Legal practice areas you can specialise in

March 5, 2024

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Imagine you have a serious dispute with someone, or an institution, about an aspect of your life or work. There will most probably be an area of law to protect you and all parties involved. The law in England and Wales has developed over a thousand years and is wide and deep. You’ll soon discover this in detail when you study for your SQE1 exam! (Luckily our SQE1 Prep course offers a personal study plan, spaced repetition and 3,000+ multiple-choice questions to help you prepare for it.)

Solicitors tend to specialise in a certain field, ensuring they can get under the skin of the various laws and historic cases to best advise their clients. Let’s delve into a list of practice areas you can work in – by no means a complete list, but it’s a good list.

Advertising and marketing

Solicitors in this field navigate legal aspects of advertising and marketing campaigns, promotions, and marketing activities across various media platforms.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Reviewing advertising materials for compliance with advertising standards and consumer protection laws.
Advising clients on intellectual property rights, including trademarks, copyrights and advertising slogans.
Drafting and negotiating advertising contracts, including agreements with advertising agencies, media outlets and endorsers.
Assisting clients in resolving disputes related to false advertising, deceptive marketing practices or claims of trademark infringement.
Providing guidance on compliance with data protection laws, including regulations governing online marketing and consumer privacy.

Agriculture

Agriculture law focuses on legal issues related to farming, agricultural production, rural land use, and agribusiness.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Assisting farmers and agricultural businesses with land transactions, leases, and agricultural tenancies.
Advising clients on agricultural subsidies, government regulations, and compliance with environmental laws.
Handling agricultural disputes, including disputes over land ownership, boundary disputes, and agricultural contracts.
Providing guidance on agricultural finance, insurance, and risk management strategies.
Representing clients in negotiations with government agencies, agricultural cooperatives, and suppliers.

Asset management and recovery

Asset management and recovery law involve legal issues related to the management, protection, and recovery of assets in financial transactions and insolvency proceedings.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Assisting creditors in recovering debts through enforcement actions, including asset seizure, garnishment, and foreclosure.
Advising clients on asset protection strategies, including trusts, asset transfers, and bankruptcy planning.
Representing financial institutions, lenders, and investors in asset-backed transactions, including secured lending and asset finance.
Handling insolvency proceedings, including administration, liquidation, and restructuring of distressed businesses.
Providing legal advice on regulatory compliance, risk management, and fiduciary duties in asset management activities.

Aviation/aerospace

Aviation and aerospace law encompasses legal issues related to air travel, aircraft operations, aviation safety and space exploration.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and aviation service providers on regulatory compliance and safety standards.
Handling aircraft financing, leasing, and purchase agreements.
Assisting clients in obtaining regulatory approvals and permits for aviation operations, including airworthiness certifications and route licenses.
Representing clients in aviation accident investigations, liability claims, and insurance disputes.
Providing legal guidance on international air law, treaties, and conventions governing air travel and space exploration.

Banking and finance

Banking and finance law encompasses legal issues related to financial transactions, banking operations, lending and regulatory compliance.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Structuring and negotiating banking transactions, including loans, credit facilities, and securities offerings.

Advising financial institutions on regulatory compliance, risk management, and corporate governance.
Assisting clients in navigating financial regulations, including anti-money laundering laws, banking secrecy, and consumer protection regulations.
Handling disputes arising from banking transactions, including loan defaults, debt recovery, and regulatory enforcement actions.
Providing legal guidance on cross-border finance transactions, derivatives, and structured finance products.

Commercial property/real estate

Commercial property/real estate law involves legal issues related to commercial properties, including offices, retail spaces, industrial buildings, and land.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Assisting clients in buying, selling, leasing, or developing commercial properties.
Drafting and negotiating commercial leases, sale contracts, and property agreements.
Conducting due diligence on properties to identify any legal issues or risks.
Advising clients on property investment strategies, financing options, and property management.
Resolving disputes related to property ownership, boundary disputes, or landlord-tenant issues.

