The 2024 State of the Lateral Law Firm Legal Market | BCGSearch.com

The 2024 State of the Lateral Law Firm Legal Market

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Introduction

  2. How BCG Candidates Get to Law Firms

  3. Overall Ranking Summary

  4. Rank 1-2 Summary

  5. Rank 3 Summary

  6. Rank 4-5 Summary

  7. Ranking Practice Areas in Different Geographic Regions of the United States

  8. BCG Law Firm Rankings 

  9. Geographic Areas Analyzed in Rankings

  10. The Western Region

    1. The Most Marketable Practice Areas for Firms Ranked 1-3 in Western States

    2. The Least Marketable Practice Areas for Firms Ranked 1-3 in Western States

    3. The Most Marketable Practice Areas 4-5 Ranked Firms in Western States

    4. The Least Marketable Practice Areas 4-5 Ranked Firms in Western States

  11. The Mountain Region

    1. The Most Marketable Practice Areas for Firms Ranked 1-3 in the Mountain Region

    2. The Least Marketable Practice Areas for Firms Ranked 1-3 in Mountain States

    3. The Most Marketable Practice Areas for Firms Ranked 4-5 in Mountain States

    4. The Least Marketable Practice Areas for Firms Ranked 4-5 in Mountain States

  12. The Midwest

    1. The Most Marketable Practice Areas for All Firms in Midwestern States

    2. The Least Marketable Practice Areas for all Firms in the Midwestern States

  13. The East Coast

    1. The Most Marketable Practice Areas in the Eastern United States

    2. The Least Marketable Practice Areas in the Eastern United States 

  14. The Central Region

    1. The Most Marketable Practice Areas in the Central States

    2. The Least Marketable Practice Areas in the Central States

  15. Ranking and Scoring Methodology


Introduction

 

The 2024 State of the Lateral Law Firm Legal Market
 
BCG Attorney Search proudly presents our 2024 State of the Law Firm Lateral Hiring Market. In 2023, we reached a significant milestone, having worked with over 24,243 candidates, facilitating their career advancements through more than 475,142 individual applications to over 35,486 unique law firms in one year. It's important to highlight that most of these candidates have not been one-time engagements. Many have collaborated with us for years, some even over two decades. This long-term partnership underlines the depth of our commitment and the trust we have built within the legal community. Our number of active candidates is high because we have been in business for over 25 years and have had hundreds of recruiters and more than 2,000 employees who have assisted us over the past quarter of a century.

Each of these 24,243 candidates has undergone a thorough process of evaluation and guidance, reflecting our dedication to providing a highly personalized service. From meticulous resume reviews to in-depth background checks, our approach is designed to ensure that every candidate we work with is not only highly qualified but also aligns perfectly with the specific needs and cultures of the law firms we serve.

This extensive experience and personalized approach give us a unique perspective on the legal job market. We don't just connect candidates to law firms; we forge lasting relationships that contribute to the growth and success of both parties. Our rigorous process is discussed below, demonstrating how we maintain the highest standards in legal recruitment and why our data and insights are a reliable barometer of the current state of the legal market.

At BCG Attorney Search, our work with over 24,243 candidates and 35,486 law firms in 2023 has not only given us a unique understanding of the legal job market but has also enabled us to refine our approach to legal recruitment. Our process, marked by personal attention and detailed vetting, ensures that only the most suitable candidates reach law firms. Here’s how we accomplish this:
 

How BCG Candidates Get to Law Firms

 
Thousands of candidates submit their resumes to BCG each month. In addition, existing candidates "resubmit" their resumes to BCG each month (these candidates may have applied when they were in law school and been rejected or candidates we could not help with when they applied initially). Over 600,000 attorneys in our database have initiated contact with us over the past few decades. Before working with any attorney, they must be activated by a recruiter on our platform, sent jobs, and spoken with.
 
Step 1: Resume Review
 
When candidates submit their resumes to BCG Attorney Search, we review them. Here, we screen out and "reject" over 90% of candidates because they
 
(1) are not working in an associate, counsel, or partner role in a law firm practice setting,
(2) are not currently employed,
(3) are not a member (or able to waive in) in the state they are interested in working,
(4) do not have extensive experience in one practice area (are generalists or are not trying to switch practice areas),
(5) do show employment stability (in their past jobs or a practice setting), and
(6) have reasons for looking for a new job that could be more motivated by (a) doing poor work, (b) personality conflicts, or (c) an inability to be managed.
 
Step 2: Questionnaire Review
 
Candidates must fill out an in-depth questionnaire when they seek our assistance. This questionnaire is also reviewed, and candidates may want part-time jobs, fully remote jobs, work in a different practice setting, switch practice areas, or have unreasonable salary expectations.
 
Step 3: Soft Background Check
 
We verify bar admissions and current employment and ensure that these match up with what the candidate represented on their resume.
 
Step 4: Candidate Ranking
 
Before sending any candidate jobs, we need to see if there are jobs that the types of firms this candidate would be a good fit for. Firms, their jobs, and candidates are ranked from 1 to 5. This ranking system aims to do its best to ensure that law firms do not receive candidates without the experience or qualifications to work in the law firms to which they are applying.
 

The Proprietary BCG Attorney Search Candidate and Law Firm Ranking System
(“The BCG Ranking System”)

 
The BCG Ranking System is designed to ensure optimal alignment between law firms and candidates, based on the nature of clients they represent.

•       Client Expectations and Attorney Caliber: Clients' willingness to pay for legal services sets expectations for the caliber of attorneys. Firms charging higher fees attract better pedigreed attorneys, as these lawyers seek the highest salaries which correlate with the firm's client charges. Conversely, firms with clients less inclined to pay high legal fees struggle to attract top-tier attorneys.
 
•       Rank 1-2: Firms and Candidates Serving Individuals: These firms primarily cater to individuals with limited budgets, such as personal injury or insurance defense cases. They often consist of solo practitioners or small law firms funded by individuals or their insurance. Such firms are less concerned with attorney pedigree and generally offer lower salaries. They mostly hire from local or regional law schools, and their clients are highly sensitive to legal rates.
 
•       Rank 3: Firms and Candidates Serving Small to Middle Market Businesses: These firms represent businesses and some affluent consumers, charging lower rates than major firms. Typically smaller or mid-sized, they often operate within a single city, state, or region. They have high hiring standards but are not usually the top choice for graduates from elite law schools. Most attorneys come from reputable law schools outside the top 25. Their clients, cautious about rates, scrutinize bills but avoid cutting corners. Salaries here are about 20-30% lower than at the largest firms.
 
•       Rank 4-5: Firms and Candidates Serving Middle Market to Large Businesses: These are among the largest 200 law firms in the U.S. or prestigious boutiques. They represent wealthy individuals and primarily middle market to major corporations, with clients least sensitive to rates. These firms predominantly hire from top law schools and offer the highest salaries. Rank 5 firms are the most prestigious with the strictest hiring standards. Their clients usually have general counsels and extensive legal departments.

Step 5: Matching Jobs in the Candidate's Ranking Range
Once we have completed these processes, the candidate is manually reviewed for matching jobs in their practice area and location. We review these carefully to see if the candidate appears marketable or not. We only work with candidates where there appears to be a practice area and market fit. Jobs are only added to the candidate's account if they are within the ranking and experience range that there is a fit between the type of candidate the firm would hire and where the candidate would work.
 
Step 6: Jobs Are Sent to the Candidate for Review
Jobs are sent to the candidate for review and approval (less than 5). To protect the identity of our jobs and employers, we send a limited number of positions to the candidates.

We send these positions immediately to gauge the candidate's interest. For each firm we send candidates, we provide copies of BCG's profiles for each law firm on our website.
 
Step 7: The Candidate is Contacted for an Interview
Once the candidate has been accepted into our platform, we contact them immediately to schedule an interview with them. We text and email them to schedule these interviews, and they are persistent. If we do not get a response, the candidate is rejected and sent to a different status in our database. The interview is to clarify the information we have on our questionnaire and resume. It is a huge job scheduling these interviews and speaking with candidates. We typically schedule and use a full hour for these calls.

We have over 100 employees that assist in this process. Typically, we are unable to work with at least 30-40 percent of the candidates we interview. New firms and jobs are added to the candidates' accounts after this interview.
 
Step 8: Approval is Sought for Opportunities Put in the Candidate's Account
Once we put opportunities in a candidate's account, we email and text them to approve them. Candidates must affirmatively go online and approve each job before we can represent them to a firm.
 
Step 9: Interview Scheduling and Interview Preparation
If a firm is interested in a candidate, an attorney who is also a placement specialist from BCG will speak with the candidate and the law firm to coordinate the process. The candidate will also be assigned someone to prepare them for interviews and ensure they understand the firm and the position as much as possible.
 
Step 10: Salary and Offer Negotiation
When the interview gets to the offer stage, we have a recruitment director from our company take over the responsibilities of being a conduit between the firm and the candidate.


The culmination of our refined process is evident in our comprehensive State of the Market Report for 2023. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the legal job market, showcasing the strengths and trends across various practice areas. We begin by highlighting the practice area strengths for all firm rankings, from 1 to 5, offering insights into the diverse legal landscape.
 


Comprehensive Insights from Representing 24,243 Candidates to 35,486 Law Firms in 2023

BCG Attorney Search represents candidates in all practice areas and locations seeking permanent legal positions in law firms of all sizes in every region of the United States.  Drawing on data from 24,243 candidates applying to more than 35,486 individual law firms for permanent law firm positions across over 300 practice areas and 50 states, the report ranks the strongest and weakest practice areas.

Please Click Here for A Summary of Practice Areas and Most Likely Candidate Rankings

Complete Summary of Interviewing at All Law Firms Irrespective of Ranking

 

Final Primary Practice

# Total Submissions

# Unique Candidates Submitted

Scaled Interview vs. Submission Ratio

Product Liability Plaintiffs

139

41

100.00

Real Estate Development/Dirt law

548

36

84.55

Health Care General

577

46

72.27

Medical Malpractice Plaintiffs

515

90

71.97

Patent Agents Electrical Engineering

325

35

71.28

Data Privacy Litigation

238

31

58.40

Litigation Workers' Compensation Defense

637

75

58.19

Elder Law

642

61

57.74

Litigation Real Estate

408

32

56.78

Professional Liability Defense

1063

99

56.66

Employment Law Traditional Labor Law (Unions)

411

47

56.37

Employment Law Wage and Hour - Plaintiffs

260

38

53.46

Product Liability Defense

1951

185

49.87

IP - Patent Biotechnology

287

33

48.43

ERISA General

482

38

48.06

Medical Malpractice Defense

2012

223

46.06

Employment Law - Litigation Plaintiffs & Class Actions

1638

133

45.26

Divorce Law

2568

244

45.11

Litigation - Real Estate Plaintiffs

529

44

43.79

Litigation - Class Actions Defense

429

63

43.2

Guardianship and Conservatorship

1594

40

40.69

Personal Injury Defense

4460

472

40.52

Employment Law - Wage and Hour Defense

354

36

39.27

Probate

4101

286

38.41

Litigation - Mass Torts Plaintiffs

486

40

38.13

Litigation - Securities Litigation - Plaintiffs

488

40

37.98

Litigation - Civil Rights

1230

72

37.67

Workers' Compensation Law - Employers

782

63

35.55

Trusts and Estates - General

3890

190

34.54

Asbestos - Defense

682

26

33.97

Litigation - Appellate

2426

118

32.47

Construction - General

288

38

32.18

ERISA/Executive Compensation Transactions & Compliance

1746

90

31.84

Insurance Defense - General

12830

964

31.78

Employment Law - Litigation Employer Defense

3653

302

31.71

Education - Special Needs

445

27

31.24

Trucking and Auto Plaintiffs

466

39

29.83

Personal Injury Plaintiffs

5071

408

29.24

Antitrust and Competition Litigation and Investigations

161

28

28.78

Litigation - Trusts & Estates Defense

967

41

28.75

Litigation - Construction - General

1367

131

27.12

Family Law - General

6691

450

27.01

Litigation - International Arbitration - Plaintiffs

515

31

26.99

Real Estate - Finance

4098

169

26.00

Government Contracts

360

28

25.74

Insurance Coverage

3783

232

25.72

Litigation Document Review

925

63

25.05

Insurance Plaintiffs - General

934

86

24.80

Litigation - Securities Litigation - Defense

935

81

24.78

Employment Law - Management (Compliance & Counseling)

1139

135

24.41

IP - Patent Computer Science

955

37

24.26

Tax State & Local

1148

112

24.22

Litigation - Real Estate Defense

4851

191

23.88

Employment

585

59

23.76

Municipal Law Transactions - Land Use

585

59

23.76

Land Use & Zoning

1766

83

23.61

Adoption Law

396

43

23.40

Asylum

993

101

23.33

Estate & Tax Planning

14646

718

22.78

Finance Financial Services Regulation

651

52

21.35

Litigation eDiscovery General

438

33

21.16

Municipal Law - Litigation Defense

219

26

21.16

Tax Controversy and Dispute Resolution

2441

75

20.88

Corporate Venture Capital/Emerging Companies

3208

165

20.22

IP - Patent Software

1167

52

19.85

Litigation Commercial

47601

2386

19.76

IP - Patent Mechanical

2138

106

19.50

Tax - General Practice (Transaction)

714

27

19.47

Finance Banking

2642

155

19.29

Criminal Law Defense

5771

369

19.27

Real Estate Leasing

3519

145

18.43

Business Immigration

6843

519

18.28

Real Estate Purchase and Sale (Commercial)

3306

110

18.22

Litigation Labor & Employment

1815

131

17.87

School Boards

780

33

17.82

Teachers

780

33

17.82

Education Districts

780

33

17.82

IP - Patent Hard Science - General

1828

92

17.74

Intellectual Property Trademark/Copyright - Litigation

1050

79

17.65

Litigation - Criminal Law

2635

73

17.58

Tax - General

4135

175

16.81

Litigation - Mass Torts - Defense

1384

67

16.74

IP - Litigation Life Science -  General

557

44

16.64

Finance / Project Finance

842

54

16.51

Real Estate - General

6035

371

16.12

Litigation - Health Care -  Defense

2627

106

15.87

IP - Litigation - Hard Science General

1184

36

15.65

IP - Patent Electrical Engineering

2375

85

15.61

Real Estate -  Commercial Transactions

16298

681

15.35

Energy and Oil & Gas

304

35

15.24

IP - Patent - General

2439

110

15.20

Litigation - White Collar Crime & Government Investigations - Defense

5273

180

14.94

IP - Patent - Physics

1565

34

14.80

Tax - M&A and Transactions

2825

174

14.76

Tax - International

3785

142

14.69

Family Immigration

1584

150

14.63

Energy - Renewables - Transactional

324

27

14.30

Construction/Developer  - Agreements & Transactions

1313

70

14.12

Trucking and Auto Defense

332

48

13.96

Real Estate - Purchase and Sale (Residential)

1664

97

13.92

Real Estate - Residential Transactions

5692

288

13.84

Family Law

677

73

13.69

Litigation - Construction Defect (Defense)

4411

157

13.66

IP - Litigation - General

3755

155

13.57

Patent Agents - Mechanical

347

28

13.35

Health Care - Compliance / Transactions / HIPAA

4054

185

12.57

Entertainment and New Media

1858

103

12.47

Corporate - M&A

16076

716

12.39

Employment Law - General

4161

145

12.25

IP - Patent - Computer Engineering

2298

60

12.10

Corporate - General

26081

1104

11.90

Telecommunications - Transactions

1173

35

11.85

Corporate - Securities and Capital Markets

7465

319

11.17

Litigation - General (consumer)

834

33

11.11

IP - Patent - Chemistry

881

45

10.52

Entertainment and New Media - General

1331

43

10.44

Corporate - Private Equity - General

3741

235

9.91

Intellectual Property - General

2891

112

9.62

Environmental Law - Transactions & Compliance

1019

64

9.09

Litigation - Class Actions - Plaintiffs

523

51

8.86

Bankruptcy - General

2616

129

8.86

Data Privacy - Transactional

3814

160

8.50

Litigation - International Arbitration - Defense

2300

91

8.06

International Trade

1158

48

8.00

IP - Patent - Life Science General

1740

53

7.99

Tax - Exempt Organization

2395

27

7.74

Workers' Compensation Law - General

607

56

7.63

Corporate - Contract Law

13976

346

7.62

Finance - Structured Finance

2459

75

7.54

Tax - Federal

1852

54

7.51

Environmental and Land Use - General

1338

64

6.93

Entertainment and New Media - IP

1353

38

6.85

Corporate - Asset / Investment Management

3042

105

6.09

General Practice - Transactional & Litigation

5388

101

6.02

Litigation - Construction

773

37

5.99

Fintech & Blockchain

1608

44

5.76

Transportation

823

34

5.63

Finance - Public Finance

1040

37

4.46

Real Estate - Foreclosure (Litigation)

1073

70

4.32

Intellectual Property - Trademark/Copyright - Transaction

11743

309

3.55

Immigration - General

2638

195

3.51

Bankruptcy - Restructuring (Chap. 11)

1345

106

3.44

Government and Government Relations

3377

36

2.74

Bankruptcy - Creditors Rights

1744

76

2.66

Administrative Law

3659

46

2.53

Corporate - Compliance

1936

99

2.39

Bankruptcy - Litigation

1992

59

2.33

Corporate - Technology Transactions

10069

119

2.30

Grand Total

475142

24243

 

 

 TOP
 

Rank 1-2 Summary Candidates Submitted in Practice Areas Where Consumers With Limited Budgets Most Likely to be the Clients 

 

Practice Area

Rank

# Total
Submissions

# Unique
Candidates
Submitted

Scaled
Percentage

Professional Liability
Defense

1 to 2

641

18

100.00

Medical Malpractice -
Plaintiffs

1 to 2

457

29

93.51

Product Liability Plaintiffs

1 to 2

123

14

86.86

Litigation - Class Actions
Defense

1 to 2

226

10

70.91

Workers' Compensation Law
Employers

1 to 2

549

19

58.38

Product Liability Defense

1 to 2

286

28

56.03

Litigation - Construction
General

1 to 2

390

17

54.79

Insurance Plaintiffs - General

1 to 2

396

25

53.96

Litigation -
Workers' Compensation
Defense

1 to 2

534

20

50.02

Employment Law
Litigation Plaintiffs
& Class Actions

1 to 2

779

25

48.00

Litigation - Appellate

1 to 2

451

20

47.38

Probate

1 to 2

2718

66

47.17

Guardianship and
Conservatorship

1 to 2

1569

14

44.26

Litigation - Document Review

1 to 2

661

14

40.41

Medical Malpractice Defense

1 to 2

1363

50

39.19

Insurance Defense - General

1 to 2

7259

203

36.79

Trusts and Estates - General

1 to 2

2543

40

35.71

Elder Law

1 to 2

469

15

34.17

Real Estate - Finance

1 to 2

1128

16

33.15

Personal Injury Plaintiffs

1 to 2

4119

138

32.42

Personal Injury Defense

1 to 2

2923

117

31.07

Real Estate - Leasing

1 to 2

1088

23

29.46

Litigation - Civil Rights

1 to 2

1096

14

29.24

Trucking and Auto Plaintiffs

1 to 2

372

14

28.72

Divorce Law

1 to 2

1737

72

27.68

Family Law - General

1 to 2

4670

141

27.45

Tax - State & Local

1 to 2

392

15

27.25

Trucking and Auto Defense

1 to 2

201

14

26.58

Asylum

1 to 2

812

32

26.31

Litigation -
Securities Litigation
Defense

1 to 2

208

10

25.68

Litigation -
Trusts & Estates
Defense

1 to 2

628

10

25.52

Insurance Coverage

1 to 2

1268

41

25.28

Real Estate -
Residential Transactions

1 to 2

1910

76

25.17

Litigation -
Labor & Employment

1 to 2

1088

28

24.55

Employment Law -
Management
(Compliance & Counseling)

1 to 2

218

16

24.50

Litigation - Real Estate
- Defense

1 to 2

3788

41

23.97

Business Immigration

1 to 2

4914

128

22.83

Criminal Law - Defense

1 to 2

4473

121

22.69

Employment Law
Litigation Employer Defense

1 to 2

1260

48

21.20

Real Estate -
Purchase and Sale
(Commercial)

1 to 2

2021

19

21.14

Estate & Tax Planning

1 to 2

10071

152

20.69

Entertainment and
New Media
Transactional

1 to 2

522

18

20.47

Real Estate -
Commercial Transactions

1 to 2

6079

122

20.21

Litigation - Criminal Law

1 to 2

1920

22

19.47

Family Law

1 to 2

586

24

18.23

Litigation - Commercial

1 to 2

21710

393

18.21

Family Immigration

1 to 2

1235

46

17.30

Adoption Law

1 to 2

324

14

16.49

Tax - International

1 to 2

1964

20

16.32

Litigation - White Collar Crime
& Government Investigations
Defense

1 to 2

1324

17

16.14

Real Estate - General

1 to 2

2997

88

16.04

Corporate - Private Equity

1 to 2

1673

16

15.96

Tax - M&A and Transactions

1 to 2

671

22

15.92

Land Use & Zoning

1 to 2

1371

14

15.58

Environmental Law
Transactions & Compliance

1 to 2

367

11

14.55

Corporate - Securities
and Capital Markets

1 to 2

1109

23

14.45

Tax - General

1 to 2

2748

27

13.61

Litigation -
Construction Defect
(Defense)

