Lawyers, no matter what sector they operate in, play an integral role in a just and fair society.
These expertly trained professionals dedicate their lives to the study of and practical application of the law, ensuring the legal system works the way it should, and their clients have the best chance of a positive outcome.
There are many different types of lawyers operating in the UK, and all over the world, but two in particular stand out, dur in the main to their representation on TV and in the media.
Corporate and criminal law are perhaps the two most high-profile areas of the law and those who practice them possess a very specialised set of skills and thrive in high-pressure environments.
In this blog we will examine the differences between these two types of legal professional letting you know exactly what to expect when working with either.
What do Criminal Lawyers Do?
Criminal Lawyers Edinburgh specialise in defending those who have been charged with criminal offences of any kind.
Yes, these are the people you see in the films and TV dramas, standing up in court and defending their clients, but the role involves so much more than that alone.
Criminal lawyers represent their clients at every single stage of the criminal process from the very first police interrogation all the way to appealing a decision if things go that far.
They can even provide you with advice before any charges have been filed on what to do and not to do if approached by the police or confronted by your accuser.
For this reason it is highly recommended that you find yourself a great criminal lawyer the very moment that you suspect criminal charges may be on their way.
What do Corporate Lawyers Do?
Corporate lawyers work operate in the business world, thing Suits with more paperwork, consulting with companies, professionals and regulatory agencies alike. On a daily basis, these experts will oversee mergers, acquisitions, business partnership agreements and contract negotiations.
They may also have to appear in court on behalf of the company they represent in cases regarding corporate governance, unfair dismissal, workplace injury claims, and more.
Every single major company will have a corporate lawyer on retainer, or they may even have their very own in-house legal team.
What is the difference between the two?
Besides the very different areas of law they operate in there are a number of key differences between criminal and corporate lawyers.
Corporate lawyers spend a lot more of their time consulting and advising to ensure their clients don’t fall foul of legislation in the first place whilst criminal lawyers are often more reactionary, defending those who have already been accused of an offence.
Some criminal lawyers will also work in the public sector before moving into a private practice, working as a prosecutor or a public defender. Corporate lawyers are more likely to move directly into a private firm after earning their degree as a junior associate or on a training contract before working their way upwards.