Community care

Community care law focuses on legal issues related to social care services, including healthcare, housing, and support services for vulnerable individuals.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing clients in disputes with local authorities over social care assessments, funding, and service provision.
Advising individuals on their rights to social care services and challenging decisions through appeals or judicial review.
Assisting vulnerable individuals, including the elderly or disabled, in accessing appropriate care services and accommodation.
Advocating for clients in cases involving safeguarding concerns or violations of their rights to care and support.

Competition

Competition law, also known as antitrust law, regulates competitive behaviour in the market to ensure fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising businesses on compliance with competition laws and regulations, including antitrust laws and merger control rules.
Assisting clients in obtaining regulatory approvals for mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
Representing clients in competition investigations and enforcement actions by competition authorities.
Providing guidance on pricing strategies, distribution agreements, and marketing practices to avoid competition law violations.
Defending clients against allegations of anti-competitive behaviour and advocating for their interests in competition litigation.

Construction and engineering

Construction and engineering law governs legal issues related to construction projects, infrastructure development and engineering contracts.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Drafting and negotiating construction contracts, including design-build contracts, procurement agreements, and subcontractor agreements.
Advising clients on project delivery methods, risk allocation, and contract administration throughout the construction process.
Resolving disputes through mediation, arbitration, or litigation arising from construction defects, delays, or contract breaches.
Assisting with regulatory compliance, permits, and approvals required for construction projects.
Providing legal guidance on construction insurance, surety bonds, and project financing arrangements.

Corporate finance / mergers and acquisitions (M&A)

Corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions (M&A) law involve legal issues related to corporate transactions, financing, and strategic business combinations.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising clients on corporate structuring, financing options, and capital raising activities.
Assisting with mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures, including conducting due diligence, negotiating transaction terms, and drafting transaction documents.

Providing guidance on securities regulations, stock offerings, and corporate governance matters.
Structuring financing arrangements, including debt financing, equity investments, and venture capital transactions.
Representing clients in negotiations with investors, lenders, and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Solicitors practicing in these areas play integral roles in advising clients, negotiating transactions, and resolving legal issues to protect their clients’ interests and achieve their business objectives.

Corporate

Corporate law involves legal issues related to the formation, operation, and governance of corporations and other business entities.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Assisting clients in entity formation, corporate structuring, and corporate governance matters.
Drafting and negotiating corporate agreements, including shareholder agreements, joint venture agreements, and partnership agreements.
Advising on mergers, acquisitions, corporate reorganizations, and other strategic transactions.
Providing guidance on corporate compliance, regulatory filings, and shareholder rights.
Representing clients in corporate disputes, including shareholder disputes, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and derivative actions.

Court of protection

The Court of Protection handles legal matters involving individuals who lack mental capacity to make decisions about their welfare or finances.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing vulnerable individuals in Court of Protection proceedings, including applications for deputyship and welfare orders.
Advising deputies, family members, and care providers on legal issues related to mental capacity, best interest decisions, and care planning.
Assisting with applications for lasting powers of attorney (LPA) and deputyship appointments.
Handling disputes involving deprivation of liberty, capacity assessments, and challenges to Court of Protection decisions.
Providing advocacy and legal representation in Court of Protection hearings and appeals.

Criminal and civil courts: procedures and processes

This practice area involves legal procedures and processes related to both criminal and civil court proceedings.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing clients in criminal court proceedings, including bail hearings, arraignments, trials, and sentencing hearings.
Assisting clients in civil court matters, including civil litigation, small claims court proceedings, and enforcement of judgments.
Drafting legal pleadings, motions, and court documents for filing in both criminal and civil courts.
Providing legal advice on court procedures, deadlines, and evidence requirements in criminal and civil cases.
Conducting negotiations, settlement discussions, and mediation efforts to resolve disputes outside of court.