1 to 2

3176

28

13.46

Construction/Developer
Agreements & Transactions

1 to 2

817

12

13.08

Litigation -
Class Actions - Plaintiffs

1 to 2

464

14

11.51

Data Privacy - Transactional

1 to 2

1099

20

9.72

Entertainment
and New Media - IP

1 to 2

1108

10

9.64

Corporate - General

1 to 2

13389

156

9.58

Real Estate -
Foreclosure (Litigation)

1 to 2

605

20

8.83

IP - Patent General

1 to 2

1232

18

8.67

Finance - Banking

1 to 2

634

15

8.43

Corporate - M&A

1 to 2

3881

57

8.26

IP - Litigation General

1 to 2

2284

17

7.02

Bankruptcy -
Restructuring (Chap. 11)

1 to 2

805

14

6.64

Employment Law - General

1 to 2

3265

27

6.54

Bankruptcy - General

1 to 2

1706

19

6.26

Corporate - Contract Law

1 to 2

8593

62

6.22

IP - Patent -
Electrical Engineering

1 to 2

1144

10

4.67

General Practice -
Transactional & Litigation

1 to 2

4855

29

4.40

Corporate - Asset /
Investment Management

1 to 2

1396

11

3.83

Health Care - Compliance /
Transactions / HIPAA

1 to 2

1419

26

3.76

Intellectual Property - General

1 to 2

1435

16

3.72

Intellectual Property -
Trademark/Copyright - Transaction

1 to 2

7421

63

2.88

Immigration - General

1 to 2

1971

53

2.71

 
 TOP

 

Rank 3 Summary Candidates Submitted to Law Firms Most Likely to be Regional and Representing Small to MidCap Companies

 

Practice Area

Rank

# Total
Submissions

# Unique Candidates Submitted

Scaled
Percentage

Litigation - Civil Rights

3

133

12

100.00

Elder Law

3

173

11

96.10

Medical Malpractice Defense

3

601

36

55.32

Divorce Law

3

783

33

55.20

Employment Law - Traditional Labor Law (Unions)

3

286

10

46.50

Personal Injury Defense

3

1515

65

46.09

Land Use & Zoning

3

378

16

43.98

Real Estate - Finance

3

1000

35

39.90

Product Liability Defense

3

1325

40

37.64

Employment Law - Litigation Employer Defense

3

2101

67

28.49

Employment Law - General

3

857

26

27.16

Finance - Structured Finance

3

247

10

26.92

Environmental and Land Use - General

3

250

10

26.60

Trusts and Estates - General

3

1274

24

25.78

Employment Law - Litigation Plaintiffs & Class Actions

3

775

25

25.74

Litigation - Real Estate - Defense

3

1050

31

25.33

Personal Injury Plaintiffs

3

944

35

24.66

Probate

3

1350

36

24.63

Estate & Tax Planning

3

4395

106

24.21

IP - Patent - Computer Science

3

564

11

23.58

Insurance Defense - General

3

5546

156

21.58

Family Law - General

3

1894

42

21.07

IP - Patent - Electrical Engineering

3

868

19

19.15

Finance - Banking

3

891

27

18.78

Insurance Coverage

3

2479

45

18.66

Litigation - Appellate

3

1814

13

18.19

IP - Patent - Computer Engineering

3

738

10

18.02

Litigation - Class Actions - Defense

3

185

12

17.97

Tax - General

3

1301

29

17.89

Real Estate - Purchase and Sale (Residential)

3

936

20

17.76

Construction/Developer - Agreements & Transactions

3

405

11

16.42

IP - Patent - Software

3

814

13

16.34

Tax - Controversy and Dispute Resolution

3

1260

16

15.83

IP - Patent General

3

863

23

15.41

Employment Law - Management (Compliance & Counseling)

3

878

38

15.15

Litigation - Commercial

3

20951

366

14.76

Employment

3

470

13

14.15

Municipal Law Transactions - Land Use

3

470

13

14.15

Tax - State & Local

3

713

28

13.99

IP - Patent - Hard Science General

3

1204

22

13.95

ERISA/Executive Compensation Transactions & Compliance

3

713

12

13.81

Real Estate - General

3

2175

62

13.76

Litigation - Construction - General

3

972

31

13.68

Litigation - Construction Defect (Defense)

3

1226

29

13.56

Bankruptcy - General

3

740

21

13.48

Real Estate - Purchase and Sale (Commercial)

3

1250

20

13.25

Criminal Law - Defense

3

1298

29

12.89

Litigation - Health Care - Defense

3

1851

22

12.57

Business Immigration

3

1139

58

11.68

IP - Patent - Mechanical

3

1457

23

11.48

Real Estate - Leasing

3

1719

22

11.41

Corporate - Venture Capital/ Emerging Companies

3

2099

28

11.09

Family Immigration

3

303

18

10.97

Data Privacy - Transactional

3

1529

25

10.87

Tax - International

3

1740

28

9.55

Litigation - Labor & Employment

3

711

22

9.35

Environmental Law - Transactions & Compliance

3

370

10

8.99

Intellectual Property - General

3

1109

25

8.99

Entertainment and New Media - Transactional

3

1137

14

8.77

Litigation - Securities Litigation - Defense

3

389

14

8.55

Real Estate - Commercial Transactions

3

8562

118

8.54

Professional Liability Defense

3

396

21

8.40

Corporate - General

3

10019

190

8.30

Tax - M&A and Transactions

3

2010

37

8.27

Litigation - White Collar Crime & Government Investigations - Defense

3

3260

32

8.16

Corporate - M&A

3

8277

116

8.03

Insurance Plaintiffs - General

3

441

10

7.54

Corporate - Contract Law

3

5365

58

7.44

IP - Litigation General

3

901

18

7.38

Health Care - Compliance / Transactions / HIPAA

3

2107

39

6.31

Real Estate - Residential Transactions

3

3724

45

6.25

Corporate - Securities and Capital Markets

3

3329

55

5.99

Immigration - General

3

579

19

5.74

Corporate - Asset / Investment Management

3

1372

12

4.85

Corporate - Compliance

3

1081

19

3.08

Litigation - International Arbitration - Defense

3

1125

17

2.96

Corporate - Private Equity

3

1283

27

2.59

Intellectual Property - Trademark/Copyright - Transaction

3

4063

46

2.46

Corporate - Technology Transactions

3

4377

20

2.28

 

 TOP

Rank 4-5 Summary Candidates Submitted to Law Firms Representing the Largest Companies with the Highest Hiring Standards

 

Practice Area

Rank

# Total
Submissions

# Unique
Candidates
Submitted

Scaled
Percentage

ERISA/Executive Compensation
Transactions & Compliance

4 to 5

583

16

100.00

Health Care - General

4 to 5

328

10

88.87

Health Care - Compliance
/ Transactions
/ HIPAA

4 to 5

528

17

82.81

IP - Litigation General

4 to 5

570

17

76.71

Intellectual Property
- Trademark/Copyright
- Litigation

4 to 5

199

10

73.24

IP - Patent -
Mechanical

4 to 5

407

10

71.62

Product Liability Defense

4 to 5

340

12

64.30

Intellectual Property -
Trademark/Copyright -
Transaction

4 to 5

259

15

56.27

Litigation - White Collar Crime
& Government Investigations
- Defense

4 to 5

688

20

52.96

Litigation - Commercial

4 to 5

4971

148

52.78

Corporate - General

4 to 5

2618

75

50.11

Employment Law -
Litigation Employer Defense

4 to 5

292

16

49.91

Estate & Tax Planning

4 to 5

180

19

40.49

Corporate - Venture Capital
/ Emerging Companies

4 to 5

914

30

39.87

Real Estate -
Commercial Transactions

4 to 5

1658

33

39.56

Litigation - Health Care - Defense

4 to 5

445

11

32.75

Finance - Banking

4 to 5

1117

24

32.62

Corporate - M&A

4 to 5

3918

100

31.62

Corporate - Asset /
Investment Management

4 to 5

274

14

26.60

Corporate - Securities
and Capital Markets

4 to 5

3027

48

21.67

Real Estate - Leasing

4 to 5

712

13

20.47

Corporate - Private Equity

4 to 5

785

48

18.57

Business Immigration

4 to 5

790

22

18.45

Finance - Project Finance

4 to 5

426

12

17.11

Real Estate - Finance

4 to 5

1970

19

14.80

Litigation -
International Arbitration
- Defense

4 to 5

1021

12

14.28

Corporate -
Technology Transactions

4 to 5

1077

12

13.53

Finance -
Structured Finance

4 to 5

1930

13

7.55

 TOP

Ranking Practice Areas in Different Geographic Regions of the United States

We also analyzed the strength of practice areas in different regions of the United States.

Because there was not enough data to draw from for individual cities and states, we have divided our rankings into the following regions: West, Mountain, Central, Midwest, and East.

Unlike our specific practice area results for 1-2 firms, 3 firms, and 4-5 firms, we did not have enough data at the regional level to rank either 1-2 firms or 3 firms separately. Therefore, to give the most accurate data, we divided the data into two bands: 1-3 firms and 4-5 firms.

1. Firms Ranked 1-3: These firms typically maintain a regional focus, diligently serving individuals, small businesses, and local entities. They offer a versatile spectrum of legal services tailored to resonate with their community and regional markets. In alignment with this, BCG candidates are ranked 1-3 and are exclusively directed towards firms of the same rank.

     •     Rank 1 firms predominantly represent individuals with limited budgets, placing less emphasis on attorney pedigrees. Personal injury, workers' compensation, consumer bankruptcy, simple trust and estates work, and work done primarily for consumers are most common among 1 law firms.  These law firms often hire out of local law schools and pay the lowest salaries. Rank 1 law firms are found in abundance throughout every area of the United States. They are most likely to be solo practitioners and smaller firms.

     •     Rank 2 firms may extend their services to companies with modest budgets but primarily serve individuals with higher financial capacity. These firms are more concerned with pedigrees than Rank 1 firms. Insurance defense, medical malpractice defense, professional liability defense, and residential real estate transactional work, are common practice areas for rank 2 firms. These firms are also found in every market of the United States. They are likely to be small; however, in the case of insurance defense, they may be larger.

     •     Rank 3 firms often catering to middle-market companies and smaller entities, uphold high hiring standards, albeit not as stringent as those observed in typical AmLaw law firms. These firms are in markets that are large population centers. They will engage in all practice areas; however, their attorneys are more likely to be generalists within their practice areas than practice Practice Areas within their practice areas. These firms rarely have international offices; however, they may have offices throughout the United States.

 
2. Firms Ranked 4-5: These prestigious firms occupy the elite echelons of the legal world, handling high-stakes matters for large corporations and international clients. They are at the forefront of global legal trends and pivotal legal developments. It is noteworthy that candidates ranked 1-3 are typically not directed towards these firms due to their higher hiring standards concerning law school credentials and prior elite firm experience.
 
Most law firms that are on AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 lists are 4 and 5 firms.  The most prestigious boutiques would also be ranked 4 firms.  Candidates who make the cut to be sent to these elite firms invariably boast first-rate qualifications in terms of their experience and pedigrees. However, candidates at Rank 4-5 firms may also explore opportunities at Rank 2-3 firms under specific circumstances, where more suitable opportunities may arise. Rank 5 firms, exemplified by prestigious entities like Cravath and Wachtel, epitomize the pinnacle of prestige within the legal industry.

Rank 4 and 5 firms are most likely to be found in the largest US cities. These firms are likely to have international offices.

 TOP

Read More About BCG Law Firm Rankings Here

 

Geographic Areas Analyzed in Rankings

 

Because there was not enough data to draw from for individual cities and states, we have divided our rankings into the following regions: West, Mountain, Central, Midwest, and East.

 

The Western Region 

Alaska
Arizona
California
Hawaii
Idaho
Nevada
Oregon
Utah
Washington

 TOP

The Most Marketable Practice Areas for Firms Ranked 1-3 in Western States 

 

  1. Labor Law - Union Representation

    Score: 100

     

  • Labor law oversees the legal dynamics between employers and employees, encompassing aspects like workplace rights, collective bargaining, and employment disputes. Attorneys in this field work to uphold fair practices, advocate for the interests of workers, and navigate legal complexities within the employment relationship.

  • Emphasis on Union Representation: Focuses on representing labor unions in various labor disputes and negotiations.

 

  1. Real Estate Law - Land Development

    Score: 98

     

  • Real estate law is a legal field that deals with issues related to the acquisition, use, and transfer of property. Attorneys in real estate law handle matters such as property transactions, leasing agreements, zoning regulations, and disputes, playing a crucial role in facilitating legal processes to protect the interests of property owners, developers, and investors.
  • Emphasis on Land Development: Involves the legal aspects of developing and managing land properties, crucial in growing urban and rural areas.

 

  1. Family Law - High Asset Divorce

    Score: 96

     

  • Family law is a legal practice area that addresses legal matters related to familial relationships, encompassing issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and domestic violence. Attorneys in family law play a pivotal role in assisting individuals and families with navigating legal processes, ensuring fair resolutions, and advocating for the best interests of children and family members involved in legal disputes.
  • Emphasis on High Asset Divorce: Specializes in divorce cases involving significant assets and complex financial arrangements.

 

  1. Employment Law - Workplace Discrimination

    Score: 94

     

  • Employment law is a legal field governing the relationship between employers and employees, encompassing issues like workplace rights, discrimination, wage and hour regulations, and wrongful termination. Attorneys in employment law advocate for fair labor practices, represent both employers and employees in legal disputes, and navigate the intricacies of labor regulations to ensure compliance in the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Workplace Discrimination: Deals with legal cases related to workplace discrimination, ensuring fair employment practices.

 

  1. Personal Injury Law - Medical Malpractice

    Score: 92

     

  • Personal injury law is a legal practice area focused on providing legal recourse to individuals who have suffered harm due to the negligence or intentional actions of others. Personal injury lawyers assist clients in seeking compensation for damages resulting from accidents, medical malpractice, or other incidents, working to ensure fair redress for their clients through negotiations or litigation.

  • Emphasis on Medical Malpractice: Represents clients in cases against healthcare providers for negligence or malpractice.

 

  1. Bankruptcy Law - Business Reorganizations

    Score: 90

     

  • Bankruptcy law is a legal field that addresses the financial distress of individuals and businesses, providing a legal framework for the resolution of debt-related issues. Attorneys in bankruptcy law assist clients in navigating bankruptcy proceedings, whether through liquidation (Chapter 7) or reorganization (Chapter 11), working to achieve a fair distribution of assets and a fresh start for debtors while adhering to legal requirements and protecting creditors' interests.

  • Emphasis on Business Reorganizations: Advises businesses on legal strategies for restructuring during bankruptcy proceedings.

 

  1. Estate Planning - Wealth Management

    Score: 88

     

  • Estate planning is a legal process focused on organizing and managing an individual's assets during their lifetime and ensuring their efficient distribution after death. Attorneys specializing in estate planning work with clients to create strategies, such as wills and trusts, to minimize tax implications, address family dynamics, and establish directives for the transfer of assets, aiming to preserve wealth and provide for the orderly management of an estate.

  • Emphasis on Wealth Management: Involves managing and planning for the distribution of high-net-worth individual's estates.

 

  1. Criminal Law - Federal Defense

    Score: 86

     

  • Criminal law is a legal discipline that addresses offenses against the state or public, encompassing investigations, prosecutions, and defense related to criminal activities. Attorneys in criminal law, including defense lawyers and prosecutors, play essential roles in ensuring due process, advocating for the accused or the state, and seeking fair outcomes in criminal proceedings ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.

  • Emphasis on Federal Defense: Represents clients facing federal criminal charges, requiring in-depth knowledge of federal law.

 

  1. Environmental Law - Regulatory Compliance

    Score: 84

     

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on regulating and managing the interaction between human activities and the environment. Attorneys in environmental law address issues such as pollution control, conservation, land use planning, and environmental impact assessments, working to ensure compliance with regulations and protect natural resources for present and future generations.

  • Emphasis on Regulatory Compliance: Focuses on ensuring businesses and organizations comply with environmental laws and regulations.

 

  1. Tax Law - Corporate Taxation

    Score: 82

     

  • Tax law is a legal field that governs the assessment and collection of taxes, covering various aspects of taxation for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Attorneys in tax law provide advice on tax planning, compliance, and represent clients in dealings with tax authorities, ensuring adherence to tax codes and helping individuals and entities navigate the complexities of tax regulations to optimize financial outcomes.

  • Emphasis on Corporate Taxation: Deals with the complexities of corporate tax planning and disputes.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - Patent Litigation

    Score: 80

     

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain focused on protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on Patent Litigation: Involves representing clients in disputes over patent infringements and intellectual property rights.

 

  1. Healthcare Law - Hospital Administration

    Score: 78

     

  • Healthcare law is a specialized legal field that addresses the complex and evolving legal issues within the healthcare industry. Attorneys in healthcare law navigate a wide range of matters, including regulatory compliance, patient rights, healthcare contracts, and the legal aspects of medical practice, aiming to ensure that healthcare providers, institutions, and patients operate within the bounds of the law while delivering and receiving quality healthcare services.

  • Emphasis on Hospital Administration: Covers legal issues in hospital management and healthcare administration.

 

  1. Civil Rights Law - LGBTQ+ Advocacy

    Score: 76

     

  • Civil rights law is a legal domain dedicated to safeguarding individuals' fundamental rights and liberties, as enshrined in constitutional and statutory protections. Attorneys specializing in civil rights law address issues such as discrimination, freedom of speech, equal protection, and due process, working to uphold justice, combat unlawful discrimination, and advocate for the protection of individual rights in various aspects of public and private life.

  • Emphasis on LGBTQ+ Advocacy: Focuses on legal issues and advocacy related to LGBTQ+ rights and discrimination cases.

 

  1. Energy Law - Renewable Energy Projects

    Score: 74

     

  • Energy law is a legal field that regulates the production, distribution, and use of energy resources, covering traditional sources like oil and gas as well as renewable energy. Attorneys in energy law navigate a complex regulatory landscape, addressing issues such as environmental compliance, project development, and transactions, while playing a crucial role in facilitating the responsible and efficient use of energy resources.

  • Emphasis on Renewable Energy Projects: Deals with the legal aspects of developing and implementing renewable energy projects.

 

  1. Immigration Law - Business Immigration

    Score: 72

     

  • Immigration law governs the legal processes surrounding the movement of individuals across borders, with attorneys specializing in this field aiding clients in securing visas, addressing asylum claims, and navigating complex immigration regulations. These legal professionals play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of immigrants while facilitating compliance with the intricate legal frameworks associated with international migration.

  • Emphasis on Business Immigration: Advises businesses on immigration law for employing international workers.

 

  1. Education Law - University Governance

    Score: 70

     

  • Education law is a specialized legal field that addresses issues within the educational system, covering matters such as student rights, special education, discrimination, and school governance. Attorneys in education law work to ensure fair and equitable access to quality education, representing students, parents, and educational institutions in legal matters and advocating for compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on University Governance: Involves legal issues in the governance and administration of educational institutions.

 

  1. Antitrust Law - LitigationScore: 68

  • Antitrust law is a legal framework designed to promote fair competition by preventing monopolistic practices and ensuring market competitiveness. Attorneys in antitrust law work to enforce regulations that prohibit anti-competitive behaviors, such as price-fixing and monopolies, aiming to maintain an open and competitive marketplace that benefits consumers and encourages innovation.

  • Emphasis on Litigation: Represents clients in antitrust litigation, focusing on maintaining fair competition in the marketplace.

 

  1. Corporate Law - Start-Up VenturesScore: 66

  • Corporate law is a legal field that deals with the creation, organization, and operation of corporations. Attorneys specializing in corporate law assist businesses in matters such as corporate governance, compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and contract negotiations, working to ensure legal adherence and protect the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in the corporate environment.

  • Emphasis on Start-Up Ventures: Provides legal assistance to start-up companies, from formation to operational compliance.

 

  1. Securities Law - SEC ComplianceScore: 64

  • Securities law is a specialized legal area that governs the issuance, trading, and regulation of securities, such as stocks and bonds. Attorneys in securities law advise clients on compliance with regulations, facilitate transactions, and address issues related to securities fraud or market manipulation, contributing to the integrity and fairness of financial markets.

  • Emphasis on SEC Compliance: Advises companies on compliance with Securities and Exchange Commission regulations.

 

  1. Commercial Litigation - Contract DisputesScore: 62

  • Commercial litigation is a legal practice focused on resolving disputes that arise in the business context. Attorneys in commercial litigation handle cases related to contract breaches, business torts, intellectual property disputes, and other conflicts, representing clients in court or alternative dispute resolution forums to achieve favorable outcomes and protect their business interests.

  • Emphasis on Contract Disputes: Handles legal disputes arising from business contracts and agreements.

 

  1. Administrative Law - Government ContractsScore: 60

  • Administrative law regulates the conduct of government agencies, overseeing their adherence to legal frameworks. Attorneys specializing in this field play a pivotal role in representing clients in interactions with administrative bodies, advocating for procedural fairness and ensuring compliance with established rules and regulations.

  • Emphasis on Government Contracts: Deals with legal aspects of securing and fulfilling government contracts

 

  1. Maritime Law - Coastal RegulationsScore: 58

  • Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal matters related to activities on navigable waters. Attorneys in maritime law handle issues such as shipping, salvage operations, marine insurance, and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with international and domestic laws specific to maritime activities.

  • Emphasis on Coastal Regulations: Focuses on laws and regulations governing coastal and maritime activities.

