The law changes on a daily basis, affected by government policy, judicial rulings and a number of other factors. As a qualified solicitor – either newly qualified or already experienced – it would be impossible to keep abreast of every kind of legal ruling and stay up to date on the statute book.

It is important, then, that every legal practitioner chooses a speciality, and that includes paralegals. This allows the professional to concentrate on one area, stay on top of all the changes that inevitably occur and provide a good service to his or her clients. The trick is choosing the right speciality that will both be enjoyable and that the solicitor will be good at.

There are many areas of law that one can specialise in. Here we will look at some of those available and what type of person they might suit.

Conveyancing

This is the practice of assisting home buyers in purchasing new homes. It involves a lot of paperwork, due diligence and reporting. Specialising in conveyancing is going to suit someone with an analytical mind, someone who is incredibly organised and someone happy to work to deadlines – and ensure others do to.

Dealing with the Land Registry and the like can be difficult in terms of getting the information you require when you need it, so patience would also be an advantage.

Criminal Law

Whether defending or prosecuting alleged criminals, specialising in criminal law is going to suit the type of person that not only enjoys but thrives in the cut and thrust of the court room. This is where cases will be made or broken so being able to think fast, spot opportunities and be convincing are talents that will be required. In addition, hours of research are likely to be required before stepping foot in the court room so again, patience and a willingness to put in the time are going to be required.

That said, the rewards in terms of personal satisfaction when you win a criminal law case will no doubt make up for it.

Medical Negligence Law

Specialising in medical negligence is likely to suit a person with a combination of the already mentioned skills. It would involve a lot of paperwork and research, analysing medical records, reading statements and the like, as well as fighting the case in a court room.

An analytical, patient person who also enjoys court room battles is going to be ideally suited, as is someone who can handle the pressure of fighting cases where the level of medical negligence compensation can be in the millions.

Whichever speciality a solicitor chooses, they have to be sure that the type of work suits their skills and their personality if they are to both enjoy it and excel for themselves and on behalf of their clients.

Of course, the financial rewards in terms of salary and bonus are going to be in the higher profile areas of legal practice, such as criminal law and medical negligence. There is more pressure involved in fighting these cases so the rewards are greater – if this is a consideration for a solicitor, then they need to weigh up the pros and cons of pressure versus lifestyle too.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Pearson Hinchliffe, medical negligence solicitors and specialists in claiming medical negligence compensation.

Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Pearson Hinchliffe (http://www.ph-medicalnegligence.co.uk), medical negligence solicitors and specialists in claiming medical negligence compensation.

Author Bio: Ben Greenwood is writing on behalf of Pearson Hinchliffe, medical negligence solicitors and specialists in claiming medical negligence compensation.

Category: Legal
Keywords: legal speciality, specialising in law, criminal law, medical negligence