Criminal law

Criminal law focuses on legal issues related to criminal offenses, investigations, prosecutions, and defence strategies.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing clients accused of criminal offenses in police investigations, interviews, and court proceedings.
Advising clients on their legal rights, potential defences, and options for plea negotiations.
Conducting legal research, case analysis, and preparation for criminal trials.
Cross-examining witnesses, presenting evidence, and making legal arguments in court on behalf of clients.
Handling appeals, post-conviction matters, and proceedings before specialized criminal courts.

Cybersecurity and data privacy

Cybersecurity and data privacy law address legal issues related to the protection of sensitive information, data breaches, and compliance with privacy regulations.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising clients on data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other privacy regulations.

Drafting and negotiating data protection agreements, privacy policies, and data processing agreements.
Assisting with data breach response, including notification requirements, investigations, and regulatory reporting.
Conducting privacy assessments, risk assessments, and compliance audits to ensure data protection compliance.
Representing clients in regulatory investigations, enforcement actions, and litigation related to cybersecurity and data privacy breaches.

Defamation and reputation management

Defamation and reputation management law involves legal issues related to protecting individuals and businesses from false statements that harm their reputation.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising clients on defamation risks, defamation claims, and defamation defences under libel and slander laws.
Representing clients in defamation lawsuits, including pre-litigation negotiations, court proceedings, and settlement discussions.
Assisting with crisis management and reputation repair strategies in response to defamatory statements or negative publicity.
Drafting cease and desist letters, retractions, and apology statements to address defamatory content.
Providing guidance on social media defamation, online reputation management, and digital privacy issues.

Employment

Employment law governs legal relationships between employers and employees, covering issues such as hiring, termination, discrimination, and workplace rights.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising employers on employment contracts, workplace policies, and compliance with employment laws and regulations.
Assisting employees with workplace disputes, discrimination claims, and wrongful termination lawsuits.
Negotiating employment agreements, severance packages, and settlement agreements on behalf of clients.
Representing clients in employment tribunal proceedings, including unfair dismissal claims, discrimination claims, and wage disputes.
Providing legal guidance on workplace investigations, disciplinary actions, and compliance with health and safety regulations.

Energy and natural resources

Energy and natural resources law involves legal issues related to the exploration, extraction, production, and distribution of energy resources and natural commodities.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising clients on regulatory compliance, permitting, and licensing requirements for energy projects, including oil and gas exploration, renewable energy projects, and mining operations.
Drafting and negotiating energy contracts, including leases, joint venture agreements, and production sharing agreements.
Assisting with environmental assessments, impact studies, and compliance with environmental regulations in energy development projects.
Representing clients in disputes over mineral rights, land use conflicts, and environmental damage claims.
Providing legal guidance on energy policy, renewable energy incentives, and carbon emissions trading schemes.

Environment

Environmental law addresses legal issues related to the protection, preservation, and conservation of the natural environment, including air, water, land, and wildlife.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Assisting clients with environmental compliance, permits, and regulatory approvals for development projects, industrial activities, and waste management.
Representing clients in environmental litigation, including enforcement actions, pollution liability claims, and toxic tort lawsuits.
Advising on environmental due diligence, risk assessments, and liability allocation in real estate transactions and corporate mergers.
Negotiating environmental settlements, consent decrees, and remediation agreements with regulatory agencies and affected parties.
Providing legal counsel on environmental sustainability initiatives, green business practices, and climate change mitigation strategies.

EU Law

EU law encompasses legal issues arising from the laws and regulations of the European Union (EU), covering a wide range of topics, including trade, competition, human rights, and environmental protection.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising clients on EU regulations, directives, and case law affecting their business operations, trade relationships, and compliance obligations.

Assisting clients with EU competition law matters, including antitrust investigations, merger control filings, and state aid regulations.
Representing clients in disputes before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and other EU institutions.
Providing legal guidance on EU data protection regulations, consumer protection laws, and intellectual property rights.
Assisting with Brexit-related legal issues, including regulatory changes, trade negotiations, and implications for cross-border transactions.