 

  1. Elder Law - Estate PlanningScore: 56

  • Elder law is a legal practice area that focuses on addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by older individuals. Attorneys specializing in elder law handle matters such as estate planning, long-term care, guardianship, and healthcare directives, working to protect the rights and well-being of seniors as they navigate legal considerations associated with aging.

  • Emphasis on Estate Planning: Provides legal services for elderly clients, particularly in managing estates and health care planning.

 

  1. Consumer Law - Financial Services LitigationScore: 54

  • Consumer law is a legal field dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of consumers in their transactions with businesses. Attorneys in consumer law address issues such as product liability, fraud, unfair business practices, and consumer rights, working to ensure fair treatment and providing legal avenues for redress when consumers are harmed or their rights are violated.

  • Emphasis on Financial Services Litigation: Represents consumers in litigation against financial service providers.

 

  1. Entertainment Law - Digital MediaScore: 52

  • Entertainment law is a specialized legal domain that deals with the legal aspects of the entertainment industry, covering areas such as film, music, television, and sports. Attorneys in entertainment law handle contracts, intellectual property issues, licensing agreements, and negotiations, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the legal interests of artists, producers, and entities within the dynamic and multifaceted entertainment sector.

  • Emphasis on Digital Media: Covers legal issues related to digital media production, including copyright and licensing. 

 TOP

The Least Marketable Practice Areas for Firms Ranked 1-3 in Western States 

 

  1. Family Law - Child Custody Score: 50

  • Family law is a legal practice area that addresses legal matters related to familial relationships, encompassing issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and domestic violence. Attorneys in family law play a pivotal role in assisting individuals and families with navigating legal processes, ensuring fair resolutions, and advocating for the best interests of children and family members involved in legal disputes.

  • Emphasis on Child Custody: Specializes in legal matters related to child custody arrangements during divorce or separation.

 

  1. Criminal Law - DUI DefenseScore: 48

  • Criminal law is a branch of legal practice that deals with offenses against the state or public, defining and regulating conduct that is deemed harmful or threatening to society. Criminal lawyers, also known as defense attorneys or prosecutors, play integral roles in this field, representing individuals accused of crimes and working to ensure justice, uphold individual rights, and maintain public order through legal processes such as investigation, trial, and potential appeals.

  • Emphasis on DUI Defense: Focuses on defending individuals charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

 

  1. Bankruptcy Law - Personal BankruptcyScore: 46

  • Bankruptcy law is a legal field that governs the resolution of financial difficulties and insolvency. Attorneys specializing in bankruptcy assist individuals and businesses in navigating legal processes, whether through liquidation or reorganization, to achieve fair and orderly debt resolution while adhering to legal requirements.

  • Emphasis on Personal Bankruptcy: Provides legal assistance to individuals navigating personal bankruptcy proceedings.

 

  1. Employment Law - Union Negotiations Score: 44

  • Employment law is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees, covering aspects such as workplace rights, discrimination, wage and hour regulations, and wrongful termination. Attorneys in employment law play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Union Negotiations: Involves negotiating on behalf of labor unions during collective bargaining and labor disputes.

 

  1. Personal Injury Law - Workers' CompensationScore: 42

  • Personal injury law is a legal practice area focused on providing legal recourse for individuals who have suffered harm due to the negligence or intentional actions of others. Personal injury lawyers assist clients in seeking compensation for damages resulting from incidents such as accidents, medical malpractice, or product liability, working to ensure fair redress through negotiations or litigation.

  • Emphasis on Workers' Compensation: Represents workers seeking compensation for injuries or illnesses related to their job.

 

  1. Real Estate Law - Residential TransactionsScore: 40

  • Real estate law is a legal field that encompasses issues related to the acquisition, use, and transfer of property. Attorneys in real estate law handle matters such as property transactions, leasing agreements, zoning regulations, and disputes, playing a crucial role in facilitating legal processes to protect the interests of property owners, developers, and investors.

  • Emphasis on Residential Transactions: Deals with legal aspects of buying, selling, and transferring residential properties.

 

  1. Estate Planning - Basic WillsScore: 38

  • Estate planning is a legal process that involves the systematic organization of an individual's assets during their lifetime to ensure their efficient distribution and management after death. Attorneys specializing in estate planning work with clients to create strategies, such as wills and trusts, to minimize tax implications, address family dynamics, and establish directives for the transfer of assets, aiming to preserve wealth and provide for the orderly management of an estate.

  • Emphasis on Basic Wills: Involves creating simple wills and handling basic estate planning for individuals.

 

  1. Civil Rights Law - Employment Discrimination Score: 36

  • Civil rights law is a specialized legal field focused on protecting individuals' fundamental rights and liberties, as guaranteed by constitutional and statutory provisions. Attorneys in civil rights law address issues such as discrimination, freedom of speech, equal protection, and due process, working to uphold justice, combat unlawful discrimination, and advocate for the protection of individual rights in various aspects of public and private life.

  • Emphasis on Employment Discrimination: Focuses on cases involving discrimination in the workplace based on protected characteristics.

 

  1. Tax Law - Personal TaxationScore: 34

  • Tax law is a legal field that governs the assessment and collection of taxes, covering various aspects of taxation for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Attorneys in tax law provide advice on tax planning, compliance, and represent clients in dealings with tax authorities, ensuring adherence to tax codes and helping individuals and entities navigate the complexities of tax regulations to optimize financial outcomes.

  • Emphasis on Personal Taxation: Deals with personal income tax planning and disputes for individuals.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - CopyrightScore: 32

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain focused on protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on Copyright: Involves legal matters related to copyright protection and infringement.

 

  1. Healthcare Law - Insurance ClaimsScore: 30

  • Healthcare law is a specialized legal field that addresses the complex and evolving legal issues within the healthcare industry. Attorneys in healthcare law navigate a wide range of matters, including regulatory compliance, patient rights, healthcare contracts, and the legal aspects of medical practice, aiming to ensure that healthcare providers, institutions, and patients operate within the bounds of the law while delivering and receiving quality healthcare services.

  • Emphasis on Insurance Claims: Deals with legal issues arising from healthcare insurance claims and disputes.

 

  1. Environmental Law - Local ZoningScore: 28

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on regulating human activities to protect the environment and natural resources. Attorneys in environmental law handle issues such as pollution control, land use planning, conservation, and environmental impact assessments, working to ensure compliance with regulations and safeguard the quality of air, water, and ecosystems

  • Emphasis on Local Zoning: Focuses on legal aspects of local zoning regulations and land use planning.

 

  1. Corporate Law - Small Business AdvisingScore: 26

  • Corporate law encompasses the legal aspects of creating, managing, and operating corporations, covering a spectrum of activities from compliance to mergers. Attorneys in this field play a vital role in advising businesses on legal matters, ensuring adherence to regulations, and protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in the corporate landscape.

  • Emphasis on Small Business Advising: Provides legal guidance to small businesses on various operational matters.

 

  1. Securities Law - Small Company OfferingsScore: 24

  • Securities law is a specialized legal field that regulates the issuance, trading, and governance of financial instruments such as stocks and bonds. Attorneys in securities law guide businesses and investors, ensuring compliance with regulations, facilitating transactions, and addressing issues related to securities fraud or market manipulation, contributing to the integrity and fairness of financial markets.

  • Emphasis on Small Company Offerings: Deals with legal issues related to securities offerings for small companies.

 

  1. Commercial Litigation - Small ClaimsScore: 22

  • Commercial litigation is a legal practice focused on resolving disputes that arise in the business context. Attorneys in commercial litigation handle cases related to contract breaches, business torts, intellectual property disputes, and other conflicts, representing clients in court or alternative dispute resolution forums to achieve favorable outcomes and protect their business interests.

  • Emphasis on Small Claims: Handles legal disputes of smaller financial value arising from commercial transactions.

 

  1. Administrative Law - Local PermitsScore: 20

  • Administrative law is a legal field that governs the actions and decisions of administrative agencies, ensuring their compliance with established laws and regulations. Attorneys in administrative law represent clients in matters involving government agencies, regulatory compliance, and administrative hearings, navigating the complex relationship between individuals or businesses and the government to seek fair and just resolutions.

  • Emphasis on Local Permits: Deals with legal aspects of obtaining and complying with local permits.

 

  1. Maritime Law - Recreational BoatingScore: 18

  • Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal matters related to activities on navigable waters. Attorneys in maritime law handle issues such as shipping, salvage operations, marine insurance, and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with international and domestic laws specific to maritime activities.

  • Emphasis on Recreational Boating: Focuses on legal issues related to recreational boating activities.

 

  1. Elder Law - Medicare CounselingScore: 16

  • Elder law is a specialized legal practice focused on addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by older individuals. Attorneys in elder law handle matters such as estate planning, long-term care, guardianship, and healthcare directives, working to protect the rights and well-being of seniors as they navigate legal considerations associated with aging.

  • Emphasis on Medicare Counseling: Provides legal advice on Medicare-related issues for elderly clients.

 

  1. Consumer Law - Debt Collection DefenseScore: 14

  • Consumer law is a legal field dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of consumers in their transactions with businesses. Attorneys in consumer law address issues such as product liability, fraud, unfair business practices, and consumer rights, working to ensure fair treatment and providing legal avenues for redress when consumers are harmed or their rights are violated.

  • Emphasis on Debt Collection Defense: Represents consumers in legal disputes against debt collectors.

 

  1. Entertainment - Local Artist Contracts Score: 12

  • Entertainment law is a specialized legal field that deals with the legal aspects of the entertainment industry, covering areas such as film, music, television, and sports. Attorneys in entertainment law handle contracts, intellectual property issues, licensing agreements, and negotiations, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the legal interests of artists, producers, and entities within the dynamic and multifaceted entertainment sector.

  • Emphasis on Local Artist Contracts: Deals with legal aspects of contracts for local artists in the entertainment industry.

 

  1. Education Law - Student RightsScore: 10

  • Education law is a specialized legal field that addresses matters related to educational institutions, students, and educators. Attorneys practicing in education law handle issues such as student rights, special education, school governance, discrimination, and regulatory compliance. They work to ensure fair and equal access to quality education, often representing clients in disputes and advocating for legal standards within the educational system.

  • Emphasis on Student Rights: Focuses on legal issues related to the rights of students in educational institutions.

 

  1. Antitrust Law - Local Market AnalysisScore: 8

  • Antitrust law is a legal framework designed to promote fair competition by prohibiting anticompetitive practices and ensuring that markets remain competitive. Attorneys in antitrust law work to prevent monopolies, price-fixing, and other practices that may hinder competition, promoting a level playing field for businesses and protecting consumers from unfair market practices.

  • Emphasis on Local Market Analysis: Involves analyzing and addressing antitrust issues within local markets.

 

  1. Energy Law - Utility RegulationScore: 6

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and consumption of energy, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate regulatory frameworks, negotiate contracts, and address environmental considerations, playing a crucial role in facilitating transactions and ensuring compliance within the dynamic and evolving energy sector.

  • Emphasis on Utility Regulation: Focuses on legal aspects of regulating utilities and energy providers.

 

  1. Immigration Law - Visa ApplicationsScore: 4

  • Immigration law encompasses legal practices concerning the movement of individuals across borders, with attorneys aiding clients in securing visas, addressing asylum claims, and navigating intricate immigration regulations. These legal professionals play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of immigrants and ensuring compliance with complex legal frameworks associated with international migration.

  • Emphasis on Visa Applications: Focuses on legal aspects of regulating utilities and energy providers.

 

  1. Labor Law - Employee GrievancesScore: 2

  • Labor law, also known as employment law, is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees. Attorneys specializing in labor law address issues such as workplace discrimination, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining, workplace safety, and wrongful termination. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Employee Grievances: Addresses legal issues related to employee grievances within the workplace.

 TOP

The Most Marketable Practice Areas 4-5 Ranked Firms in Western States 

 
  1. Corporate Law - International MergersScore: 100

  • Corporate law is a legal practice area that focuses on the creation, structure, and operation of corporations, addressing issues such as governance, compliance, contracts, and mergers. Attorneys in corporate law guide businesses through legal processes, ensuring adherence to regulations and protecting the interests of shareholders, directors, and other stakeholders in the corporate landscape.

  • Emphasis on International Mergers: Specializes in legal matters related to mergers and acquisitions involving multinational corporations.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - Tech PatentsScore: 98

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law safeguards intangible creations like patents, trademarks, and copyrights, with attorneys facilitating the acquisition and protection of these rights. The primary aim is to foster innovation by granting exclusive rights to creators and businesses while balancing the interests of intellectual property holders and the broader public.

  • Emphasis on Tech Patents: Focuses on legal issues surrounding technology patents and intellectual property protection.

 

  1. Commercial Litigation - International ArbitrationScore: 96

  • Commercial litigation is a legal practice focused on resolving disputes that arise in the business context. Attorneys in commercial litigation handle cases related to contract breaches, business torts, intellectual property disputes, and other conflicts, often representing clients in court or alternative dispute resolution settings to achieve fair and equitable resolutions.

  • Emphasis on International Arbitration: Handles legal disputes between parties from different countries through arbitration proceedings.

 

  1. Securities Law - Federal ComplianceScore: 94

  • Securities law is a specialized legal field governing the issuance, trading, and regulation of financial instruments such as stocks and bonds. Attorneys in securities law advise businesses and investors, ensuring compliance with regulations, facilitating transactions, and addressing issues related to securities fraud or market manipulation.

  • Emphasis on Federal Compliance: Advises companies on compliance with federal securities regulations and laws.

 

  1. Environmental Law - International TreatiesScore: 92

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on regulating human activities to protect the environment and natural resources. Attorneys in environmental law handle issues such as pollution control, land use planning, conservation, and environmental impact assessments, working to ensure compliance with regulations and safeguard the quality of air, water, and ecosystems.

  • Emphasis on International Treaties: Focuses on legal aspects related to international environmental treaties and agreements.

 

  1. Employment Law - Executive CompensationScore: 90

  • Employment law is a legal field governing the relationship between employers and employees, encompassing issues like workplace rights, discrimination, wage and hour regulations, and wrongful termination. Attorneys in employment law advocate for fair labor practices, represent both employers and employees in legal disputes, and navigate the intricacies of labor regulations to ensure compliance in the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Executive Compensation: Deals with legal issues surrounding executive compensation packages and employment contracts.

 

  1. Real Estate Law - Major DevelopmentsScore: 88

  • Real estate law is a legal field that encompasses issues related to the acquisition, use, and transfer of property. Attorneys in real estate law handle matters such as property transactions, leasing agreements, zoning regulations, and disputes, playing a crucial role in facilitating legal processes to protect the interests of property owners, developers, and investors.

  • Emphasis on Major Developments: Involves legal matters related to major real estate developments and projects.

 

  1. Tax Law - International TaxationScore: 86

  • Tax law is a legal field that governs the assessment and collection of taxes, covering various aspects of taxation for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Attorneys in tax law provide advice on tax planning, compliance, and represent clients in dealings with tax authorities, ensuring adherence to tax codes and helping individuals and entities navigate the complexities of tax regulations to optimize financial outcomes.

  • Emphasis on International Taxation: Deals with the complexities of international tax planning and compliance.

 

  1. Family Law - International CustodyScore: 84

  • Family law is a legal practice area that addresses legal matters related to familial relationships, encompassing issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and domestic violence. Attorneys in family law play a pivotal role in assisting individuals and families with navigating legal processes, ensuring fair resolutions, and advocating for the best interests of children and family members involved in legal disputes.

  • Emphasis on International Custody: Specializes in legal matters related to international child custody disputes.

 

  1. Criminal Law - White-Collar CrimesScore: 82

  • Criminal law is a branch of legal practice that deals with offenses against the state or public, defining and regulating conduct that is deemed harmful or threatening to society. Criminal lawyers, also known as defense attorneys or prosecutors, play integral roles in this field, representing individuals accused of crimes and working to ensure justice, uphold individual rights, and maintain public order through legal processes such as investigation, trial, and potential appeals.

  • Emphasis on White-Collar Crimes: Focuses on legal issues related to non-violent financial crimes committed by businesses and individuals.

 

  1. Bankruptcy Law - Major ReorganizationsScore: 80

  • Bankruptcy law is a legal field that addresses financial distress and insolvency, providing a legal framework for individuals and businesses facing overwhelming debt. Attorneys in bankruptcy law assist clients in navigating the complex process of bankruptcy, whether through liquidation (Chapter 7) or reorganization (Chapter 11), with the goal of achieving a fair distribution of assets and a fresh start for debtors while adhering to legal requirements.

  • Emphasis on Major Reorganizations: Advises businesses on legal strategies for major reorganizations during bankruptcy proceedings.

 

  1. Healthcare Law - National PoliciesScore: 78

  • Healthcare law is a specialized legal field that addresses the complex and evolving legal issues within the healthcare industry. Attorneys in healthcare law navigate a wide range of matters, including regulatory compliance, patient rights, healthcare contracts, and the legal aspects of medical practice, aiming to ensure that healthcare providers, institutions, and patients operate within the bounds of the law while delivering and receiving quality healthcare services.

  • Emphasis on National Policies: Involves legal issues related to national healthcare policies and regulations.

 

  1. Estate Planning - International AssetsScore: 76

  • Estate planning is a legal process focused on organizing and managing an individual's assets during their lifetime and ensuring their efficient distribution after death. Attorneys specializing in estate planning work with clients to create strategies, such as wills and trusts, to minimize tax implications, address family dynamics, and establish directives for the transfer of assets, aiming to preserve wealth and provide for the orderly management of an estate.

  • Emphasis on International Assets: Manages and plans for the distribution of high-net-worth individuals' international estates.

 

  1. Antitrust Law - Global Market AnalysisScore: 74

  • Antitrust law is a legal framework designed to promote fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices within the marketplace. Attorneys in antitrust law work to ensure that businesses operate within the bounds of competition laws, prohibiting activities such as price-fixing, bid-rigging, and other practices that may hinder fair competition and harm consumers.

  • Emphasis on Global Market Analysis: Analyzes and addresses antitrust issues within the global marketplace.

 

  1. Education Law - National Policy ReformScore: 72

  • Education law is a specialized legal field that addresses legal matters within the educational system, covering issues such as student rights, special education, school governance, discrimination, and regulatory compliance. Attorneys in education law work to ensure fair and equal access to quality education, representing students, parents, and educational institutions in legal matters and advocating for compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on National Policy Reform: Focuses on legal issues related to national policy reforms in the field of education.

 

  1. Energy Law - International Energy AgreementsScore: 72

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and use of energy resources, covering traditional sources like oil and gas, as well as renewable energy. Attorneys in energy law navigate a complex regulatory landscape, addressing issues such as environmental compliance, project development, and transactions, while playing a crucial role in facilitating the responsible and efficient use of energy resources.

  • Emphasis on International Energy Agreements: Deals with the legal aspects of international agreements related to energy resources.

 

  1. Maritime Law - International Shipping RegulationsScore: 70

  • Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal matters related to activities on navigable waters. Attorneys in maritime law handle issues such as shipping, salvage operations, marine insurance, and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with international and domestic laws that govern maritime activities while addressing unique challenges associated with the sea.

  • Emphasis on International Shipping Regulations: Focuses on laws and regulations governing international shipping activities.

 

  1. Elder Law - Transnational Estate PlanningScore: 68

  • Elder law is a specialized legal practice focused on addressing the unique legal needs of older individuals. Attorneys in elder law handle matters such as estate planning, long-term care, guardianship, Social Security, Medicare, and other legal aspects affecting the elderly, working to protect their rights and well-being as they navigate the complexities of aging.

  • Emphasis on Transnational Estate Planning: Provides legal services for elderly clients with assets and interests in multiple countries.

 

  1. Consumer Law - International Trade RegulationsScore: 66

  • Consumer law is a legal field dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of consumers in their interactions with businesses. Attorneys in consumer law address issues such as product liability, fraud, unfair business practices, and consumer rights in transactions, advocating for fair treatment, transparency, and providing legal avenues for redress when consumers are harmed or their rights are violated.

  • Emphasis on International Trade Regulations: Deals with legal issues related to international trade regulations affecting consumers.

 

  1. Entertainment Law - Global Media RightsScore: 64

  • Entertainment law is a specialized legal field that deals with the legal aspects of the entertainment industry, covering areas such as film, music, television, and sports. Attorneys in entertainment law handle contracts, intellectual property issues, licensing agreements, and negotiations, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the legal interests of artists, producers, and entities within the dynamic and multifaceted entertainment sector.

  • Emphasis on Global Media Rights: Covers legal issues related to global media rights, including licensing and distribution.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - International CopyrightScore: 62

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain focused on protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on International Copyright: Involves legal matters related to international copyright protection.

 

  1. Labor Law - Multinational Labor RelationsScore: 60

  • Labor law, also known as employment law, is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees. Attorneys specializing in labor law address issues such as workplace discrimination, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining, workplace safety, and wrongful termination. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Multinational Labor Relations: Focuses on legal issues surrounding labor relations in multinational corporations.

 

  1. Administrative Law - Federal Regulatory ComplianceScore: 58

  • Administrative law is a legal field that governs the actions and decisions of administrative agencies, ensuring their compliance with established laws and regulations. Attorneys in administrative law represent clients in matters involving government agencies, regulatory compliance, and administrative hearings, navigating the complex relationship between individuals or businesses and the government to seek fair and just resolutions.

  • Emphasis on Federal Regulatory Compliance: Deals with legal aspects of complying with federal regulations across various industries.

