
1. Corporate Law
Corporate law is one of the 6 types of law in demand with a national average salary of £70,850 per year.
This involves representing businesses, transactions, mergers and acquisitions and ensuring legal compliance in all aspects of business operations.
Corporate lawyers are key to business growth, advising on deal structure and drafting contracts to protect the company’s interests.
As businesses look to expand or navigate complex regulatory environments the demand for corporate lawyers continues to grow.
Their ability to mitigate risk and facilitate smooth transactions makes them essential to any organisation. Given the complexity of global markets corporate lawyers who specialise in international transactions often earn even more.
2. Human Rights Law
Human rights law is another of the 6 types of law in demand. This area involves protecting individual rights and freedoms so it’s not only a money making opportunity but also a fulfilling one.
Lawyers in this area may work for law firms or non-profits fighting discrimination and advocating for the most vulnerable.
With the global focus on equality and justice growing the demand for human rights lawyers has increased especially those who can handle international cases.
While the national average salary for a human rights lawyer may vary those working on high profile cases or in big organisations will earn competitive salaries.
Their role is key to ensuring the legal system is fair and just and gives a voice to those who have been wronged.
3. Employment Law
Employment lawyers are in hot demand with an average salary of £52,920 per year. Employment law is the relationship between employers and employees, including workplace safety, discrimination and employment contracts.
As companies try to keep their workplace practices fair and compliant the need for employment lawyers grows.
They often resolve disputes between employers and employees, making sure workers’ rights are upheld and businesses are compliant.
Employment lawyers are most valuable during times of economic change or changes in the law, when businesses need guidance to adapt to new rules.
Their expertise helps to avoid costly litigation so are key advisors in private practice and corporate legal departments.
4. Criminal Law
Criminal law is also one of the 6 types of law in demand. Lawyers in this area earn around £51,928 per year and are the guardians of justice.
Criminal lawyers can work either side of the court, prosecuting or defending individuals accused of crimes. Their work requires a deep understanding of legal rights and court procedures as they fight for fair treatment and due process.
This is a tough area and often involves high pressure situations like court trials and cross-examinations.
But it’s also rewarding as criminal lawyers can protect the innocent or ensure justice for victims.
The demand for criminal lawyers is constant as society always needs professionals who can navigate complex criminal cases and represent the interests of justice.
5. Intellectual Property Law
With innovation on the rise intellectual property (IP) law is another of the 6 types of law in demand. Lawyers in this area earn around £47,794 per year.
They help individuals and businesses protect their creations such as inventions, literary works, trademarks and patents.
The rise of technology and the digital economy has made intellectual property protection more important than ever as businesses want to protect their unique ideas and products from being infringed.
IP lawyers often work with inventors and creative professionals, advising on patent applications or defending intellectual property disputes.
Some may even specialise further as patent attorneys which can require a science or engineering background. Their expertise helps clients stay ahead of the competition making this a popular specialism in the legal industry.
6. Clinical Negligence
Last but not least is clinical negligence with an average salary of £41,756.
This involves representing people who have been injured by medical negligence and defending medical professionals against those claims.
Given the complexity of the healthcare system and the high stakes involved clinical negligence lawyers need to have a good understanding of both legal and medical issues.
They often work with people who have been left with life changing injuries, gathering evidence and presenting cases to get compensation.
This is not only financially rewarding but also fulfilling as lawyers help clients through tough times and get justice. As the healthcare system gets more complex the demand for lawyers in this area will continue to grow.
Factors Affecting Lawyer Salaries
While the area of specialism can impact earnings, several other factors come into play:
- Location: Lawyers in big cities like London earn more than those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is because of the higher cost of living and greater demand for specialist legal services in urban centres.
- Level of Seniority: Seniority also impacts earning potential. Trainee lawyers earn less but salaries increase with experience and progression to senior associates or partners.
- Firm Size: Big, established law firms pay more than smaller practices. Working in a top tier firm can be more competitive but more financially rewarding.
- Type of Employer: Lawyers in private practice earn more than in-house counsel for corporations. However in-house lawyers get more job stability and work life balance so it’s a trade off depending on your career goals.
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Summary
Choosing the right specialism is key to a successful and fulfilling legal career. The 6 areas of law in most demand—corporate, human rights, employment, criminal, intellectual property and clinical negligence law—each present different challenges and opportunities.
Your choice of specialism will shape your career path and impact on job satisfaction and earning potential. By considering your interests, skills and long term goals you can choose a path that matches your aspirations.
And knowing the factors that affect lawyer salaries—location, firm size and level of seniority—will help you make informed career decisions.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to shift focus, exploring these areas can lead to a thriving legal career.