Extradition

Extradition law deals with the legal process of transferring individuals accused or convicted of crimes from one country to another for prosecution or punishment. Think the highlight publicised case of Julian Assange.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing individuals facing extradition requests, including preparing defines strategies and challenging extradition orders.
Advising clients on their legal rights, extradition treaties, and international human rights law.
Assisting with bail applications, extradition hearings, and appeals against extradition orders.
Negotiating with prosecuting authorities and foreign governments to resolve extradition matters.
Handling legal proceedings related to mutual legal assistance, asset forfeiture, and extradition-related litigation.

Family law

Family law encompasses legal issues related to family relationships, including divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Assisting clients with divorce proceedings, including property division, spousal support, and child custody arrangements.
Negotiating and drafting prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, and cohabitation agreements.
Representing clients in child custody disputes, visitation rights, and parental relocation cases.
Handling adoption proceedings, guardianship appointments, and child protection matters.
Providing legal advice and representation in cases of domestic violence, restraining orders, and family mediation.

Financial services, regulation and litigation

Financial services law focuses on legal issues related to banking, securities, insurance, and other financial transactions, as well as regulatory compliance and litigation.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising financial institutions, investment firms and insurance companies on regulatory compliance, risk management, and corporate governance.
Assisting with financial product development, licensing applications and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Representing clients in regulatory investigations, enforcement actions and litigation involving financial misconduct or regulatory violations.
Handling disputes related to investment fraud, mis-selling of financial products and breaches of fiduciary duties.
Providing legal advice on financial regulations, consumer protection laws and market conduct standards.

Gaming

Gaming law involves legal issues related to gambling, including licensing, regulation, and compliance with gaming laws and regulations.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Assisting gaming operators, casinos, and online gambling platforms with licensing applications and regulatory compliance.
Advising clients on gaming regulations, advertising standards, and responsible gambling measures.
Handling disputes related to gaming licenses, regulatory enforcement actions, and gaming tax disputes.
Drafting and negotiating gaming contracts, including agreements with software providers, payment processors, and marketing affiliates.
Providing legal guidance on emerging trends in gaming, including mobile gaming, esports, and cryptocurrency gambling.

Housing

Housing law addresses legal issues related to residential real estate, including landlord-tenant disputes, housing discrimination, and affordable housing initiatives.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing landlords and tenants in eviction proceedings, rent disputes, and lease negotiations.

Assisting with housing discrimination claims, including allegations of race, gender, or disability discrimination in housing.
Advising local authorities and housing associations on social housing policies, homelessness prevention, and housing benefit regulations.
Handling disputes related to housing disrepair, tenant rights, and landlord obligations under housing laws.
Providing legal advice on affordable housing projects, shared ownership schemes, and government housing initiatives.

Human rights

Human rights law encompasses legal issues related to the protection and promotion of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing individuals or groups in human rights cases, including discrimination, freedom of expression, and right to privacy.
Advocating for clients in cases involving violations of civil liberties, torture, unlawful detention, and unfair trials.
Assisting with human rights litigation, including petitions to international human rights bodies and appeals to domestic courts.
Providing legal advice on human rights compliance, policy development, and advocacy strategies.
Collaborating with human rights organizations, NGOs, and international institutions to advance human rights causes.

Immigration

Immigration law governs legal issues related to the entry, residence, and rights of immigrants and non-citizens in a country.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Assisting individuals, families, and employers with immigration applications, visas, and residency permits.
Representing clients in immigration appeals, administrative reviews, and judicial review proceedings.
Advising businesses on compliance with immigration laws, sponsor licensing, and right-to-work checks.
Handling asylum claims, deportation proceedings, and human rights-based immigration cases.
Providing legal guidance on immigration policies, visa categories, and changes to immigration law.

Insolvency and restructuring

Insolvency and restructuring law deals with legal issues related to financially distressed businesses, debt restructuring, and insolvency proceedings.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing creditors, debtors, and insolvency practitioners in bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings.
Advising distressed companies on restructuring options, including administration, liquidation, and voluntary arrangements.
Negotiating debt restructuring agreements, creditor repayment plans, and asset sales.
Assisting with insolvency litigation, including fraudulent conveyance claims, preference actions, and director disqualification proceedings.
Providing legal advice on directors’ duties, creditor rights, and corporate governance in insolvency situations.