 

  1. Immigration Law - International Business TransfersScore: 56

  • Immigration law encompasses legal practices concerning the movement of individuals across borders, with attorneys aiding clients in securing visas, addressing asylum claims, and navigating intricate immigration regulations. These legal professionals play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of immigrants and ensuring compliance with complex legal frameworks associated with international migration.

  • Emphasis on International Business Transfers: Assists businesses with legal processes related to international transfers of employees.

 

  1. Civil Rights Law - International Human RightsScore: 54

  • Civil rights law is a specialized legal domain dedicated to safeguarding individuals' fundamental rights and liberties, as enshrined in constitutional and statutory protections. Attorneys specializing in civil rights law address issues such as discrimination, freedom of speech, equal protection, and due process, working to uphold justice, combat unlawful discrimination, and advocate for the protection of individual rights in various aspects of public and private life.

  • Emphasis on International Human Rights: Focuses on legal issues and advocacy related to international human rights.

 TOP

The Least Marketable Practice Areas for Firms Ranked 4-5 in Western States 

 
  1. Administrative Law - Local LicensingScore: 50

  • Administrative law is a legal field that regulates the actions and decisions of administrative agencies, ensuring their compliance with established laws and regulations. Attorneys in administrative law represent clients in matters involving government agencies, regulatory compliance, and administrative hearings, navigating the intricate relationship between individuals or businesses and the government to seek fair and just resolutions.

  • Emphasis on Local Licensing: Focuses on legal aspects of obtaining and complying with local licensing regulations.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - Local TrademarksScore: 48

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain dedicated to protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on Local Trademarks: Involves legal matters related to trademarks within a specific local jurisdiction.

 

  1. Consumer Law - Regional Consumer ProtectionScore: 46

  • Consumer law is a legal field focused on protecting the rights and interests of consumers in their transactions with businesses. Attorneys in consumer law address issues such as product liability, fraud, unfair business practices, and consumer rights, working to ensure fair treatment and providing legal avenues for redress when consumers are harmed or their rights are violated.

  • Emphasis on Regional Consumer Protection: Represents consumers in legal matters related to regional consumer protection laws.

 

  1. Energy Law - Local Utility RegulationScore: 44

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and use of energy resources, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate a complex regulatory landscape, addressing issues such as environmental compliance, project development, and transactions, while playing a crucial role in facilitating the responsible and efficient use of energy resources.

  • Emphasis on Local Utility Regulations: Focuses on legal aspects of regulating local utilities and energy providers.

 

  1. Labor Law - Regional Union NegotiationsScore: 42

  • Labor law, also known as employment law, is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees. Attorneys in labor law address issues such as workplace discrimination, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining, workplace safety, and wrongful termination. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Regional Union Negotiations: Involves negotiating on behalf of labor unions in regional collective bargaining and labor disputes.

 

  1. Maritime Law - Local Fishing RegulationsScore: 40

  • Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal matters related to activities on navigable waters. Attorneys in maritime law handle issues such as shipping, salvage operations, marine insurance, and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with international and domestic laws specific to maritime activities. This specialized field addresses unique challenges associated with maritime trade, transportation, and environmental considerations.

  • Emphasis on Local Fishing Regulations: Focuses on legal issues related to fishing activities within a specific local jurisdiction.

 

  1. Elder Law - Local Elder Care RegulationsScore: 38

  • Elder law is a legal practice area specifically designed to address the distinct legal concerns of older individuals, covering aspects such as healthcare, financial planning, and guardianship. Attorneys specializing in elder law play a crucial role in advocating for the rights and well-being of seniors, providing legal guidance to ensure their affairs are managed effectively and with consideration for their unique circumstances.

  • Emphasis on Local Elder Care Regulations: Provides legal advice on elder care matters based on local regulations.

 

  1. Employment Law - Small Business Labor IssuesScore: 36

  • Employment law is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees, encompassing a wide range of issues such as workplace rights, discrimination, wage and hour regulations, and wrongful termination. Attorneys in employment law play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Small Business Labor Issues: Addresses legal issues related to labor in small businesses.

 

  1. Tax Law - Local Tax Consulting Score: 34

  • Tax law is a legal field that governs the assessment and collection of taxes, covering various aspects of taxation for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Attorneys in tax law provide advice on tax planning, compliance, and represent clients in dealings with tax authorities, ensuring adherence to tax codes and helping individuals and entities navigate the complexities of tax regulations to optimize financial outcomes.

  • Emphasis on Local Tax Consulting: Provides tax consulting services focused on local tax regulations.

 

  1. Family Law - Local Divorce ProceedingsScore: 32

  • Family law is a legal practice area that addresses legal matters related to familial relationships, encompassing issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and domestic violence. Attorneys in family law play a pivotal role in assisting individuals and families with navigating legal processes, ensuring fair resolutions, and advocating for the best interests of children and family members involved in legal disputes.

  • Emphasis on Local Divorce Proceedings: Handles legal matters related to divorce within a specific local jurisdiction.

 

  1. Criminal Law - Local Misdemeanor DefenseScore: 30

  • Criminal law is a branch of legal practice that deals with offenses against the state or public, defining and regulating conduct that is deemed harmful or threatening to society. Criminal lawyers, also known as defense attorneys or prosecutors, play integral roles in this field, representing individuals accused of crimes and working to ensure justice, uphold individual rights, and maintain public order through legal processes such as investigation, trial, and potential appeals.

  • Emphasis on Local Misdemeanor Defense: Focuses on defending individuals charged with local misdemeanor offenses.

 

  1. Healthcare Law - Local Clinic RegulationsScore: 28

  • Healthcare law is a specialized legal field that addresses the complex and evolving legal issues within the healthcare industry. Attorneys in healthcare law navigate a wide range of matters, including regulatory compliance, patient rights, healthcare contracts, and the legal aspects of medical practice, aiming to ensure that healthcare providers, institutions, and patients operate within the bounds of the law while delivering and receiving quality healthcare services.

  • Emphasis on Local Clinic Regulations: Deals with legal issues arising from healthcare clinics, considering local regulations.

 

  1. Real Estate Law - Local Property TransactionsScore: 26

  • Real estate law is a legal field that encompasses issues related to the acquisition, use, and transfer of property. Attorneys in real estate law handle matters such as property transactions, leasing agreements, zoning regulations, and disputes, playing a crucial role in facilitating legal processes to protect the interests of property owners, developers, and investors.

  • Emphasis on Local Property Transactions: Handles legal aspects of buying, selling, and transferring properties within a specific local area.

 

  1. Bankruptcy Law - Individual Debt RestructuringScore: 24

  • Bankruptcy law is a legal field that addresses financial distress and insolvency, providing a legal framework for individuals and businesses facing overwhelming debt. Attorneys in bankruptcy law assist clients in navigating the complex process of bankruptcy, whether through liquidation (Chapter 7) or reorganization (Chapter 11), with the goal of achieving a fair distribution of assets and a fresh start for debtors while adhering to legal requirements.

  • Emphasis on Individual Debt Restructuring: Provides legal assistance to individuals navigating personal bankruptcy and debt restructuring.

 

  1. Education Law - Local School District AdvisingScore: 22

  • Education law is a specialized legal field that addresses matters related to educational institutions, students, and educators. Attorneys practicing in education law handle issues such as student rights, special education, school governance, discrimination, and regulatory compliance. They work to ensure fair and equal access to quality education, often representing clients in disputes and advocating for legal standards within the educational system.

  • Emphasis on Local School District Advising: Involves legal issues in advising local school districts on various matters.

 

  1. Corporate Law - Local Business IncorporationScore: 20

  • Corporate law encompasses the legal aspects of creating, managing, and operating corporations, covering a spectrum of activities from compliance to mergers. Attorneys in this field play a vital role in advising businesses on legal matters, ensuring adherence to regulations, and protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in the corporate landscape.

  • Emphasis on Local Business Incorporation: Assists local businesses with legal matters related to incorporation and compliance.

 

  1. Civil Rights Law - Local Discrimination CasesScore: 18

  • Civil rights law is a specialized legal domain dedicated to safeguarding individuals' fundamental rights and liberties, as enshrined in constitutional and statutory protections. Attorneys specializing in civil rights law address issues such as discrimination, freedom of speech, equal protection, and due process, working to uphold justice, combat unlawful discrimination, and advocate for the protection of individual rights in various aspects of public and private life.

  • Emphasis on Local Discrimination Cases: Focuses on cases involving discrimination within a specific local jurisdiction.

 

  1. Estate Planning - Basic Will DraftingScore: 16

  • Estate planning is a legal process focused on organizing and managing an individual's assets during their lifetime and ensuring their efficient distribution after death. Attorneys specializing in estate planning work with clients to create strategies, such as wills and trusts, to minimize tax implications, address family dynamics, and establish directives for the transfer of assets, aiming to preserve wealth and provide for the orderly management of an estate.

  • Emphasis on Basic Will Drafting: Involves creating basic wills and handling simple estate planning for individuals within a local context.

 

  1. Commercial Litigation - Small Business DisputesScore: 14

  • Commercial litigation is a legal practice focused on resolving disputes that arise in the business context. Attorneys in commercial litigation handle cases related to contract breaches, business torts, intellectual property disputes, and other conflicts, often representing clients in court or alternative dispute resolution settings to achieve fair and equitable resolutions.

  • Emphasis on Small Business Disputes: Handles legal disputes of smaller financial value arising from commercial transactions in local businesses.

 

  1. Environmental Law - Local Environmental Advocacy Score: 12

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on regulating human activities to protect the environment and natural resources. Attorneys in environmental law handle issues such as pollution control, land use planning, conservation, and environmental impact assessments, working to ensure compliance with regulations and safeguard the quality of air, water, and ecosystems.

  • Emphasis on Local Environmental Advocacy: Focuses on local environmental advocacy and legal issues within a specific jurisdiction.

 

  1. Securities Law - Small Business Investments Score: 10

  • Securities law is a specialized legal field that regulates the issuance, trading, and governance of financial instruments such as stocks and bonds. Attorneys in securities law guide businesses and investors, ensuring compliance with regulations, facilitating transactions, and addressing issues related to securities fraud or market manipulation, contributing to the integrity and fairness of financial markets.

  • Emphasis on Small Business Investments: Deals with legal issues related to securities and investments for small businesses.

 

  1. Antitrust Law - Local Market CompetitionScore: 8

  • Antitrust law is a legal framework designed to promote fair competition by prohibiting anticompetitive practices and ensuring that markets remain competitive. Attorneys in antitrust law work to prevent monopolies, price-fixing, and other practices that may hinder competition, promoting a level playing field for businesses and protecting consumers from unfair market practices.

  • Emphasis on Local Market Competition: Involves analyzing and addressing antitrust issues within the context of local market competition.

 

  1. Personal Injury Law - Local Accident ClaimsScore: 6

  • Personal injury law focuses on cases where individuals suffer harm due to the negligence or intentional actions of others. Attorneys in this field, known as personal injury lawyers, advocate for the rights of the injured, seeking compensation through legal avenues for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from accidents or wrongful actions.

  • Emphasis on Local Accident Claims: Represents individuals in legal claims for accidents within a specific local area.

 

  1. Entertainment Law - Local Artist RepresentationScore: 4

  • Entertainment law is a specialized legal field that deals with the legal aspects of the entertainment industry, covering areas such as film, music, television, and sports. Attorneys in entertainment law handle contracts, intellectual property issues, licensing agreements, and negotiations, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the legal interests of artists, producers, and entities within the dynamic and multifaceted entertainment sector.

  • Emphasis on Local Artist Representation: Provides legal representation and advice to local artists in the entertainment industry.

 

  1. Immigration Law - Local Visa AssistanceScore: 2

  • Immigration law encompasses legal practices concerning the movement of individuals across borders, with attorneys aiding clients in securing visas, addressing asylum claims, and navigating intricate immigration regulations. These legal professionals play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of immigrants and ensuring compliance with complex legal frameworks associated with international migration.

  • Emphasis on Local Visa Assistance: Assists individuals with legal processes related to visa applications within a specific local jurisdiction.

 TOP

The Mountain Region 

Colorado
Montana
New Mexico
Wyoming

 TOP

The Most Marketable Practice Areas for Firms Ranked 1-3 in the Mountain Region 

 
  1. Labor Law - Union RelationsScore: 100

  • Labor law, also known as employment law, governs the relationship between employers and employees, addressing issues such as workplace conditions, wages, and disputes. Attorneys in this field work to ensure compliance with labor regulations, advocate for fair treatment, and represent both employers and employees in legal matters arising within the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Union Relations: Specializes in managing and negotiating relationships between employers and labor unions.

 

  1. Environmental Law - ConservationScore: 98

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on regulating human activities to protect the environment and natural resources. Attorneys in environmental law handle issues such as pollution control, land use planning, conservation, and environmental impact assessments, working to ensure compliance with regulations and safeguard the quality of air, water, and ecosystems.

  • Emphasis on Conservation: Focuses on legal matters related to environmental conservation and sustainable practices.

 

  1. Real Estate Law - Commercial Transactions Score: 96

  • Real estate law is a legal field that encompasses issues related to the acquisition, use, and transfer of property. Attorneys in real estate law handle matters such as property transactions, leasing agreements, zoning regulations, and disputes, playing a crucial role in facilitating legal processes to protect the interests of property owners, developers, and investors.

  • Emphasis on Commercial Transactions: Involves legal aspects of buying, selling, and managing commercial properties.

 

  1. Family Law - High Asset DivorceScore: 94

  • Family law is a legal practice area that addresses legal matters related to familial relationships, encompassing issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and domestic violence. Attorneys in family law play a pivotal role in assisting individuals and families with navigating legal processes, ensuring fair resolutions, and advocating for the best interests of children and family members involved in legal disputes.

  • Emphasis on High Asset Divorce: Specializes in divorce cases involving significant assets and complex financial arrangements.

 

  1. Employment Law - Corporate PoliciesScore: 92

  • Employment law is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees, encompassing a wide range of issues such as workplace rights, discrimination, wage and hour regulations, and wrongful termination. Attorneys in employment law play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Corporate Policies: Deals with legal issues related to corporate policies and compliance with employment laws.

 

  1. Bankruptcy Law - Small Business RestructuringScore: 90

  • Bankruptcy law is a legal field that addresses financial distress and insolvency, providing a legal framework for individuals and businesses facing overwhelming debt. Attorneys in bankruptcy law assist clients in navigating the complex process of bankruptcy, whether through liquidation (Chapter 7) or reorganization (Chapter 11), with the goal of achieving a fair distribution of assets and a fresh start for debtors while adhering to legal requirements.

  • Emphasis on Small Business Restructuring: Advises small businesses on legal strategies for restructuring during bankruptcy proceedings.

 

  1. Estate Planning - Wealth ManagementScore: 88

  • Estate planning is a legal process focused on organizing and managing an individual's assets during their lifetime and ensuring their efficient distribution after death. Attorneys specializing in estate planning work with clients to create strategies, such as wills and trusts, to minimize tax implications, address family dynamics, and establish directives for the transfer of assets, aiming to preserve wealth and provide for the orderly management of an estate.

  • Emphasis on Wealth Management: Involves managing and planning for the distribution of high-net-worth individual's estates.

 

  1. Criminal Law - State DefenseScore: 86

  • Criminal law is a branch of legal practice that deals with offenses against the state or public, defining and regulating conduct that is deemed harmful or threatening to society. Criminal lawyers, also known as defense attorneys or prosecutors, play integral roles in this field, representing individuals accused of crimes and working to ensure justice, uphold individual rights, and maintain public order through legal processes such as investigation, trial, and potential appeals.

  • Emphasis on State Defense: Represents clients facing state-level criminal charges, requiring expertise in state law.

 

  1. Tax Law - State and LocalScore: 84

  • Tax law is a legal field that governs the assessment and collection of taxes, covering various aspects of taxation for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Attorneys in tax law provide advice on tax planning, compliance, and represent clients in dealings with tax authorities, ensuring adherence to tax codes and helping individuals and entities navigate the complexities of tax regulations to optimize financial outcomes.

  • Emphasis on State and Local: Deals with state and local tax planning and disputes.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - Software PatentsScore: 82

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain focused on protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on Software Patents: Involves legal matters related to obtaining and protecting software patents.

 

  1. Healthcare Law - Regional Hospital ComplianceScore: 80

  • Healthcare law is a specialized legal field that addresses the complex and evolving legal issues within the healthcare industry. Attorneys in healthcare law navigate a wide range of matters, including regulatory compliance, patient rights, healthcare contracts, and the legal aspects of medical practice, aiming to ensure that healthcare providers, institutions, and patients operate within the bounds of the law while delivering and receiving quality healthcare services.

  • Emphasis on Regional Hospital Compliance: Covers legal issues in hospital management and healthcare compliance at a regional level.

 

  1. Civil Rights Law - Regional Advocacy Score: 78

  • Civil rights law is a specialized legal domain dedicated to safeguarding individuals' fundamental rights and liberties, as enshrined in constitutional and statutory protections. Attorneys specializing in civil rights law address issues such as discrimination, freedom of speech, equal protection, and due process, working to uphold justice, combat unlawful discrimination, and advocate for the protection of individual rights in various aspects of public and private life.

  • Emphasis on Regional Advocacy: Focuses on legal issues and advocacy related to civil rights at a regional level.

 

  1. Energy Law - Local RegulationsScore: 76

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and use of energy resources, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate a complex regulatory landscape, addressing issues such as environmental compliance, project development, and transactions, while playing a crucial role in facilitating the responsible and efficient use of energy resources.

  • Emphasis on Local Regulations: Deals with the legal aspects of energy projects and compliance with local regulations.

 

  1. Education Law - School District PoliciesScore: 74

  • Education law is a specialized legal field that addresses matters related to educational institutions, students, and educators. Attorneys practicing in education law handle issues such as student rights, special education, school governance, discrimination, and regulatory compliance. They work to ensure fair and equal access to quality education, often representing clients in disputes and advocating for legal standards within the educational system.

  • Emphasis on School District Policies: Involves legal issues in the development and enforcement of school district policies.

 

  1. Antitrust Law - Regional Market AnalysisScore: 72

  • Antitrust law is a legal framework designed to promote fair competition by prohibiting anticompetitive practices and ensuring that markets remain competitive. Attorneys in antitrust law work to prevent monopolies, price-fixing, and other practices that may hinder competition, promoting a level playing field for businesses and protecting consumers from unfair market practices.

  • Emphasis on Regional Market Analysis: Analyzes and addresses antitrust issues within regional markets.

 

  1. Corporate Law - Local Business FormationScore: 70

  • Corporate law encompasses the legal aspects of creating, managing, and operating corporations, covering a spectrum of activities from compliance to mergers. Attorneys in this field play a vital role in advising businesses on legal matters, ensuring adherence to regulations, and protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in the corporate landscape.

  • Emphasis on Local Business Formation: Provides legal assistance to local businesses, from formation to operational compliance.

 

  1. Securities Law - State ComplianceScore: 68

  • Securities law is a specialized legal field that regulates the issuance, trading, and governance of financial instruments such as stocks and bonds. Attorneys in securities law guide businesses and investors, ensuring compliance with regulations, facilitating transactions, and addressing issues related to securities fraud or market manipulation, contributing to the integrity and fairness of financial markets.

  • Emphasis on State Compliance: Advises companies on compliance with state-level securities regulations.

 

  1. Commercial Litigation - Small Business DisputesScore: 66

  • Commercial litigation is a legal practice focused on resolving disputes that arise in the business context. Attorneys in commercial litigation handle cases related to contract breaches, business torts, intellectual property disputes, and other conflicts, often representing clients in court or alternative dispute resolution settings to achieve fair and equitable resolutions.

  • Emphasis on Small Business Disputes: Handles legal disputes of smaller financial value arising from commercial transactions.

 

  1. Administrative Law - State Agency RegulationsScore: 64

  • Administrative law is a legal field that regulates the actions and decisions of administrative agencies, ensuring their compliance with established laws and regulations. Attorneys in administrative law represent clients in matters involving government agencies, regulatory compliance, and administrative hearings, navigating the complex relationship between individuals or businesses and the government to seek fair and just resolutions.

  • Emphasis on State Agency Regulations: Deals with legal aspects of securing and complying with state agency regulations.

 

  1. Maritime Law - Inland WaterwaysScore: 62

  • Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal matters related to activities on navigable waters. Attorneys in maritime law handle issues such as shipping, salvage operations, marine insurance, and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with international and domestic laws specific to maritime activities. This specialized field addresses unique challenges associated with maritime trade, transportation, and environmental considerations.

  • Emphasis on Inland Waterways: Focuses on legal issues related to activities on inland waterways.

 

  1. Elder Law - Retirement PlanningScore: 60

  • Elder law is a specialized legal practice that focuses on addressing the unique needs and challenges of older individuals. Attorneys in elder law handle matters such as estate planning, long-term care, guardianship, Social Security, and Medicare, working to protect the rights and well-being of seniors as they navigate legal considerations associated with aging.

  • Emphasis on Retirement Planning: Provides legal services for elderly clients, particularly in retirement planning.

 

  1. Consumer Law - Local Consumer ProtectionScore: 58

  • Consumer law is a legal field dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of consumers in their interactions with businesses. Attorneys in consumer law address issues such as product liability, fraud, unfair business practices, and consumer rights in transactions, advocating for fair treatment, transparency, and providing legal avenues for redress when consumers are harmed or their rights are violated.

