An attorney who specializes in civil law is known as a civil attorney. Civil law has many fields including business law, corporate law, intellectual property law, family law, personal injury law, probate law, real estate law, tax law, etc. Civil law is the branch of law that deals with disputes between individuals and/or organizations, where compensation can be provided to victims. Civil attorneys not only represent clients in legal proceedings but also provide legal advice to clients in civil transactions.
Civil law includes all laws that are not criminal law. Civil law seeks to resolve non-criminal disputes such as disputes over the meaning of contracts, property ownership, divorce, child custody, and damages for personal and property damage. Civil attorneys handle lawsuits involving individuals, businesses, and even governments.
Civil attorneys will generally choose one or more areas of law to specialize in. If you need help with tax law, you should go to a civil attorney who specializes in tax law. If you have been injured in an accident and you wish to file a lawsuit seeking damages, you will need the services of a civil attorney who specializes in personal injury lawsuits. If you are filing for divorce or seeking custody of your child, a civil attorney who specializes in family law will be able to assist you.
An attorney can also help you if you run a business by providing you with timely advice that can save you from expensive civil law litigation. A civil attorney who specializes in business law can advise you on the regulations your business must comply with and the licenses your business requires. He can even help you get a license. The laws governing the functioning of corporations are complex. There are civil attorneys who specialize in corporate law. In real estate transactions, an attorney who specializes in real estate law can ensure that the transaction is carried out in a proper manner, the required paperwork is executed properly and the proceeds of the sale are properly paid and accounted for at closing.
There are no special qualifications to become a civil attorney. Like all attorneys, they must have a J.D. degree from an American Bar Association accredited law school and must pass the state bar exam. Before an attorney can practice in the state, he or she must pass the state bar exam.