Insurance

Insurance law addresses legal issues related to insurance contracts, coverage disputes, and claims handling.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising insurers and policyholders on insurance policy interpretation, coverage disputes, and claims settlement negotiations.
Representing clients in insurance litigation, including coverage disputes, bad faith claims, and subrogation actions.
Drafting insurance policies, endorsements, and coverage agreements tailored to clients’ needs.
Assisting with regulatory compliance, including insurance licensing, solvency requirements, and market conduct regulations.
Providing legal guidance on insurance product development, risk management, and reinsurance transactions.

Intellectual property / copyright

Intellectual property (IP) law protects intangible assets, including inventions, creative works, trademarks and trade secrets. Think those cases involving supermarket 1 vs supermarket 2 over nearly identical birthday cakes or gin bottles!

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising clients on IP protection strategies, including patent, trademark, and copyright registration.

Drafting and negotiating IP licenses, assignments, and technology transfer agreements.
Enforcing IP rights through cease-and-desist letters, infringement actions, and litigation.
Assisting with IP due diligence in mergers, acquisitions, and technology transactions.
Providing legal guidance on emerging IP issues, such as digital rights management, open-source licensing, and IP infringement in the digital age.

International arbitration

International arbitration involves resolving disputes between parties from different countries through arbitration proceedings, typically outside of national courts.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing clients in international arbitration proceedings, including commercial disputes, investment disputes, and construction disputes.
Drafting arbitration agreements, submissions, and pleadings for arbitration hearings.
Assisting with arbitrator selection, venue determination, and procedural matters in arbitration proceedings.
Conducting legal research on international arbitration laws, rules, and conventions.
Enforcing arbitral awards and challenging enforcement actions in national courts.

International law and trade sanctions

International law and trade sanctions address legal issues related to international trade, economic sanctions, and compliance with international treaties and agreements.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising clients on international trade regulations, export controls, and trade sanctions imposed by governments and international organizations.
Assisting with compliance programs, risk assessments, and due diligence related to international trade activities.
Representing clients in trade compliance investigations, enforcement actions, and administrative proceedings.
Providing legal guidance on trade agreements, customs regulations, and tariff classifications.
Assisting with export licensing, trade finance transactions, and cross-border trade disputes.

Insolvency / restructuring

Insolvency and restructuring law deals with legal issues arising from financial distress, debt restructuring, and insolvency proceedings.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing debtors, creditors, and insolvency practitioners in insolvency proceedings, including bankruptcy, administration, and liquidation.
Advising distressed companies on restructuring options, creditor negotiations, and turnaround strategies.
Handling disputes related to insolvent estates, preferential transfers, and fraudulent conveyances.
Assisting with distressed asset sales, debt-for-equity swaps, and refinancing arrangements.
Providing legal guidance on directors’ duties, fiduciary obligations, and corporate governance in insolvency situations.

Investments / funds

Investments and funds law involves legal issues related to investment management, fund formation, and regulatory compliance in the financial services industry.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Assisting with the formation and registration of investment funds, including hedge funds, private equity funds, and venture capital funds.
Drafting offering documents, fund prospectuses, and subscription agreements for investment vehicles.
Advising investment managers, fund sponsors, and investors on regulatory compliance, fund governance, and securities laws.
Handling fund structuring, investment transactions, and due diligence in fund investments.
Assisting with fund operations, compliance reporting, and investor relations for investment funds.

Media and entertainment

Media and entertainment law addresses legal issues related to the production, distribution, and exploitation of media content, including film, television, music, and digital media. Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and other celebrities famously took a media outlet to court.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Drafting and negotiating entertainment contracts, including talent agreements, production contracts, and licensing agreements.