  • Emphasis on Local Consumer Protection: Represents consumers in legal matters related to local consumer protection laws.

 

  1. Entertainment Law - Regional ProductionsScore: 56

  • Entertainment law is a specialized legal field that deals with the legal aspects of the entertainment industry, covering areas such as film, music, television, and sports. Attorneys in entertainment law handle contracts, intellectual property issues, licensing agreements, and negotiations, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the legal interests of artists, producers, and entities within the dynamic and multifaceted entertainment sector.

  • Emphasis on Regional Productions: Covers legal issues related to regional entertainment productions, including contracts and licensing.

 

  1. Immigration Law - Local Visa ProcessingScore: 54

  • Immigration law is a legal practice area that deals with matters related to the movement of individuals across borders, covering aspects such as visas, green cards, asylum, and deportation. Attorneys in immigration law assist clients in navigating complex immigration processes, advocating for their rights, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The overarching goal is to facilitate legal and orderly migration while addressing the needs and concerns of individuals seeking to establish or maintain their presence in a new country.

  • Emphasis on Local Visa Processing: Assists individuals and businesses with legal processes related to local visa applications.

 

  1. Labor Law - Workplace SafetyScore: 52

  • Labor law, also known as employment law, is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees. Attorneys specializing in labor law address issues such as workplace discrimination, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining, workplace safety, and wrongful termination. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Workplace Safety: Addresses legal issues related to workplace safety and compliance with safety regulations.

 TOP

The Least Marketable Practice Areas for Firms Ranked 1-3 in Mountain States

 
  1. Family Law - Child CustodyScore: 50

  • Family law is a legal practice area that addresses legal matters related to familial relationships, encompassing issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and domestic violence. Attorneys in family law play a pivotal role in assisting individuals and families with navigating legal processes, ensuring fair resolutions, and advocating for the best interests of children and family members involved in legal disputes.

  • Emphasis on Child Custody: Specializes in legal matters related to child custody arrangements during divorce or separation.

 

  1. Criminal Law - DUI DefenseScore: 48

  • Criminal law is a branch of legal practice that deals with offenses against the state or public, defining and regulating conduct that is deemed harmful or threatening to society. Criminal lawyers, also known as defense attorneys or prosecutors, play integral roles in this field, representing individuals accused of crimes and working to ensure justice, uphold individual rights, and maintain public order through legal processes such as investigation, trial, and potential appeals.

  • Emphasis on DUI Defense: Focuses on defending individuals charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

 

  1. Bankruptcy Law - Personal BankruptcyScore: 46

  • Bankruptcy law is a legal field that addresses financial distress and insolvency, providing a legal framework for individuals and businesses facing overwhelming debt. Attorneys in bankruptcy law assist clients in navigating the complex process of bankruptcy, whether through liquidation (Chapter 7) or reorganization (Chapter 11), with the goal of achieving a fair distribution of assets and a fresh start for debtors while adhering to legal requirements.

  • Emphasis on Personal: Provides legal assistance to individuals navigating personal bankruptcy proceedings.

 

  1. Employment Law - Workplace DisputesScore: 44

  • Employment law is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees, encompassing a wide range of issues such as workplace rights, discrimination, wage and hour regulations, and wrongful termination. Attorneys in employment law play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Workplace Disputes: Involves resolving legal conflicts arising in the workplace, such as disputes between employers and employees.

 

  1. Real Estate Law - Residential TransactionsScore: 42

  • Real estate law is a legal field that encompasses issues related to the acquisition, use, and transfer of property. Attorneys in real estate law handle matters such as property transactions, leasing agreements, zoning regulations, and disputes, playing a crucial role in facilitating legal processes to protect the interests of property owners, developers, and investors.

  • Emphasis on Residential Transactions: Deals with legal aspects of buying, selling, and transferring residential properties.

 

  1. Estate Planning - Basic WillsScore: 40

  • Estate planning is a legal process focused on organizing and managing an individual's assets during their lifetime and ensuring their efficient distribution after death. Attorneys specializing in estate planning work with clients to create strategies, such as wills and trusts, to minimize tax implications, address family dynamics, and establish directives for the transfer of assets, aiming to preserve wealth and provide for the orderly management of an estate.

  • Emphasis on Basic Wills: Involves creating simple wills and handling basic estate planning for individuals.

 

  1. Civil Rights Law - Local Discrimination CasesScore: 38

  • Civil rights law focuses on protecting individuals' fundamental rights, ensuring equal treatment, and addressing discrimination in various aspects of society. Attorneys in this field play a crucial role in advocating for justice, challenging violations of civil rights, and working to uphold constitutional and legal protections for all individuals.

  • Emphasis on Local Discrimination Cases: Focuses on cases involving discrimination at the local level, addressing issues within communities.

 

  1. Tax Law - Individual TaxationScore: 36

  • Tax law is a legal field that governs the assessment and collection of taxes, covering various aspects of taxation for individuals, businesses, and organizations. Attorneys in tax law provide advice on tax planning, compliance, and represent clients in dealings with tax authorities, ensuring adherence to tax codes and helping individuals and entities navigate the complexities of tax regulations to optimize financial outcomes.

  • Emphasis on Individual Taxation: Deals with personal income tax planning and disputes for individual taxpayers.

 

  1. Intellectual Property LawScore: 34

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain focused on protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

 

  1. Healthcare Law - Small Clinic OperationsScore: 32

  • Healthcare law encompasses legal practices concerning the regulation and operation of the healthcare industry, including issues such as compliance, patient rights, and medical contracts. Attorneys in this field play a crucial role in navigating the intricate legal landscape of healthcare, ensuring adherence to regulations and promoting the delivery of quality healthcare services.

  • Emphasis on Small Clinic Operations: Addresses legal issues related to the operations of small healthcare clinics.

 

  1. Energy Law - Local Utility IssuesScore: 30

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and use of energy resources, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate a complex regulatory landscape, addressing issues such as environmental compliance, project development, and transactions, while playing a crucial role in facilitating the responsible and efficient use of energy resources.

  • Emphasis on Local Utility Issues: Focuses on legal aspects of addressing utility issues at the local level.

 

  1. Education Law - Local Policy AdvisoryScore: 28

  • Education law is a specialized legal field that addresses matters related to educational institutions, students, and educators. Attorneys practicing in education law handle issues such as student rights, special education, school governance, discrimination, and regulatory compliance. They work to ensure fair and equal access to quality education, often representing clients in disputes and advocating for legal standards within the educational system.

  • Emphasis on Local Policy Advisory: Involves providing legal advice on local education policies and regulations.

 

  1. Antitrust Law - Small Business CasesScore: 26

  • Antitrust law is a legal framework designed to promote fair competition by prohibiting anticompetitive practices and ensuring that markets remain competitive. Attorneys in antitrust law work to prevent monopolies, price-fixing, and other practices that may hinder competition, promoting a level playing field for businesses and protecting consumers from unfair market practices.

  • Emphasis on Small Business Cases: Deals with antitrust issues specifically involving small businesses and local markets.

 

  1. Corporate Law - Sole Proprietor AdvisingScore: 24

  • Corporate law encompasses the legal aspects of creating, managing, and operating corporations, covering a spectrum of activities from compliance to mergers. Attorneys in this field play a vital role in advising businesses on legal matters, ensuring adherence to regulations, and protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in the corporate landscape.

  • Emphasis on Sole Proprietor Advising: Provides legal guidance to sole proprietors on various operational matters.

 

  1. Securities Law - Small Investor IssuesScore: 22

  • Securities law is a specialized legal field that regulates the issuance, trading, and governance of financial instruments such as stocks and bonds. Attorneys in securities law guide businesses and investors, ensuring compliance with regulations, facilitating transactions, and addressing issues related to securities fraud or market manipulation, contributing to the integrity and fairness of financial markets.

  • Emphasis on Small Investor Issues: Addresses legal issues and concerns faced by small investors in the securities market.

 

  1. Commercial Litigation - Local Contract DisputesScore: 20

  • Commercial litigation is a legal practice focused on resolving disputes that arise in the business context. Attorneys in commercial litigation handle cases related to contract breaches, business torts, intellectual property disputes, and other conflicts, often representing clients in court or alternative dispute resolution settings to achieve fair and equitable resolutions.

  • Emphasis on Local Contract Disputes: Handles legal disputes of smaller financial value arising from local business contracts.

 

  1. Administrative Law - Local PermittingScore: 18

  • Administrative law is a legal field that regulates the actions and decisions of administrative agencies, ensuring their compliance with established laws and regulations. Attorneys in administrative law represent clients in matters involving government agencies, regulatory compliance, and administrative hearings, navigating the complex relationship between individuals or businesses and the government to seek fair and just resolutions.

  • Emphasis on Local Permitting: Deals with legal aspects of obtaining and complying with local permits.

 

  1. Maritime Law - Recreational BoatingScore: 16

  • Maritime law, or admiralty law, is a legal field that deals with issues arising from activities on navigable waters. Attorneys specializing in maritime law address matters like shipping disputes, salvage operations, and environmental compliance, ensuring legal adherence in the complex realm of maritime activities.

  • Emphasis on Recreational Boating: Focuses on legal issues related to recreational boating activities.

 

  1. Elder Law - Basic Elder Care PlanningScore: 14

  • Elder law is a specialized legal practice that focuses on addressing the unique needs and challenges of older individuals. Attorneys in elder law handle matters such as estate planning, long-term care, guardianship, Social Security, and Medicare, working to protect the rights and well-being of seniors as they navigate legal considerations associated with aging.

  • Emphasis on Basic Elder Care Planning: Provides basic legal services for elder care planning.

 

  1. Consumer Law - Debt Collection IssuesScore: 12

  • Consumer law is a legal field dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of consumers in their interactions with businesses. Attorneys in consumer law address issues such as product liability, fraud, unfair business practices, and consumer rights in transactions, advocating for fair treatment, transparency, and providing legal avenues for redress when consumers are harmed or their rights are violated.

  • Emphasis on Debt Collection Issues: Represents consumers in legal disputes against debt collectors.

 

  1. Entertainment Law - Local ArtistScore: 10

  • Entertainment law is a specialized legal field that deals with the legal aspects of the entertainment industry, covering areas such as film, music, television, and sports. Attorneys in entertainment law handle contracts, intellectual property issues, licensing agreements, and negotiations, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the legal interests of artists, producers, and entities within the dynamic and multifaceted entertainment sector.

  • Emphasis on Local Artist Contracts: Deals with legal aspects of contracts for local artists in the entertainment industry.

 

  1. Immigration Law - Family-Based Applications Score: 8

  • Immigration law encompasses legal practices concerning the movement of individuals across borders, with attorneys aiding clients in securing visas, addressing asylum claims, and navigating intricate immigration regulations. These legal professionals play a crucial role in advocating for the rights of immigrants and ensuring compliance with complex legal frameworks associated with international migration.

  • Emphasis on Family-Based Applications: Assists individuals with legal processes related to family-based immigration applications.

 

  1. Labor Law - Individual Worker GrievancesScore: 6

  • Labor law, a subset of employment law, focuses on regulating the relationship between employers and employees, covering aspects such as working conditions, wages, and dispute resolution. Attorneys specializing in labor law play a critical role in ensuring fair and lawful practices in the workplace, representing the interests of both employers and employees and navigating the intricate legal landscape surrounding employment relationships.

  • Emphasis on Individual Worker Grievances: Addresses legal issues related to individual worker grievances within the workplace.

 

  1. Environmental Law - Local Conservation EffortsScore: 4

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on regulating human activities to protect the environment and natural resources. Attorneys in environmental law handle issues such as pollution control, land use planning, conservation, and environmental impact assessments, working to ensure compliance with regulations and safeguard the quality of air, water, and ecosystems.

  • Emphasis on Local Conservation Efforts: Involves legal aspects of local conservation initiatives and efforts.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - Local CopyrightsScore: 2

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain focused on protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on Local Copyrights: Addresses legal issues related to local copyrights and intellectual property protection.

 TOP

The Most Marketable Practice Areas for Firms Ranked 4-5 in Mountain States

 
  1. Corporate Law - International MergersScore: 100

  • Corporate law encompasses the legal aspects of creating, managing, and operating corporations, covering a spectrum of activities from compliance to mergers. Attorneys in this field play a vital role in advising businesses on legal matters, ensuring adherence to regulations, and protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in the corporate landscape.

  • Emphasis on International Mergers: Specializes in legal aspects of mergers and acquisitions involving international corporations.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - High-Tech PatentsScore: 98

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain focused on protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on High-Tech Patents: Focuses on legal matters related to patents in the high-tech industry.

 

  1. Commercial Litigation - International DisputesScore: 96

  • Commercial litigation is a legal practice focused on resolving disputes arising in the business context, covering issues such as contract breaches, shareholder disputes, and breach of fiduciary duty claims. Attorneys specializing in commercial litigation navigate complex legal landscapes to represent businesses and individuals in court, aiming to resolve conflicts and protect their clients' interests through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.

  • Emphasis on International Disputes: Handles legal disputes of an international nature arising from commercial transactions.

 

  1. Securities Law - Federal ComplianceScore: 94

  • Securities law is a specialized area that governs the issuance, sale, and trading of securities, which include stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments. Attorneys in securities law advise businesses, financial institutions, and investors on compliance with regulations established by securities commissions and financial regulatory bodies. This field encompasses a range of activities, including initial public offerings (IPOs), securities transactions, disclosure requirements, and regulatory compliance. Securities lawyers work to ensure that companies adhere to transparency standards, providing investors with accurate and timely information. Additionally, they play a crucial role in addressing issues related to insider trading, market manipulation, and other forms of securities fraud. The overarching goal of securities law is to maintain the integrity and fairness of financial markets while protecting investors and fostering confidence in the securities industry.

  • Emphasis on Federal Compliance: Advises companies on compliance with federal securities regulations.

 

  1. Environmental Law - National RegulationsScore: 92

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on addressing and regulating the interaction between human activities and the environment. Attorneys in this area work on a wide range of issues, including pollution control, conservation, land use planning, natural resource management, and environmental impact assessments. They navigate complex regulations at the local, national, and international levels to help individuals, businesses, and government entities comply with environmental laws. Environmental lawyers also play a crucial role in advocating for environmental protection, representing clients in environmental litigation, and working towards sustainable practices that balance human needs with the preservation of the natural world.

  • Emphasis on National Regulations: Focuses on legal aspects of ensuring compliance with national environmental regulations.

 

  1. Employment Law - Executive CompensationScore: 90

  • Employment law is a legal field governing the relationship between employers and employees, encompassing issues like workplace rights, discrimination, wage and hour regulations, and wrongful termination. Attorneys in employment law advocate for fair labor practices, represent both employers and employees in legal disputes, and navigate the intricacies of labor regulations to ensure compliance in the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Executive Compensation: Specializes in legal matters related to executive compensation packages.

 

  1. Real Estate Law - Large Scale DevelopmentsScore: 88

  • Real estate law encompasses a broad range of legal issues related to the ownership, use, and transactions involving real property. It covers aspects such as property acquisition and sales, leasing agreements, zoning regulations, land use planning, property development, financing, and disputes related to real estate. Attorneys specializing in real estate law play a crucial role in facilitating transactions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and resolving disputes to safeguard the interests of property owners, developers, investors, and other stakeholders in the real estate industry.

  • Emphasis on Large Scale Developments: Involves legal aspects of large-scale real estate development projects.

 

  1. Tax Law - International Tax EvasionScore: 86

  • Tax law is a legal practice area that deals with issues related to taxation, including tax planning, compliance, and dispute resolution. Attorneys in tax law assist individuals and businesses in navigating the complexities of tax codes and regulations to ensure compliance and minimize tax liabilities.

  • Emphasis on International Tax Evasion: Deals with legal issues related to international tax evasion and avoidance.

 

  1. Family Law - International Custody DisputesScore: 84

  • Family law is a legal practice area that addresses legal matters related to familial relationships, encompassing issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and domestic violence. Attorneys in family law play a pivotal role in assisting individuals and families with navigating legal processes, ensuring fair resolutions, and advocating for the best interests of children and family members involved in legal disputes.

  • Emphasis on International Custody Disputes: Specializes in legal matters related to custody disputes with an international dimension.

 

  1. Criminal Law - White-Collar CrimesScore: 82

  • Criminal law is a legal discipline that addresses offenses against the state or public, encompassing investigations, prosecutions, and defense related to criminal activities. Attorneys in criminal law, including defense lawyers and prosecutors, play essential roles in ensuring due process, advocating for the accused or the state, and seeking fair outcomes in criminal proceedings ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.

  • Emphasis on White-Collar Crimes: Focuses on legal matters related to non-violent, financially motivated crimes.

 

  1. Bankruptcy Law - Corporate ReorganizationsScore: 80

  • Bankruptcy law is a legal field that addresses financial distress and insolvency, providing a legal framework for individuals and businesses facing overwhelming debt. Attorneys in bankruptcy law assist clients in navigating the complex process of bankruptcy, whether through liquidation (Chapter 7) or reorganization (Chapter 11), with the goal of achieving a fair distribution of assets and a fresh start for debtors while adhering to legal requirements.

  • Emphasis on Corporate Reorganizations: Advises corporations on legal strategies for restructuring during bankruptcy proceedings.

 

  1. Healthcare Law - National Policy AdvocacyScore: 78

  • Healthcare law is a specialized legal field that addresses the complex and evolving legal issues within the healthcare industry. Attorneys in healthcare law navigate a wide range of matters, including regulatory compliance, patient rights, healthcare contracts, and the legal aspects of medical practice, aiming to ensure that healthcare providers, institutions, and patients operate within the bounds of the law while delivering and receiving quality healthcare services.

  • Emphasis on National Policy Advocacy: Involves advocating for healthcare policy at the national level and addressing legal issues.

 

  1. Estate Planning - International WealthScore: 76

  • Estate planning is a legal process that involves the systematic arrangement of an individual's assets and affairs to ensure their effective distribution and management after death, often including the creation of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Attorneys specializing in estate planning work to minimize tax liabilities, address family dynamics, and implement strategies that align with their clients' preferences for the transfer of wealth and the care of dependents.

  • Emphasis on International Wealth: Manages and plans for the distribution of international high-net-worth individual's estates.

 

  1. Antitrust Law - Global Market AnalysisScore: 74

  • Antitrust law is a legal framework designed to promote fair competition by preventing monopolistic practices and ensuring market competitiveness. Attorneys in antitrust law work to enforce regulations that prohibit anti-competitive behaviors, such as price-fixing and monopolies, aiming to maintain an open and competitive marketplace that benefits consumers and encourages innovation.

  • Emphasis on Global Market Analysis: Involves analyzing and addressing antitrust issues on a global scale.

 

  1. Energy Law - International ProjectsScore: 72

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and consumption of energy, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate regulatory frameworks, negotiate contracts, and address environmental considerations, playing a crucial role in facilitating transactions and ensuring compliance within the dynamic and evolving energy sector.

  • Emphasis on International Projects: Deals with the legal aspects of developing and implementing international energy projects.

 

  1. Education Law - National PolicyScore: 70

  • Education law is a specialized legal field that addresses issues within the educational system, covering matters such as student rights, special education, discrimination, and school governance. Attorneys in education law work to ensure fair and equitable access to quality education, representing students, parents, and educational institutions in legal matters and advocating for compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on National Policy: Focuses on legal issues in the governance and administration of national educational policies.

 

  1. Civil Rights Law - National MovementsScore: 68

  • Civil rights law is a specialized legal field focused on protecting individuals' fundamental rights and liberties, as guaranteed by constitutional and statutory provisions. Attorneys in civil rights law address issues such as discrimination, freedom of speech, equal protection, and due process, working to uphold justice, combat unlawful discrimination, and advocate for the protection of individual rights in various aspects of public and private life.

  • Emphasis on National Movements: Addresses legal issues and advocacy related to civil rights movements at the national level.

 

  1. Consumer Law - National Class ActionsScore: 66

  • Consumer law is a legal field focused on protecting the rights and interests of consumers in their transactions with businesses. Attorneys in consumer law address issues such as product liability, fraud, unfair business practices, and consumer rights, working to ensure fair treatment and providing legal avenues for redress when consumers are harmed or their rights are violated.

  • Emphasis on National Class Actions: Represents consumers in class action lawsuits at the national level.

 

  1. Entertainment Law - International Media RightsScore: 64

  • Entertainment law is a specialized legal domain that addresses the legal aspects of the entertainment industry, including film, music, television, and sports. Attorneys in entertainment law handle contracts, intellectual property issues, licensing agreements, and negotiations, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the legal interests of artists, producers, and entities within the dynamic and multifaceted entertainment sector.

  • Emphasis on International Media Rights: Covers legal issues related to international media rights, including copyright and licensing.

 

  1. Immigration Law - Global MobilityScore: 62

  • Immigration law is a legal practice area that deals with matters related to the movement of individuals across borders, covering aspects such as visas, green cards, asylum, and deportation. Attorneys in immigration law assist clients in navigating complex immigration processes, advocating for their rights, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on Global Mobility: Advises individuals and businesses on legal aspects of global mobility and immigration.

 

  1. Labor Law - Global MobilityScore: 60

  • Labor law, also known as employment law, is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees. Attorneys specializing in labor law address issues such as workplace discrimination, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining, workplace safety, and wrongful termination. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Global Mobility: Focuses on representing and advising international labor unions in various labor relations.