Assisting with intellectual property protection, copyright clearance, and rights acquisition for media content.
Advising media companies, production studios, and content creators on regulatory compliance and industry standards.
Handling disputes related to copyright infringement, defamation, and breach of contract in the media and entertainment industry.
Providing legal guidance on digital media, streaming platforms, and emerging technology in the entertainment sector.

Medical / clinical negligence / life sciences

This practice area involves legal issues related to medical malpractice, clinical negligence, and legal matters concerning the life sciences industry.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing patients in medical negligence claims against healthcare providers, including hospitals, doctors, and medical professionals.
Conducting investigations, obtaining medical records, and consulting medical experts to assess the validity of negligence claims.
Negotiating settlements or litigating medical negligence cases through court proceedings to secure compensation for injured patients.
Providing legal advice to pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and life sciences companies on regulatory compliance and product liability issues.
Assisting with clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and compliance with healthcare laws and regulations in the life sciences sector.

Pensions

Pensions law deals with legal issues related to workplace pensions, retirement planning, and pension scheme governance.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising employers, trustees, and pension scheme members on pension law compliance, including auto-enrolment requirements and pension scheme governance.
Drafting and reviewing pension scheme documents, including trust deeds, rules, and member communications.
Assisting with pension scheme mergers, closures, and amendments to scheme rules.
Handling disputes related to pension benefits, pension contributions, and breach of fiduciary duties.
Providing legal guidance on pension scheme investments, funding arrangements, and pension scheme winding-up.

Personal injury

Personal injury law involves legal issues related to accidents, injuries, and claims for compensation due to negligence or wrongful acts.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing injured individuals in personal injury claims, including road traffic accidents, workplace accidents, and slip-and-fall incidents.
Investigating accidents, gathering evidence, and assessing damages to determine the value of personal injury claims.
Negotiating settlements with insurance companies or litigating personal injury cases in court to secure compensation for injured clients.
Providing legal advice on liability issues, insurance coverage, and the claims process for personal injury cases.
Assisting with rehabilitation services, medical treatment, and support for injured individuals to recover from their injuries.

Prison

Prison law addresses legal issues related to the rights and treatment of individuals in prison, including prisoners’ rights, parole, and prison conditions.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing prisoners in legal proceedings, including parole hearings, disciplinary hearings, and judicial review applications.
Advocating for prisoners’ rights and challenging violations of human rights, including cases of mistreatment, abuse, or discrimination in prison.
Assisting prisoners with applications for release on parole, early release, or transfer to alternative forms of custody.
Providing legal advice on prison regulations, disciplinary procedures, and prisoners’ entitlements to education, healthcare, and rehabilitation services.
Handling complaints and appeals related to prison conditions, overcrowding, and access to legal remedies for prisoners.

Private equity

Private equity law involves legal issues related to private equity investments, fund formation, and transactions in the private equity sector.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Assisting with the formation and structuring of private equity funds, including drafting fund documents, limited partnership agreements, and offering memoranda.
Advising private equity firms, fund managers, and investors on regulatory compliance, fund governance, and securities laws.
Negotiating and structuring private equity transactions, including leveraged buyouts, mergers, and acquisitions.
Conducting due diligence on target companies, assessing legal risks, and negotiating transaction documents for private equity investments.
Providing legal guidance on exit strategies, including initial public offerings (IPOs), sales to strategic buyers, and secondary market transactions for private equity investments.

Project financing

Project financing involves the legal structuring and financing of large-scale infrastructure and development projects.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising project sponsors, developers, and lenders on the legal structure, risk allocation, and financing arrangements for infrastructure projects.
Drafting and negotiating project finance documents, including loan agreements, project contracts, and security documents.
Assisting with due diligence, risk assessments, and feasibility studies for project finance transactions.
Providing legal guidance on regulatory approvals, permitting requirements, and government incentives for infrastructure projects.
Representing parties in project finance disputes, including contract disputes, payment disputes, and enforcement actions.

Professional regulation and negligence

Professional regulation and negligence law involve legal issues related to professional misconduct, negligence claims, and regulatory compliance in various professions.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing professionals, including doctors, lawyers, accountants, and architects, in disciplinary proceedings before professional regulatory bodies.
Defending professionals against allegations of professional misconduct, negligence, or breaches of professional standards.
Advising professional regulatory bodies on disciplinary procedures, enforcement actions, and regulatory compliance matters.
Assisting clients with professional negligence claims against professionals for errors, omissions, or breaches of duty.
Providing legal guidance on professional ethics, standards of care, and liability issues in professional practice.

Property

Property law involves legal issues related to the ownership, use, and transfer of real property, including land, buildings, and real estate.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Assisting clients with property transactions, including buying, selling, leasing, and mortgaging real estate.
Drafting and negotiating property contracts, including sale agreements, lease agreements, and easement agreements.
Conducting due diligence on properties, including title searches, zoning compliance, and environmental assessments.
Handling property disputes, including boundary disputes, landlord-tenant disputes, and adverse possession claims.
Providing legal advice on property development, land use regulations, and planning permissions for real estate projects.

Administrative and public: Government and public bodies

Administrative and public law deals with legal issues related to government actions, regulatory compliance, and public sector governance.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising government agencies, public bodies, and private clients on regulatory compliance, administrative law, and government decision-making processes.
Representing clients in judicial review proceedings challenging government decisions, policies, or actions.
Assisting with public procurement processes, government contracts, and public-private partnerships.
Providing legal guidance on constitutional law, human rights law, and public sector accountability.
Handling disputes related to government regulations, licensing, and enforcement actions.

Road traffic offences

Road traffic offences law involves legal issues related to traffic violations, driving offences, and road safety regulations.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing individuals charged with road traffic offences, including speeding, drink driving, and dangerous driving.
Advising clients on their legal rights, potential defences, and options for mitigating penalties for traffic offences.
Negotiating plea bargains, attending court hearings, and advocating for clients in traffic offence cases.
Assisting with driver’s licence appeals, penalty point reduction applications, and driving disqualification proceedings.
Providing legal advice on road traffic laws, traffic regulations, and the consequences of traffic offences on driving privileges.

Shipping and transportation / trade / maritime

Shipping and transportation law involves legal issues related to the transportation of goods and passengers by sea, air, rail, or road, as well as international trade and maritime commerce.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising shipping companies, logistics providers, and freight forwarders on regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, and cargo claims.
Assisting with the drafting and negotiation of transportation contracts, including charterparty agreements, bills of lading, and freight forwarding contracts.
Handling disputes related to cargo damage, shipping delays, and maritime collisions through arbitration, mediation, or litigation.
Providing legal guidance on international trade regulations, customs compliance, and trade finance transactions.
Representing clients in maritime insurance claims, including hull insurance, cargo insurance, and protection and indemnity (P&I) insurance.

Social welfare benefits law addresses legal issues related to government benefits and entitlements designed to support individuals and families in need.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Assisting individuals with applications for social welfare benefits, including unemployment benefits, housing benefits, and disability benefits.
Representing clients in appeals and tribunal hearings challenging benefit denials, sanctions, or reductions.
Providing legal advice on eligibility criteria, entitlements, and procedures for claiming social welfare benefits.
Advocating for clients facing benefit cuts, sanctions, or adverse decisions by welfare authorities.
Assisting vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, disabled, and homeless, in accessing social welfare support and entitlements.

Special educational needs and disability

Special educational needs and disability (SEND) law involves legal issues related to the provision of education and support services for children and young people with special needs or disabilities.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing parents and guardians in disputes with educational authorities over the provision of special educational needs assessments, support plans, and placement decisions.
Advocating for children with disabilities or special educational needs to access appropriate educational provision, including accommodations, therapies, and specialized schooling.
Assisting with appeals to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST) and judicial review proceedings challenging decisions of educational authorities.
Providing legal advice on disability discrimination laws, equality rights, and reasonable adjustments in educational settings.
Collaborating with educational professionals, therapists, and support organizations to ensure children with special needs receive the support they require to thrive in education.