 

  1. Maritime Law - Global MobilityScore: 58

  • Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal matters related to activities on navigable waters. Attorneys in maritime law handle issues such as shipping, salvage operations, marine insurance, and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with international and domestic laws specific to maritime activities.

  • Emphasis on Global Mobility: Involves legal aspects of international shipping and maritime activities.

 

  1. Administrative Law - Federal RegulationsScore: 56

  • Administrative law is a legal field that governs the actions and decisions of administrative agencies, ensuring their compliance with established laws and regulations. Attorneys in administrative law represent clients in matters involving government agencies, regulatory compliance, and administrative hearings, navigating the complex relationship between individuals or businesses and the government to seek fair and just resolutions.

  • Emphasis on Federal Regulations: Deals with legal aspects of federal regulations, ensuring compliance for businesses and organizations.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - Global TrademarksScore: 54

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain dedicated to protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on Global Trademarks: Focuses on legal matters related to global trademark protection and disputes.

 

  1. Corporate Law - Global ExpansionScore: 52

  • Corporate law encompasses the legal aspects of creating, managing, and operating corporations, covering a spectrum of activities from compliance to mergers. Attorneys in this field play a vital role in advising businesses on legal matters, ensuring adherence to regulations, and protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in the corporate landscape.

  • Emphasis on Global Expansion: Provides legal assistance to companies expanding their operations globally, ensuring compliance and strategic growth.

 TOP

The Least Marketable Practice Areas for Firms Ranked 4-5 in Mountain States 

 
  1. Personal Injury Law - Regional ClaimsScore: 50

  • Personal injury law is a legal field that deals with cases where individuals have suffered harm due to the negligence or intentional actions of others. Attorneys in personal injury law, often called personal injury lawyers, assist clients in seeking compensation for damages resulting from incidents such as accidents, medical malpractice, or product liability, navigating negotiations with insurance companies or pursuing litigation to ensure fair redress for their clients.

  • Emphasis on Regional Claims: Specializes in handling personal injury claims within a specific region.

 

  1. Education Law - Local School DistrictsScore: 48

  • Education law is a specialized legal field that addresses issues within the educational system, covering matters such as student rights, special education, discrimination, and school governance. Attorneys in education law work to ensure fair and equitable access to quality education, representing students, parents, and educational institutions in legal matters and advocating for compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on Local School Districts: Focuses on legal matters related to local school districts, including governance and student issues.

 

  1. Environmental Law - Local ComplianceScore: 46

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on addressing and regulating the interaction between human activities and the environment. Attorneys in this area work on a wide range of issues, including pollution control, conservation, land use planning, natural resource management, and environmental impact assessments. They navigate complex regulations at the local, national, and international levels to help individuals, businesses, and government entities comply with environmental laws. Environmental lawyers also play a crucial role in advocating for environmental protection, representing clients in environmental litigation, and working towards sustainable practices that balance human needs with the preservation of the natural world.

  • Emphasis on Local Compliance: Deals with ensuring local businesses and entities comply with environmental laws in a specific area.

 

  1. Energy Law - Local Utility IssuesScore: 44

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and consumption of energy, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate regulatory frameworks, negotiate contracts, and address environmental considerations, playing a crucial role in facilitating transactions and ensuring compliance within the dynamic and evolving energy sector.

  • Emphasis on Local Utility Issues: Addresses legal issues related to local utility providers and energy distribution.

 

  1. Labor Law - Local Utility IssuesScore: 42

  • Labor law, also known as employment law, is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees. Attorneys specializing in labor law address issues such as workplace discrimination, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining, workplace safety, and wrongful termination. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Local Utility Issues: Handles labor disputes involving unions within a specific geographic region.

 

  1. Maritime Law - Local Fishing RegulationsScore: 40

  • Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal matters related to activities on navigable waters. Attorneys in maritime law handle issues such as shipping, salvage operations, marine insurance, and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with international and domestic laws specific to maritime activities.

  • Emphasis on Local Fishing Regulations: Focuses on legal aspects of fishing activities and compliance with local regulations.

 

  1. Elder Law - Local Elder CareScore: 38

  • Elder law is a specialized legal practice focused on addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by older individuals. Attorneys in elder law handle matters such as estate planning, long-term care, guardianship, and healthcare directives, working to protect the rights and well-being of seniors as they navigate legal considerations associated with aging.

  • Emphasis on Local Elder Care: Provides legal services related to elder care issues within a specific local community.

 

  1. Employment Law - Small Business Labor IssuesScore: 36

  • Employment law is a legal field governing the relationship between employers and employees, encompassing issues like workplace rights, discrimination, wage and hour regulations, and wrongful termination. Attorneys in employment law advocate for fair labor practices, represent both employers and employees in legal disputes, and navigate the intricacies of labor regulations to ensure compliance in the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Small Business Labor Issues: Addresses labor-related legal issues specific to small businesses.

 

  1. Tax Law - Local Tax ConsultingScore: 34

  • Tax law is a legal practice area that deals with issues related to taxation, including tax planning, compliance, and dispute resolution. Attorneys in tax law assist individuals and businesses in navigating the complexities of tax codes and regulations to ensure compliance and minimize tax liabilities.

  • Emphasis on Local Tax Consulting: Provides tax consulting services to individuals and businesses within a specific locality.

 

  1. Family Law - Local Divorce MediationScore: 32

  • Family law is a legal practice area that addresses legal matters related to familial relationships, encompassing issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and domestic violence. Attorneys in family law play a pivotal role in assisting individuals and families with navigating legal processes, ensuring fair resolutions, and advocating for the best interests of children and family members involved in legal disputes.

  • Emphasis on Local Divorce Mediation: Specializes in mediating divorces for couples within a specific local jurisdiction.

 

  1. Criminal Law - Local Misdemeanor DefenseScore: 30

  • Criminal law is a legal discipline that addresses offenses against the state or public, encompassing investigations, prosecutions, and defense related to criminal activities. Attorneys in criminal law, including defense lawyers and prosecutors, play essential roles in ensuring due process, advocating for the accused or the state, and seeking fair outcomes in criminal proceedings ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.

  • Emphasis on Local Misdemeanor Defense: Focuses on defending individuals facing misdemeanor charges at the local level.

 

  1. Healthcare Law - Local Clinic ComplianceScore: 28

  • Healthcare law is a specialized legal field that addresses the complex and evolving legal issues within the healthcare industry. Attorneys in healthcare law navigate a wide range of matters, including regulatory compliance, patient rights, healthcare contracts, and the legal aspects of medical practice, aiming to ensure that healthcare providers, institutions, and patients operate within the bounds of the law while delivering and receiving quality healthcare services.

  • Emphasis on Local Clinic Compliance: Ensures compliance with healthcare laws for local clinics and medical facilities.

 

  1. Estate Planning - Local Estate AdministrationScore: 26

  • Estate planning is a legal process that involves the systematic arrangement of an individual's assets and affairs to ensure their effective distribution and management after death, often including the creation of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Attorneys specializing in estate planning work to minimize tax liabilities, address family dynamics, and implement strategies that align with their clients' preferences for the transfer of wealth and the care of dependents.

  • Emphasis on Local Estate Administration: Handles the administration of estates within a specific local area.

 

  1. Antitrust Law - Local Market AnalysisScore: 24

  • Antitrust law is a legal framework designed to promote fair competition by preventing monopolistic practices and ensuring market competitiveness. Attorneys in antitrust law work to enforce regulations that prohibit anti-competitive behaviors, such as price-fixing and monopolies, aiming to maintain an open and competitive marketplace that benefits consumers and encourages innovation.

  • Emphasis on Local Market Analysis: Handles the administration of estates within a specific local area.

 

  1. Corporate Law - Small Business AdvisingScore: 22

  • Corporate law encompasses the legal aspects of creating, managing, and operating corporations, covering a spectrum of activities from compliance to mergers. Attorneys in this field play a vital role in advising businesses on legal matters, ensuring adherence to regulations, and protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in the corporate landscape.

  • Emphasis on Small Business Advising: Provides legal guidance to small businesses on various operational matters.

 

  1. Securities Law - Regional Investment AdviceScore: 20

  • Securities law is a specialized legal field that regulates the issuance, trading, and governance of financial instruments such as stocks and bonds. Attorneys in securities law guide businesses and investors, ensuring compliance with regulations, facilitating transactions, and addressing issues related to securities fraud or market manipulation, contributing to the integrity and fairness of financial markets.

  • Emphasis on Regional Investment Advice: Advises on securities and investments within a specific regional context.

 

  1. Commercial Litigation - Local Business DisputesScore: 18

  • Commercial litigation is a legal practice focused on resolving disputes that arise in the business context. Attorneys in commercial litigation handle cases related to contract breaches, business torts, intellectual property disputes, and other conflicts, representing clients in court or alternative dispute resolution forums to achieve favorable outcomes and protect their business interests.

  • Emphasis on Local Business Disputes: Handles legal disputes arising from local business transactions and contracts.

 

  1. Administrative Law - Local PermittingScore: 16

  • Administrative law is a legal field that governs the actions and decisions of administrative agencies, ensuring their compliance with established laws and regulations. Attorneys in administrative law represent clients in matters involving government agencies, regulatory compliance, and administrative hearings, navigating the complex relationship between individuals or businesses and the government to seek fair and just resolutions.

  • Emphasis on Local Permitting: Deals with legal aspects of obtaining and complying with local permits.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - Local CopyrightScore: 14

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain dedicated to protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on Local Copyrights: Involves legal matters related to copyright protection within a specific local jurisdiction.

 

  1. Consumer Law - Local Consumer RightsScore: 12

  • Consumer law is a legal field focused on protecting the rights and interests of consumers in their transactions with businesses. Attorneys in consumer law address issues such as product liability, fraud, unfair business practices, and consumer rights, working to ensure fair treatment and providing legal avenues for redress when consumers are harmed or their rights are violated.

  • Emphasis on Local Consumer Rights: Represents local consumers in legal matters related to their rights.

 

  1. Entertainment Law - Local Talent RepresentationScore: 10

  • Entertainment law is a specialized legal domain that addresses the legal aspects of the entertainment industry, including film, music, television, and sports. Attorneys in entertainment law handle contracts, intellectual property issues, licensing agreements, and negotiations, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the legal interests of artists, producers, and entities within the dynamic and multifaceted entertainment sector.

  • Emphasis on Local Talent Representation: Provides legal representation to local talent in the entertainment industry.

 

  1. Immigration Law - Family-Based ImmigrationScore: 8

  • Immigration law is a legal practice area that deals with matters related to the movement of individuals across borders, covering aspects such as visas, green cards, asylum, and deportation. Attorneys in immigration law assist clients in navigating complex immigration processes, advocating for their rights, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on Family-Based Immigration: Assists families with legal processes related to immigration within a specific locale.

 

  1. Labor Law - Local Employment DisputesScore: 6

  • Labor law, also known as employment law, is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees. Attorneys specializing in labor law address issues such as workplace discrimination, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining, workplace safety, and wrongful termination. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Local Employment Disputes: Addresses legal issues related to employment disputes at the local level.

 

  1. Environmental Law - Local Conservation EffortsScore: 4

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on addressing and regulating the interaction between human activities and the environment. Attorneys in this area work on a wide range of issues, including pollution control, conservation, land use planning, natural resource management, and environmental impact assessments. They navigate complex regulations at the local, national, and international levels to help individuals, businesses, and government entities comply with environmental laws. Environmental lawyers also play a crucial role in advocating for environmental protection, representing clients in environmental litigation, and working towards sustainable practices that balance human needs with the preservation of the natural world.

  • Emphasis on Local Conservation Efforts: Focuses on legal aspects of local conservation initiatives and efforts.

 

  1. Energy Law - Local Renewable ProjectsScore: 2

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and consumption of energy, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate regulatory frameworks, negotiate contracts, and address environmental considerations, playing a crucial role in facilitating transactions and ensuring compliance within the dynamic and evolving energy sector.

  • Emphasis on Local Renewable Projects: Deals with legal aspects of developing and implementing renewable energy projects within a specific locality.

 TOP

The Midwest 

Illinois
Indiana
Michigan
Ohio
Wisconsin

 TOP

The Most Marketable Practice Areas for All Firms in Midwestern States 

 

We did not have enough data to draw conclusions about the marketability of attorneys of 1-3 firms and 4-5 firms for states in the Midwestern region. Therefore, we can only provide overall rankings for firms ranked 1-5 in this region.
 

  1. Estate Planning - Farm SuccessionsScore: 100

  • Estate planning is a legal process that involves the systematic arrangement of an individual's assets and affairs to ensure their effective distribution and management after death, often including the creation of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Attorneys specializing in estate planning work to minimize tax liabilities, address family dynamics, and implement strategies that align with their clients' preferences for the transfer of wealth and the care of dependents.

  • Emphasis on Farm Successions: Specializes in planning for the transfer of farms and agricultural assets to the next generation.

 

  1. Real Estate Law - Urban DevelopmentScore: 98

  • Real estate law encompasses a broad range of legal issues related to the ownership, use, and transactions involving real property. It covers aspects such as property acquisition and sales, leasing agreements, zoning regulations, land use planning, property development, financing, and disputes related to real estate. Attorneys specializing in real estate law play a crucial role in facilitating transactions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and resolving disputes to safeguard the interests of property owners, developers, investors, and other stakeholders in the real estate industry.

  • Emphasis on Urban Development: Involves legal aspects of developing and managing urban properties, crucial for city growth.

 

  1. Employment Law - Labor RelationsScore: 96

  • Employment law is a legal field governing the relationship between employers and employees, encompassing issues like workplace rights, discrimination, wage and hour regulations, and wrongful termination. Attorneys in employment law advocate for fair labor practices, represent both employers and employees in legal disputes, and navigate the intricacies of labor regulations to ensure compliance in the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Labor Relations: Focuses on managing and negotiating labor relations within organizations.

 

  1. Family Law - High Asset DivorceScore: 94

  • Family law is a legal practice area that addresses legal matters related to familial relationships, encompassing issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and domestic violence. Attorneys in family law play a pivotal role in assisting individuals and families with navigating legal processes, ensuring fair resolutions, and advocating for the best interests of children and family members involved in legal disputes.

  • Emphasis on High Asset Divorce: Specializes in divorce cases involving significant assets and complex financial arrangements.

 

  1. Bankruptcy Law - Small Business RestructuringScore: 92

  • Bankruptcy law is a legal field that addresses financial distress and insolvency, providing a legal framework for individuals and businesses facing overwhelming debt. Attorneys in bankruptcy law assist clients in navigating the complex process of bankruptcy, whether through liquidation (Chapter 7) or reorganization (Chapter 11), with the goal of achieving a fair distribution of assets and a fresh start for debtors while adhering to legal requirements.

  • Emphasis on Small Business Restructuring: Advises small businesses on legal strategies for restructuring during bankruptcy proceedings.

 

  1. Tax Law - State and LocalScore: 90

  • Tax law is a legal practice area that deals with issues related to taxation, including tax planning, compliance, and dispute resolution. Attorneys in tax law assist individuals and businesses in navigating the complexities of tax codes and regulations to ensure compliance and minimize tax liabilities.

  • Emphasis on State and Local: Deals with the complexities of state and local tax planning and disputes.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - Agricultural PatentsScore: 88

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain dedicated to protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on Agricultural Patents: Involves obtaining and protecting patents for innovations in agriculture.

 

  1. Healthcare Law - Regional Hospital ComplianceScore: 86

  • Healthcare law is a specialized legal field that addresses the complex and evolving legal issues within the healthcare industry. Attorneys in healthcare law navigate a wide range of matters, including regulatory compliance, patient rights, healthcare contracts, and the legal aspects of medical practice, aiming to ensure that healthcare providers, institutions, and patients operate within the bounds of the law while delivering and receiving quality healthcare services.

  • Emphasis on Regional Hospital Compliance: Covers legal issues in hospital management and healthcare compliance at a regional level.

 

  1. Criminal Law - State DefenseScore: 84

  • Criminal law is a legal discipline that addresses offenses against the state or public, encompassing investigations, prosecutions, and defense related to criminal activities. Attorneys in criminal law, including defense lawyers and prosecutors, play essential roles in ensuring due process, advocating for the accused or the state, and seeking fair outcomes in criminal proceedings ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.

  • Emphasis on State Defense: Represents clients facing state criminal charges, requiring knowledge of state laws.

 

  1. Civil Rights Law - Regional AdvocacyScore: 82

  • Civil rights law focuses on protecting individuals' fundamental rights, ensuring equal treatment, and addressing discrimination in various aspects of society. Attorneys in this field play a crucial role in advocating for justice, challenging violations of civil rights, and working to uphold constitutional and legal protections for all individuals.

  • Emphasis on Regional Advocacy: Focuses on legal issues and advocacy related to civil rights at a regional level.

 

  1. Environmental Law - Local RegulationScore: 80

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on addressing and regulating the interaction between human activities and the environment. Attorneys in this area work on a wide range of issues, including pollution control, conservation, land use planning, natural resource management, and environmental impact assessments. They navigate complex regulations at the local, national, and international levels to help individuals, businesses, and government entities comply with environmental laws. Environmental lawyers also play a crucial role in advocating for environmental protection, representing clients in environmental litigation, and working towards sustainable practices that balance human needs with the preservation of the natural world.

  • Emphasis on Local Regulations: Focuses on ensuring businesses comply with local environmental laws and regulations.

 

  1. Energy Law - Local Utility ProjectsScore: 78

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and consumption of energy, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate regulatory frameworks, negotiate contracts, and address environmental considerations, playing a crucial role in facilitating transactions and ensuring compliance within the dynamic and evolving energy sector.

  • Emphasis on Local Utility Projects: Involves legal aspects of developing and managing local utility projects.

 

  1. Energy Law - National ProjectsScore: 74

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and consumption of energy, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate regulatory frameworks, negotiate contracts, and address environmental considerations, playing a crucial role in facilitating transactions and ensuring compliance within the dynamic and evolving energy sector.

  • Emphasis on National Projects: Deals with the legal aspects of developing and implementing national energy projects.

 

  1. Education Law - National Policy ReformScore: 72

  • Education law is a specialized legal field that addresses issues within the educational system, covering matters such as student rights, special education, discrimination, and school governance. Attorneys in education law work to ensure fair and equitable access to quality education, representing students, parents, and educational institutions in legal matters and advocating for compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on National Policy Reform: Involves legal issues related to national policy reform in the education sector.

 

  1. Civil Rights Law - National LitigationScore: 70

  • Civil rights law focuses on protecting individuals' fundamental rights, ensuring equal treatment, and addressing discrimination in various aspects of society. Attorneys in this field play a crucial role in advocating for justice, challenging violations of civil rights, and working to uphold constitutional and legal protections for all individuals.

  • Emphasis on National Litigation: Represents clients in civil rights litigation at a national level.

 

  1. Consumer Law - National Class ActionsScore: 68

  • Consumer law is a legal field focused on protecting the rights and interests of consumers in their transactions with businesses. Attorneys in consumer law address issues such as product liability, fraud, unfair business practices, and consumer rights, working to ensure fair treatment and providing legal avenues for redress when consumers are harmed or their rights are violated.

  • Emphasis on National Class Actions: Represents consumers in large-scale class action lawsuits at a national level.

 

  1. Entertainment Law - National Media ContractsScore: 66

  • Entertainment law is a specialized legal domain that addresses the legal aspects of the entertainment industry, including film, music, television, and sports. Attorneys in entertainment law handle contracts, intellectual property issues, licensing agreements, and negotiations, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the legal interests of artists, producers, and entities within the dynamic and multifaceted entertainment sector.

  • Emphasis on National Media Contracts: Covers legal issues related to national media contracts, including television and film.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - National TrademarksScore: 64

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain dedicated to protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on National Trademarks: Involves protecting and enforcing trademarks on a national scale.

 

  1. Labor Law - National Union NegotiationScore: 62

  • Labor law, also known as employment law, is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees. Attorneys specializing in labor law address issues such as workplace discrimination, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining, workplace safety, and wrongful termination. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on National Union Negotiations: Involves negotiating on behalf of labor unions in national collective bargaining.

 

  1. Maritime Law - International Shipping RegulationsScore: 60

  • Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal matters related to activities on navigable waters. Attorneys in maritime law handle issues such as shipping, salvage operations, marine insurance, and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with international and domestic laws specific to maritime activities.

  • Emphasis on International Shipping Regulations: Focuses on laws and regulations governing international shipping activities.

 

  1. Administrative Law - Federal Government ContractsScore: 58

  • Administrative law is a legal field that governs the actions and decisions of administrative agencies, ensuring their compliance with established laws and regulations. Attorneys in administrative law represent clients in matters involving government agencies, regulatory compliance, and administrative hearings, navigating the complex relationship between individuals or businesses and the government to seek fair and just resolutions.

  • Emphasis on Federal Government Contracts: Deals with legal aspects of securing and fulfilling federal government contracts.

 

  1. Immigration Law - International Business MobilityScore: 56

  • Immigration law is a legal practice area that deals with matters related to the movement of individuals across borders, covering aspects such as visas, green cards, asylum, and deportation. Attorneys in immigration law assist clients in navigating complex immigration processes, advocating for their rights, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on International Business Mobility: Advises businesses on immigration law for international employee mobility.

 

  1. Corporate Law - Cross-Border AcquisitionsScore: 54

  • Corporate law encompasses the legal aspects of creating, managing, and operating corporations, covering a spectrum of activities from compliance to mergers. Attorneys in this field play a vital role in advising businesses on legal matters, ensuring adherence to regulations, and protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in the corporate landscape.

  • Emphasis on Cross-Border Acquisitions: Provides legal assistance in cross-border acquisitions and mergers.

 

  1. Corporate Law - Cross-Border AcquisitionsScore: 54

  • Corporate law encompasses the legal aspects of creating, managing, and operating corporations, covering a spectrum of activities from compliance to mergers. Attorneys in this field play a vital role in advising businesses on legal matters, ensuring adherence to regulations, and protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in the corporate landscape.

  • Emphasis on Cross-Border Acquisitions: Provides legal assistance in cross-border acquisitions and mergers.

 

  1. Commercial Litigation - International DisputesScore: 52

  • Commercial litigation is a legal practice focused on resolving disputes that arise in the business context. Attorneys in commercial litigation handle cases related to contract breaches, business torts, intellectual property disputes, and other conflicts, representing clients in court or alternative dispute resolution forums to achieve favorable outcomes and protect their business interests.

  • Emphasis on International Disputes: Handles legal disputes of an international nature, involving businesses and entities across borders.

 TOP

The Least Marketable Practice Areas in the Midwestern States 

 
  1. Personal Injury Law - Regional ClaimsScore: 50

  • Personal injury law is a legal field that deals with cases where individuals have suffered harm due to the negligence or intentional actions of others. Attorneys in personal injury law, often called personal injury lawyers, assist clients in seeking compensation for damages resulting from incidents such as accidents, medical malpractice, or product liability, navigating negotiations with insurance companies or pursuing litigation to ensure fair redress for their clients.

  • Emphasis on Regional Claims: Focuses on handling personal injury claims within a specific region.

 

  1. Education Law - Local School DistrictsScore: 48

  • Education law is a specialized legal field that addresses issues within the educational system, covering matters such as student rights, special education, discrimination, and school governance. Attorneys in education law work to ensure fair and equitable access to quality education, representing students, parents, and educational institutions in legal matters and advocating for compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on Local School Districts: Involves legal matters related to school districts at the local level.

 

  1. Environmental Law - Local ComplianceScore: 46

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on addressing and regulating the interaction between human activities and the environment. Attorneys in this area work on a wide range of issues, including pollution control, conservation, land use planning, natural resource management, and environmental impact assessments. They navigate complex regulations at the local, national, and international levels to help individuals, businesses, and government entities comply with environmental laws. Environmental lawyers also play a crucial role in advocating for environmental protection, representing clients in environmental litigation, and working towards sustainable practices that balance human needs with the preservation of the natural world.

  • Emphasis on Local Compliance: Focuses on ensuring local businesses comply with environmental laws and regulations.

 

  1. Energy Law - Local Utility IssuesScore: 44

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and consumption of energy, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate regulatory frameworks, negotiate contracts, and address environmental considerations, playing a crucial role in facilitating transactions and ensuring compliance within the dynamic and evolving energy sector.

  • Emphasis on Local Utility Issues: Addresses legal issues related to local utilities and energy providers.

 

  1. Labor Law - Regional Union DisputesScore: 42

  • Labor law, also known as employment law, is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees. Attorneys specializing in labor law address issues such as workplace discrimination, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining, workplace safety, and wrongful termination. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Regional Union Disputes: Deals with labor disputes involving unions at a regional level.

 

  1. Maritime Law - Local Fishing RegulationsScore: 40

  • Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal matters related to activities on navigable waters. Attorneys in maritime law handle issues such as shipping, salvage operations, marine insurance, and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with international and domestic laws specific to maritime activities.

  • Emphasis on Local Fishing Regulations: Focuses on legal issues related to fishing activities at the local level.

 

  1. Elder Law - Local Elder CareScore: 38

  • Elder law is a specialized legal practice focused on addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by older individuals. Attorneys in elder law handle matters such as estate planning, long-term care, guardianship, and healthcare directives, working to protect the rights and well-being of seniors as they navigate legal considerations associated with aging.

  • Emphasis on Local Elder Care: Provides legal services related to elder care within a specific locality.

 

  1. Employment Law - Small Business Labor IssuesScore: 36

  • Employment law is a legal field governing the relationship between employers and employees, encompassing issues like workplace rights, discrimination, wage and hour regulations, and wrongful termination. Attorneys in employment law advocate for fair labor practices, represent both employers and employees in legal disputes, and navigate the intricacies of labor regulations to ensure compliance in the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Small Business Labor Issues: Addresses labor issues specific to small businesses, including compliance and disputes.

 

  1. Tax Law - Local Tax ConsultingScore: 34

  • Tax law is a legal practice area that deals with issues related to taxation, including tax planning, compliance, and dispute resolution. Attorneys in tax law assist individuals and businesses in navigating the complexities of tax codes and regulations to ensure compliance and minimize tax liabilities.

  • Emphasis on Local Tax Consulting: Provides tax consulting services tailored to local tax regulations.

 

  1. Family Law - Local Divorce MediationScore: 32

  • Family law is a legal practice area that addresses legal matters related to familial relationships, encompassing issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and domestic violence. Attorneys in family law play a pivotal role in assisting individuals and families with navigating legal processes, ensuring fair resolutions, and advocating for the best interests of children and family members involved in legal disputes.

  • Emphasis on Local Divorce Mediation: Specializes in mediating divorce cases at the local level.

 

  1. Criminal Law - Local Misdemeanor DefenseScore: 30

  • Criminal law is a legal discipline that addresses offenses against the state or public, encompassing investigations, prosecutions, and defense related to criminal activities. Attorneys in criminal law, including defense lawyers and prosecutors, play essential roles in ensuring due process, advocating for the accused or the state, and seeking fair outcomes in criminal proceedings ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.

  • Emphasis on Local Misdemeanor Defense: Focuses on defending individuals facing local misdemeanor charges.

 

  1. Healthcare Law - Local Clinic ComplianceScore: 28

  • Healthcare law is a specialized legal field that addresses the complex and evolving legal issues within the healthcare industry. Attorneys in healthcare law navigate a wide range of matters, including regulatory compliance, patient rights, healthcare contracts, and the legal aspects of medical practice, aiming to ensure that healthcare providers, institutions, and patients operate within the bounds of the law while delivering and receiving quality healthcare services.

  • Emphasis on Local Clinic Compliance: Ensures local healthcare clinics comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

 

  1. Estate Planning - Local Estate AdministratorScore: 26

  • Estate planning is a legal process that involves the systematic arrangement of an individual's assets and affairs to ensure their effective distribution and management after death, often including the creation of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Attorneys specializing in estate planning work to minimize tax liabilities, address family dynamics, and implement strategies that align with their clients' preferences for the transfer of wealth and the care of dependents.

  • Emphasis on Local Estate Administration: Involves administering estates at the local level and handling legal processes.

 

  1. Antitrust Law - Local Market AnalysisScore: 24

  • Antitrust law is a legal framework designed to promote fair competition by preventing monopolistic practices and ensuring market competitiveness. Attorneys in antitrust law work to enforce regulations that prohibit anti-competitive behaviors, such as price-fixing and monopolies, aiming to maintain an open and competitive marketplace that benefits consumers and encourages innovation.

  • Emphasis on Local Market Analysis: Analyzes and addresses antitrust issues specific to local markets.

 

  1. Corporate Law - Small Business AdvisingScore: 22

  • Corporate law encompasses the legal aspects of creating, managing, and operating corporations, covering a spectrum of activities from compliance to mergers. Attorneys in this field play a vital role in advising businesses on legal matters, ensuring adherence to regulations, and protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in the corporate landscape.

  • Emphasis on Small Business Advising: Provides legal guidance to small businesses on various operational matters.

 

  1. Securities Law - Regional Investment AdviceScore: 20

  • Securities law is a specialized legal field that regulates the issuance, trading, and governance of financial instruments such as stocks and bonds. Attorneys in securities law guide businesses and investors, ensuring compliance with regulations, facilitating transactions, and addressing issues related to securities fraud or market manipulation, contributing to the integrity and fairness of financial markets.

  • Emphasis on Regional Investment Advice: Advises on securities investments with a focus on regional considerations.

 

  1. Commercial Litigation - Local Business DisputesScore: 18

  • Commercial litigation is a legal practice focused on resolving disputes that arise in the business context. Attorneys in commercial litigation handle cases related to contract breaches, business torts, intellectual property disputes, and other conflicts, representing clients in court or alternative dispute resolution forums to achieve favorable outcomes and protect their business interests.

  • Emphasis on Local Business Disputes: Handles legal disputes arising from local business transactions and contracts.

 

  1. Administrative Law - Local PermittingScore: 16

  • Administrative law is a legal field that governs the actions and decisions of administrative agencies, ensuring their compliance with established laws and regulations. Attorneys in administrative law represent clients in matters involving government agencies, regulatory compliance, and administrative hearings, navigating the complex relationship between individuals or businesses and the government to seek fair and just resolutions.

  • Emphasis on Local Permitting: Deals with legal aspects of obtaining and complying with local permits.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - Local CopyrightsScore: 14

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain dedicated to protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on Local Copyrights: Involves legal matters related to copyrights at the local level.

 

  1. Consumer Law - Local Consumer RightsScore: 12

  • Consumer law is a legal field focused on protecting the rights and interests of consumers in their transactions with businesses. Attorneys in consumer law address issues such as product liability, fraud, unfair business practices, and consumer rights, working to ensure fair treatment and providing legal avenues for redress when consumers are harmed or their rights are violated.

  • Emphasis on Local Consumer Rights: Represents local consumers in legal disputes over their rights.

 

  1. Entertainment Law - Local Talent RepresentationScore: 10

  • Entertainment law is a specialized legal domain that addresses the legal aspects of the entertainment industry, including film, music, television, and sports. Attorneys in entertainment law handle contracts, intellectual property issues, licensing agreements, and negotiations, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the legal interests of artists, producers, and entities within the dynamic and multifaceted entertainment sector.

  • Emphasis on Local Talent Representation: Provides legal representation and advice to local talent in the entertainment industry.

 

  1. Immigration Law - Family-Based ImmigrationScore: 8

  • Immigration law is a legal practice area that deals with matters related to the movement of individuals across borders, covering aspects such as visas, green cards, asylum, and deportation. Attorneys in immigration law assist clients in navigating complex immigration processes, advocating for their rights, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on Family-Based Immigration: Assists families with legal processes related to immigration.

 

  1. Labor Law - Local Employment DisputesScore: 6

  • Labor law, also known as employment law, is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees. Attorneys specializing in labor law address issues such as workplace discrimination, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining, workplace safety, and wrongful termination. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Local Employment Disputes: Addresses legal issues related to employment disputes at the local level.

 

  1. Environmental Law - Local Conservation EffortsScore: 4

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on addressing and regulating the interaction between human activities and the environment. Attorneys in this area work on a wide range of issues, including pollution control, conservation, land use planning, natural resource management, and environmental impact assessments. They navigate complex regulations at the local, national, and international levels to help individuals, businesses, and government entities comply with environmental laws. Environmental lawyers also play a crucial role in advocating for environmental protection, representing clients in environmental litigation, and working towards sustainable practices that balance human needs with the preservation of the natural world.

  • Emphasis on Local Conservation Efforts: Focuses on legal aspects of local conservation initiatives.

 

  1. Energy Law - Local Renewable ProjectsScore: 2

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and consumption of energy, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate regulatory frameworks, negotiate contracts, and address environmental considerations, playing a crucial role in facilitating transactions and ensuring compliance within the dynamic and evolving energy sector.

  • Emphasis on Local Renewable Projects: Involves legal matters related to renewable energy projects at the local level.

 TOP

The East Coast 

Alabama
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Mississippi
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia

 TOP

The Top 25 Most Marketable Practice Areas in the Eastern United States 

Our confidence level with our Eastern states data was not high enough to rank firms in 1-3 and 4-5 bands. Therefore, for these states we have banded them together for all rankings.
 

  1. Employment Law - Executive ContractsScore: 100

  • Employment law is a legal field governing the relationship between employers and employees, encompassing issues like workplace rights, discrimination, wage and hour regulations, and wrongful termination. Attorneys in employment law advocate for fair labor practices, represent both employers and employees in legal disputes, and navigate the intricacies of labor regulations to ensure compliance in the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Executive Contracts: Specializes in negotiating and drafting executive-level employment contracts and agreements.

 

  1. Real Estate Law - Commercial Transactions Score: 98

  • Real estate law encompasses a broad range of legal issues related to the ownership, use, and transactions involving real property. It covers aspects such as property acquisition and sales, leasing agreements, zoning regulations, land use planning, property development, financing, and disputes related to real estate. Attorneys specializing in real estate law play a crucial role in facilitating transactions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and resolving disputes to safeguard the interests of property owners, developers, investors, and other stakeholders in the real estate industry.

  • Emphasis on Commercial Transactions: Focuses on legal aspects related to buying, selling, and leasing commercial properties.

 

  1. Family Law - High Asset DivorceScore: 96

  • Family law is a legal practice area that addresses legal matters related to familial relationships, encompassing issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and domestic violence. Attorneys in family law play a pivotal role in assisting individuals and families with navigating legal processes, ensuring fair resolutions, and advocating for the best interests of children and family members involved in legal disputes.

  • Emphasis on High Asset Divorce: Specializes in divorce cases involving significant assets and complex financial arrangements.

 

  1. Bankruptcy Law - Business RestructuringScore: 94

  • Bankruptcy law is a legal field that addresses financial distress and insolvency, providing a legal framework for individuals and businesses facing overwhelming debt. Attorneys in bankruptcy law assist clients in navigating the complex process of bankruptcy, whether through liquidation (Chapter 7) or reorganization (Chapter 11), with the goal of achieving a fair distribution of assets and a fresh start for debtors while adhering to legal requirements.

  • Emphasis on Business Restructuring: Advises businesses on legal strategies for restructuring during bankruptcy proceedings.

 

  1. Tax Law - Corporate TaxationScore: 92

  • Tax law is a legal practice area that deals with issues related to taxation, including tax planning, compliance, and dispute resolution. Attorneys in tax law assist individuals and businesses in navigating the complexities of tax codes and regulations to ensure compliance and minimize tax liabilities.

  • Emphasis on Corporate Taxation: Deals with the complexities of corporate tax planning and disputes.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - Digital MediaScore: 90

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain dedicated to protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on Digital Media: Involves legal issues related to digital media production, including copyright and licensing.

 

  1. Healthcare Law - Regional RegulationsScore: 88

  • Healthcare law is a specialized legal field that addresses the complex and evolving legal issues within the healthcare industry. Attorneys in healthcare law navigate a wide range of matters, including regulatory compliance, patient rights, healthcare contracts, and the legal aspects of medical practice, aiming to ensure that healthcare providers, institutions, and patients operate within the bounds of the law while delivering and receiving quality healthcare services.

  • Emphasis on Regional Regulations: Focuses on legal issues related to healthcare regulations at the regional level.

 

  1. Criminal Law - Federal DefenseScore: 86

  • Criminal law is a legal discipline that addresses offenses against the state or public, encompassing investigations, prosecutions, and defense related to criminal activities. Attorneys in criminal law, including defense lawyers and prosecutors, play essential roles in ensuring due process, advocating for the accused or the state, and seeking fair outcomes in criminal proceedings ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.

  • Emphasis on Federal Defense: Represents clients facing federal criminal charges, requiring in-depth knowledge of federal law.

 

  1. Civil Rights Law - Regional AdvocacyScore: 84

  • Civil rights law focuses on protecting individuals' fundamental rights, ensuring equal treatment, and addressing discrimination in various aspects of society. Attorneys in this field play a crucial role in advocating for justice, challenging violations of civil rights, and working to uphold constitutional and legal protections for all individuals.

  • Emphasis on Regional Advocacy: Focuses on legal issues and advocacy related to civil rights at the regional level.

 

  1. Environmental Law - Regional AdvocacyScore: 82

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on addressing and regulating the interaction between human activities and the environment. Attorneys in this area work on a wide range of issues, including pollution control, conservation, land use planning, natural resource management, and environmental impact assessments. They navigate complex regulations at the local, national, and international levels to help individuals, businesses, and government entities comply with environmental laws. Environmental lawyers also play a crucial role in advocating for environmental protection, representing clients in environmental litigation, and working towards sustainable practices that balance human needs with the preservation of the natural world.

  • Emphasis on Regional Advocacy: Deals with the legal aspects of environmental considerations in urban development projects.

 

  1. Energy Law - Regional ProjectsScore: 80

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and consumption of energy, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate regulatory frameworks, negotiate contracts, and address environmental considerations, playing a crucial role in facilitating transactions and ensuring compliance within the dynamic and evolving energy sector.

  • Emphasis on Regional Projects: Focuses on the legal aspects of developing and implementing energy projects at the regional level.

 

  1. Education Law - Urban School PolicyScore: 78

  • Education law is a specialized legal field that addresses issues within the educational system, covering matters such as student rights, special education, discrimination, and school governance. Attorneys in education law work to ensure fair and equitable access to quality education, representing students, parents, and educational institutions in legal matters and advocating for compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on Urban School Policy: Involves legal issues in the governance and administration of urban educational institutions.

 

  1. Antitrust Law - Regional Market ReviewScore: 76

  • Antitrust law is a legal framework designed to promote fair competition by preventing monopolistic practices and ensuring market competitiveness. Attorneys in antitrust law work to enforce regulations that prohibit anti-competitive behaviors, such as price-fixing and monopolies, aiming to maintain an open and competitive marketplace that benefits consumers and encourages innovation.

  • Emphasis on Regional Market Review Analyzes and addresses antitrust issues within specific regional markets.

 

  1. Corporate Law - Mid-Size MergersScore: 74

  • Corporate law encompasses the legal aspects of creating, managing, and operating corporations, covering a spectrum of activities from compliance to mergers. Attorneys in this field play a vital role in advising businesses on legal matters, ensuring adherence to regulations, and protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in the corporate landscape.

  • Emphasis on Mid-Size Mergers: Provides legal assistance in mergers and acquisitions involving mid-sized companies.

 

  1. Securities Law - Regional ComplianceScore: 72

  • Securities law is a specialized legal field that regulates the issuance, trading, and governance of financial instruments such as stocks and bonds. Attorneys in securities law guide businesses and investors, ensuring compliance with regulations, facilitating transactions, and addressing issues related to securities fraud or market manipulation, contributing to the integrity and fairness of financial markets.

  • Emphasis on Regional Compliance: Advises companies on compliance with securities regulations at the regional level.

 

  1. Commercial Litigation - Business DisputesScore: 70

  • Commercial litigation is a legal practice focused on resolving disputes that arise in the business context. Attorneys in commercial litigation handle cases related to contract breaches, business torts, intellectual property disputes, and other conflicts, representing clients in court or alternative dispute resolution forums to achieve favorable outcomes and protect their business interests.

  • Emphasis on Business Disputes: Handles legal disputes arising from business transactions and agreements.

 

  1. Administrative Law - State Government ContractsScore: 68

  • Administrative law is a legal field that governs the actions and decisions of administrative agencies, ensuring their compliance with established laws and regulations. Attorneys in administrative law represent clients in matters involving government agencies, regulatory compliance, and administrative hearings, navigating the complex relationship between individuals or businesses and the government to seek fair and just resolutions.

  • Emphasis on State Government Contracts: Deals with legal aspects of securing and fulfilling government contracts at the state level.

 

  1. Maritime Law - Coastal RegulationsScore: 66

  • Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal matters related to activities on navigable waters. Attorneys in maritime law handle issues such as shipping, salvage operations, marine insurance, and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with international and domestic laws specific to maritime activities.

  • Emphasis on Coastal Regulations: Focuses on laws and regulations governing coastal and maritime activities.

 

  1. Elder Law - Retirement and Estate PlanningScore: 64

  • Elder law is a specialized legal practice focused on addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by older individuals. Attorneys in elder law handle matters such as estate planning, long-term care, guardianship, and healthcare directives, working to protect the rights and well-being of seniors as they navigate legal considerations associated with aging.

  • Emphasis on Retirement and Estate Planning: Provides legal services for elderly clients, particularly in retirement and estate planning.

 

  1. Consumer Law - Regional Consumer AdvocacyScore: 62

  • Consumer law is a legal field focused on protecting the rights and interests of consumers in their transactions with businesses. Attorneys in consumer law address issues such as product liability, fraud, unfair business practices, and consumer rights, working to ensure fair treatment and providing legal avenues for redress when consumers are harmed or their rights are violated.

  • Emphasis on Regional Consumer Advocacy: Represents consumers in legal matters related to regional consumer protection laws.

 

  1. Entertainment Law - Regional Media ContractsScore: 60

  • Entertainment law is a specialized legal domain that addresses the legal aspects of the entertainment industry, including film, music, television, and sports. Attorneys in entertainment law handle contracts, intellectual property issues, licensing agreements, and negotiations, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the legal interests of artists, producers, and entities within the dynamic and multifaceted entertainment sector.

  • Emphasis on Regional Media Contracts: Deals with legal issues related to contracts for media and entertainment in specific regions.

 

  1. Immigration Law - Regional Immigration ServicesScore: 58

  • Immigration law is a legal practice area that deals with matters related to the movement of individuals across borders, covering aspects such as visas, green cards, asylum, and deportation. Attorneys in immigration law assist clients in navigating complex immigration processes, advocating for their rights, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on Regional Immigration Services: Advises on immigration law at the regional level, including services for individuals and businesses.