Sports

Sports law encompasses legal issues related to professional and amateur sports, including contracts, regulatory compliance, doping, and disciplinary matters.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising athletes, sports clubs, and sports organizations on contract negotiations, endorsement deals, and image rights agreements.
Representing clients in sports disciplinary proceedings, including anti-doping hearings, disciplinary hearings, and appeals.
Assisting with sports governance issues, including compliance with sports regulations, codes of conduct, and ethics rules.
Handling disputes between athletes, coaches, clubs, and governing bodies, including contract disputes, transfer disputes, and disciplinary matters.
Providing legal guidance on sports-related matters, such as sponsorship agreements, broadcasting rights, and event management contracts.

Tax

Tax law involves legal issues related to taxation, including income tax, corporate tax, value-added tax (VAT), and tax planning strategies.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising individuals, businesses, and organizations on tax planning strategies, tax-efficient structuring, and compliance with tax laws.
Assisting with tax filings, tax returns, and negotiations with tax authorities to resolve tax disputes or audits.
Providing legal advice on tax implications of business transactions, investments, and estate planning.
Representing clients in tax appeals, tax tribunals, and litigation challenging tax assessments or decisions of tax authorities.
Assisting with international tax matters, cross-border transactions, and transfer pricing arrangements for multinational corporations.

Technology, media & telecoms

Technology, media, and telecoms (TMT) law encompasses legal issues related to technology, telecommunications, internet, media and entertainment industries. It also covers the fast-emerging area of artificial intelligence (AI).

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising technology companies, media organizations, and telecom operators on regulatory compliance, licensing, and market entry.
Drafting and negotiating technology contracts, including software licenses, service agreements, and technology transfer agreements.
Assisting with intellectual property protection, copyright licensing, and digital rights management for media and entertainment content.
Handling disputes related to technology contracts, data breaches, intellectual property infringement, and content licensing.
Providing legal guidance on emerging technology trends, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data privacy regulations.

Tort

Tort law deals with civil wrongs or injuries caused by one party to another, resulting in legal liability for damages.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Representing individuals or businesses in tort claims, including negligence, personal injury, and property damage claims.
Assisting with tort litigation, including gathering evidence, preparing legal arguments, and representing clients in court proceedings.
Providing legal advice on liability issues, duty of care, and causation in tort cases.
Negotiating settlements or litigating tort claims to recover compensation for injured parties.
Handling a wide range of tort claims, including defamation, nuisance, trespass, and product liability claims.

White collar crime and serious fraud

White collar crime and serious fraud law involves legal issues related to financial crimes, corporate fraud, and regulatory compliance violations.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Advising individuals, corporations, and financial institutions on compliance with anti-fraud laws, money laundering regulations, and financial crime prevention measures.
Representing clients in investigations by regulatory authorities, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Serious Fraud Office (SFO), and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
Defending individuals or corporate entities accused of white-collar crimes, including fraud, bribery, insider trading, and corruption.
Conducting internal investigations, forensic audits, and due diligence reviews to identify potential fraud or misconduct.
Assisting with asset recovery efforts, confiscation proceedings, and civil recovery actions in cases of serious fraud or financial misconduct.

Wills and probate

Wills and probate law involves legal issues related to estate planning, will drafting, and administration of estates after death.

The solicitor’s responsibilities:

Drafting wills, trusts, and estate planning documents tailored to clients’ needs and wishes.
Advising clients on inheritance tax planning, asset protection, and succession planning for family businesses.
Assisting with the probate process, including applying for grants of probate or letters of administration, gathering assets, and distributing estates to beneficiaries.
Representing executors, trustees, or beneficiaries in disputes over wills, inheritance claims, or contested probate proceedings.
Providing legal guidance on estate administration, executor duties, and trust management to ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Also read:

What does a solicitor do?

What skills does a solicitor need?

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