 

  1. Labor Law - Employment DisputesScore: 56

  • Labor law, also known as employment law, is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees. Attorneys specializing in labor law address issues such as workplace discrimination, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining, workplace safety, and wrongful termination. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Employment Disputes: Addresses legal issues related to employment disputes within organizations.

 

  1. Environmental Law - Coastal ManagementScore: 54

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on addressing and regulating the interaction between human activities and the environment. Attorneys in this area work on a wide range of issues, including pollution control, conservation, land use planning, natural resource management, and environmental impact assessments. They navigate complex regulations at the local, national, and international levels to help individuals, businesses, and government entities comply with environmental laws. Environmental lawyers also play a crucial role in advocating for environmental protection, representing clients in environmental litigation, and working towards sustainable practices that balance human needs with the preservation of the natural world.

  • Emphasis on Coastal Management: Focuses on legal aspects of managing coastal environments and resources.

 

  1. Employment Law - Nonprofit OrganizationsScore: 52

  • Employment law is a legal field governing the relationship between employers and employees, encompassing issues like workplace rights, discrimination, wage and hour regulations, and wrongful termination. Attorneys in employment law advocate for fair labor practices, represent both employers and employees in legal disputes, and navigate the intricacies of labor regulations to ensure compliance in the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Nonprofit Organizations: Specializes in providing legal counsel to nonprofit organizations on employment-related matters, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

 TOP

The Least Marketable Practice Areas in Eastern States 

 

  1. Family Law - Child CustodyScore: 50

  • Family law is a legal practice area that addresses legal matters related to familial relationships, encompassing issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and domestic violence. Attorneys in family law play a pivotal role in assisting individuals and families with navigating legal processes, ensuring fair resolutions, and advocating for the best interests of children and family members involved in legal disputes.

  • Emphasis on Child Custody: Specializes in legal matters related to child custody arrangements during divorce or separation.

 

  1. Criminal Law - Misdemeanor DefenseScore: 48

  • Criminal law is a legal discipline that addresses offenses against the state or public, encompassing investigations, prosecutions, and defense related to criminal activities. Attorneys in criminal law, including defense lawyers and prosecutors, play essential roles in ensuring due process, advocating for the accused or the state, and seeking fair outcomes in criminal proceedings ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.

  • Emphasis on Misdemeanor Defense: Focuses on defending individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses in criminal cases.

 

  1. Bankruptcy Law - Individual BankruptcyScore: 46

  • Bankruptcy law is a legal field that addresses financial distress and insolvency, providing a legal framework for individuals and businesses facing overwhelming debt. Attorneys in bankruptcy law assist clients in navigating the complex process of bankruptcy, whether through liquidation (Chapter 7) or reorganization (Chapter 11), with the goal of achieving a fair distribution of assets and a fresh start for debtors while adhering to legal requirements.

  • Emphasis on Individual Bankruptcy: Provides legal assistance to individuals navigating personal bankruptcy proceedings.

 

  1. Employment Law - Small Business IssuesScore: 44

  • Employment law is a legal field governing the relationship between employers and employees, encompassing issues like workplace rights, discrimination, wage and hour regulations, and wrongful termination. Attorneys in employment law advocate for fair labor practices, represent both employers and employees in legal disputes, and navigate the intricacies of labor regulations to ensure compliance in the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Small Business Issues: Offers legal guidance to small businesses on various employment-related matters.

 

  1. Real Estate Law - Residential PropertyScore: 42

  • Real estate law encompasses a broad range of legal issues related to the ownership, use, and transactions involving real property. It covers aspects such as property acquisition and sales, leasing agreements, zoning regulations, land use planning, property development, financing, and disputes related to real estate. Attorneys specializing in real estate law play a crucial role in facilitating transactions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and resolving disputes to safeguard the interests of property owners, developers, investors, and other stakeholders in the real estate industry.

  • Emphasis on Residential Property: Deals with legal aspects of buying, selling, and managing residential properties.

 

  1. Tax Law Residential PropertyScore: 40

  • Tax law is a legal practice area that deals with issues related to taxation, including tax planning, compliance, and dispute resolution. Attorneys in tax law assist individuals and businesses in navigating the complexities of tax codes and regulations to ensure compliance and minimize tax liabilities.

  • Emphasis on Individual Tax Returns: Focuses on individual tax planning and disputes for personal tax returns.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - Local TrademarksScore: 38

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain dedicated to protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on Local Trademarks: Involves legal matters related to trademarks within a local jurisdiction.

 

  1. Healthcare Law - Local Clinic RegulationsScore: 36

  • Healthcare law is a specialized legal field that addresses the complex and evolving legal issues within the healthcare industry. Attorneys in healthcare law navigate a wide range of matters, including regulatory compliance, patient rights, healthcare contracts, and the legal aspects of medical practice, aiming to ensure that healthcare providers, institutions, and patients operate within the bounds of the law while delivering and receiving quality healthcare services.

  • Emphasis on Local Clinic Regulations: Deals with legal issues arising from regulations governing local healthcare clinics.

 

  1. Civil Rights Law - Local Discrimination CasesScore: 34

  • Civil rights law focuses on protecting individuals' fundamental rights, ensuring equal treatment, and addressing discrimination in various aspects of society. Attorneys in this field play a crucial role in advocating for justice, challenging violations of civil rights, and working to uphold constitutional and legal protections for all individuals.

  • Emphasis on Local Discrimination Cases: Focuses on cases involving discrimination within a local jurisdiction.

 

  1. Environmental Law - Local Compliance Score: 32

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on addressing and regulating the interaction between human activities and the environment. Attorneys in this area work on a wide range of issues, including pollution control, conservation, land use planning, natural resource management, and environmental impact assessments. They navigate complex regulations at the local, national, and international levels to help individuals, businesses, and government entities comply with environmental laws. Environmental lawyers also play a crucial role in advocating for environmental protection, representing clients in environmental litigation, and working towards sustainable practices that balance human needs with the preservation of the natural world.

  • Emphasis on Local Compliance: Ensures businesses and organizations comply with environmental laws at the local level.

 

  1. Energy Law - Local Utility RegulationsScore: 30

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and consumption of energy, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate regulatory frameworks, negotiate contracts, and address environmental considerations, playing a crucial role in facilitating transactions and ensuring compliance within the dynamic and evolving energy sector.

  • Emphasis on Local Utility Regulations: Focuses on legal aspects of regulating utilities and energy providers at the local level.

 

  1. Education Law - Local School District AdvisingScore: 28

  • Education law is a specialized legal field that addresses issues within the educational system, covering matters such as student rights, special education, discrimination, and school governance. Attorneys in education law work to ensure fair and equitable access to quality education, representing students, parents, and educational institutions in legal matters and advocating for compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on Local School District Advising: Provides legal advice on issues related to local school districts and educational institutions.

 

  1. Antitrust Law - Small Business LitigationScore: 26

  • Antitrust law is a legal framework designed to promote fair competition by preventing monopolistic practices and ensuring market competitiveness. Attorneys in antitrust law work to enforce regulations that prohibit anti-competitive behaviors, such as price-fixing and monopolies, aiming to maintain an open and competitive marketplace that benefits consumers and encourages innovation.

  • Emphasis on Small Business Litigation: Represents small businesses in litigation related to antitrust issues.

 

  1. Corporate Law - Local Business FormationScore: 24

  • Corporate law encompasses the legal aspects of creating, managing, and operating corporations, covering a spectrum of activities from compliance to mergers. Attorneys in this field play a vital role in advising businesses on legal matters, ensuring adherence to regulations, and protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in the corporate landscape.

  • Emphasis on Local Business Formation: Assists in the legal aspects of forming and establishing local businesses.

 

  1. Securities Law - Local Investor AdviceScore: 22

  • Securities law is a specialized legal field that regulates the issuance, trading, and governance of financial instruments such as stocks and bonds. Attorneys in securities law guide businesses and investors, ensuring compliance with regulations, facilitating transactions, and addressing issues related to securities fraud or market manipulation, contributing to the integrity and fairness of financial markets.

  • Emphasis on Local Investor Advice: Provides legal advice to local investors on securities-related matters.

 

  1. Commercial Litigation - Local Contract DisputesScore: 20

  • Commercial litigation is a legal practice focused on resolving disputes that arise in the business context. Attorneys in commercial litigation handle cases related to contract breaches, business torts, intellectual property disputes, and other conflicts, representing clients in court or alternative dispute resolution forums to achieve favorable outcomes and protect their business interests.

  • Emphasis on Local Contract Disputes: Handles legal disputes arising from local business contracts and agreements.

 

  1. Administrative Law - Local PermittingScore: 18

  • Administrative law is a legal field that governs the actions and decisions of administrative agencies, ensuring their compliance with established laws and regulations. Attorneys in administrative law represent clients in matters involving government agencies, regulatory compliance, and administrative hearings, navigating the complex relationship between individuals or businesses and the government to seek fair and just resolutions.

  • Emphasis on Local Permitting: Deals with legal aspects of obtaining and complying with local permits.

 

  1. Maritime Law - Local Port OperationsScore: 16

  • Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal matters related to activities on navigable waters. Attorneys in maritime law handle issues such as shipping, salvage operations, marine insurance, and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with international and domestic laws specific to maritime activities.

  • Emphasis on Local Port Operations: Focuses on legal issues related to the operations of ports at the local level.

 

  1. Elder Law - Basic Estate PlanningScore: 14

  • Elder law is a specialized legal practice focused on addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by older individuals. Attorneys in elder law handle matters such as estate planning, long-term care, guardianship, and healthcare directives, working to protect the rights and well-being of seniors as they navigate legal considerations associated with aging.

  • Emphasis on Basic Estate Planning: Provides basic estate planning services for elderly clients.

 

  1. Consumer Law - Debt Collection DefenseScore: 12

  • Consumer law is a legal field focused on protecting the rights and interests of consumers in their transactions with businesses. Attorneys in consumer law address issues such as product liability, fraud, unfair business practices, and consumer rights, working to ensure fair treatment and providing legal avenues for redress when consumers are harmed or their rights are violated.

  • Emphasis on Debt Collection Defense: Represents consumers in legal disputes against debt collectors.

 

  1. Entertainment Law - Local Artist RepresentationScore: 10

  • Entertainment law is a specialized legal domain that addresses the legal aspects of the entertainment industry, including film, music, television, and sports. Attorneys in entertainment law handle contracts, intellectual property issues, licensing agreements, and negotiations, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the legal interests of artists, producers, and entities within the dynamic and multifaceted entertainment sector.

  • Emphasis on Local Artist Representation: Represents and advises local artists in the entertainment industry.

 

  1. Immigration Law - Family-Based ApplicationsScore: 8

  • Immigration law is a legal practice area that deals with matters related to the movement of individuals across borders, covering aspects such as visas, green cards, asylum, and deportation. Attorneys in immigration law assist clients in navigating complex immigration processes, advocating for their rights, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on Family-Based Applications:Assists families with legal processes related to immigration applications.

 

  1. Labor Law - Local Labor DisputesScore: 6

  • Labor law, also known as employment law, is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees. Attorneys specializing in labor law address issues such as workplace discrimination, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining, workplace safety, and wrongful termination. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Local Labor Disputes: Addresses legal issues related to labor disputes within the local workforce.
     

 

  1. Environmental Law - Local Conservation ProjectsScore: 4

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on addressing and regulating the interaction between human activities and the environment. Attorneys in this area work on a wide range of issues, including pollution control, conservation, land use planning, natural resource management, and environmental impact assessments. They navigate complex regulations at the local, national, and international levels to help individuals, businesses, and government entities comply with environmental laws. Environmental lawyers also play a crucial role in advocating for environmental protection, representing clients in environmental litigation, and working towards sustainable practices that balance human needs with the preservation of the natural world.

  • Emphasis on Local Conservation Projects: Involves legal aspects of conservation projects at the local level.

 

  1. Energy Law - Renewable Energy InitiativesScore: 2

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and consumption of energy, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate regulatory frameworks, negotiate contracts, and address environmental considerations, playing a crucial role in facilitating transactions and ensuring compliance within the dynamic and evolving energy sector.

  • Emphasis on Renewable Energy Initiatives: Focuses on legal aspects of implementing renewable energy initiatives at the local level.

 TOP

The Central Region

Arkansas
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Minnesota
Missouri
Nebraska
North Dakota
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Texas

 TOP

The Most Marketable Practice Areas in the Central Region of the United States 

We did not have enough confidence in our data to rank firms in 1-3 and 4-5 bands respectfully. Instead, we have provided overall rankings for practice areas.

 

  1. Corporate Law - International MergersScore: 100

  • Corporate law encompasses the legal aspects of creating, managing, and operating corporations, covering a spectrum of activities from compliance to mergers. Attorneys in this field play a vital role in advising businesses on legal matters, ensuring adherence to regulations, and protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in the corporate landscape.

  • Emphasis on International Mergers & Acquisitions: Specializes in legal aspects of international mergers and acquisitions, ensuring compliance with global regulations. 

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - High-Tech PatentsScore: 98

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain dedicated to protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on High-Tech Patents: Focuses on securing and litigating high-tech patents in the rapidly evolving technology sector.

 

  1. Commercial Litigation - International DisputesScore: 96

  • Commercial litigation is a legal practice focused on resolving disputes that arise in the business context. Attorneys in commercial litigation handle cases related to contract breaches, business torts, intellectual property disputes, and other conflicts, representing clients in court or alternative dispute resolution forums to achieve favorable outcomes and protect their business interests.

  • Emphasis on International Disputes: Represents clients in legal disputes with an international scope, navigating complex cross-border issues.

 

  1. Securities Law - Wall Street ComplianceScore: 94

  • Securities law is a specialized legal field that regulates the issuance, trading, and governance of financial instruments such as stocks and bonds. Attorneys in securities law guide businesses and investors, ensuring compliance with regulations, facilitating transactions, and addressing issues related to securities fraud or market manipulation, contributing to the integrity and fairness of financial markets.

  • Emphasis on Wall Street Compliance: Advises financial entities on compliance with securities regulations, particularly those related to Wall Street operations

 

  1. Environmental Law - National Policy AdvocacyScore: 92

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on addressing and regulating the interaction between human activities and the environment. Attorneys in this area work on a wide range of issues, including pollution control, conservation, land use planning, natural resource management, and environmental impact assessments. They navigate complex regulations at the local, national, and international levels to help individuals, businesses, and government entities comply with environmental laws. Environmental lawyers also play a crucial role in advocating for environmental protection, representing clients in environmental litigation, and working towards sustainable practices that balance human needs with the preservation of the natural world.

  • Emphasis on National Policy Advocacy: Advocates for and shapes national environmental policies, ensuring compliance and sustainability. 

 

  1. Employment Law - Executive CompensationScore: 90

  • Employment law is a legal field governing the relationship between employers and employees, encompassing issues like workplace rights, discrimination, wage and hour regulations, and wrongful termination. Attorneys in employment law advocate for fair labor practices, represent both employers and employees in legal disputes, and navigate the intricacies of labor regulations to ensure compliance in the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Executive Compensation: Deals with legal aspects of executive compensation, including stock options, bonuses, and other benefits.

 

  1. Real Estate Law - Large Scale Urban DevelopmentScore: 88

  • Real estate law encompasses a broad range of legal issues related to the ownership, use, and transactions involving real property. It covers aspects such as property acquisition and sales, leasing agreements, zoning regulations, land use planning, property development, financing, and disputes related to real estate. Attorneys specializing in real estate law play a crucial role in facilitating transactions, ensuring compliance with regulations, and resolving disputes to safeguard the interests of property owners, developers, investors, and other stakeholders in the real estate industry.

  • Emphasis on Large Scale Urban Development: Involves legal matters related to large-scale urban development projects, addressing zoning, permits, and contractual issues.

 

  1. Tax Law - International Corporate Taxation Score: 86

  • Tax law is a legal practice area that deals with issues related to taxation, including tax planning, compliance, and dispute resolution. Attorneys in tax law assist individuals and businesses in navigating the complexities of tax codes and regulations to ensure compliance and minimize tax liabilities.

  • Emphasis on International Corporate Taxation: Manages the complexities of international corporate tax planning and compliance.

 

  1. Family Law - High-Profile DivorcesScore: 84

  • Family law is a legal practice area that addresses legal matters related to familial relationships, encompassing issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and domestic violence. Attorneys in family law play a pivotal role in assisting individuals and families with navigating legal processes, ensuring fair resolutions, and advocating for the best interests of children and family members involved in legal disputes.

  • Emphasis on High-Profile Divorces: Specializes in divorce cases involving high-profile individuals, managing media scrutiny and complex financial arrangements.

 

  1. Criminal Law - White-Collar Federal DefenseScore: 82

  • Criminal law is a legal discipline that addresses offenses against the state or public, encompassing investigations, prosecutions, and defense related to criminal activities. Attorneys in criminal law, including defense lawyers and prosecutors, play essential roles in ensuring due process, advocating for the accused or the state, and seeking fair outcomes in criminal proceedings ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.

  • Emphasis on White-Collar Federal Defense: Represents clients facing white-collar criminal charges at the federal level, including fraud and embezzlement.

 

  1. Bankruptcy Law - Major Corporate RestructuringScore: 80

  • Bankruptcy law is a legal field that addresses financial distress and insolvency, providing a legal framework for individuals and businesses facing overwhelming debt. Attorneys in bankruptcy law assist clients in navigating the complex process of bankruptcy, whether through liquidation (Chapter 7) or reorganization (Chapter 11), with the goal of achieving a fair distribution of assets and a fresh start for debtors while adhering to legal requirements.

  • Emphasis on Major Corporate Restructuring: Advises major corporations on legal strategies for restructuring during bankruptcy proceedings.

 

  1. Healthcare Law - National Healthcare PolicyScore: 78

  • Healthcare law is a specialized legal field that addresses the complex and evolving legal issues within the healthcare industry. Attorneys in healthcare law navigate a wide range of matters, including regulatory compliance, patient rights, healthcare contracts, and the legal aspects of medical practice, aiming to ensure that healthcare providers, institutions, and patients operate within the bounds of the law while delivering and receiving quality healthcare services.

  • Emphasis on National Healthcare Policy: Focuses on legal aspects of national healthcare policies, ensuring compliance and addressing regulatory issues.

 

  1. Estate Planning - High-Net-Worth International ClientsScore: 76

  • Estate planning is a legal process that involves the systematic arrangement of an individual's assets and affairs to ensure their effective distribution and management after death, often including the creation of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Attorneys specializing in estate planning work to minimize tax liabilities, address family dynamics, and implement strategies that align with their clients' preferences for the transfer of wealth and the care of dependents.

  • Emphasis on High-Net-Worth International Clients: Involves managing and planning for the distribution of estates for high-net-worth international clients.

 

  1. Antitrust Law - International Market AnalysisScore: 74

  • Antitrust law is a legal framework designed to promote fair competition by preventing monopolistic practices and ensuring market competitiveness. Attorneys in antitrust law work to enforce regulations that prohibit anti-competitive behaviors, such as price-fixing and monopolies, aiming to maintain an open and competitive marketplace that benefits consumers and encourages innovation.

  • Emphasis on International Market Analysis: Analyzes and addresses antitrust issues on an international scale, ensuring fair competition.

 

  1. Energy Law - International Energy ContractsScore: 72

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and consumption of energy, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate regulatory frameworks, negotiate contracts, and address environmental considerations, playing a crucial role in facilitating transactions and ensuring compliance within the dynamic and evolving energy sector.

  • Emphasis on International Energy Contracts: Deals with the legal aspects of negotiating and enforcing international energy contracts.

 

  1. Education Law - National Education ReformScore: 70

  • Education law is a specialized legal field that addresses issues within the educational system, covering matters such as student rights, special education, discrimination, and school governance. Attorneys in education law work to ensure fair and equitable access to quality education, representing students, parents, and educational institutions in legal matters and advocating for compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on National Education Reform: Focuses on legal issues in national education reform efforts, addressing policy and regulatory changes.

 

  1. Civil Rights Law - National AdvocacyScore: 68

  • Civil rights law focuses on protecting individuals' fundamental rights, ensuring equal treatment, and addressing discrimination in various aspects of society. Attorneys in this field play a crucial role in advocating for justice, challenging violations of civil rights, and working to uphold constitutional and legal protections for all individuals.

  • Emphasis on National Advocacy: Advocates for civil rights on a national scale, addressing issues related to discrimination and equal protection. 

 

  1. Consumer Law - National Class ActionsScore: 66

  • Consumer law is a legal field focused on protecting the rights and interests of consumers in their transactions with businesses. Attorneys in consumer law address issues such as product liability, fraud, unfair business practices, and consumer rights, working to ensure fair treatment and providing legal avenues for redress when consumers are harmed or their rights are violated.

  • Emphasis on National Class Actions: Represents consumers in national class-action lawsuits against corporations for various issues. 

 

  1. Entertainment Law - International Media Rights Score: 64

  • Entertainment law is a specialized legal domain that addresses the legal aspects of the entertainment industry, including film, music, television, and sports. Attorneys in entertainment law handle contracts, intellectual property issues, licensing agreements, and negotiations, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the legal interests of artists, producers, and entities within the dynamic and multifaceted entertainment sector.

  • Emphasis on International Media Rights: Covers legal issues related to international media rights, including distribution and licensing.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - Global CopyrightsScore: 64

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain dedicated to protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on Global Copyrights: Focuses on legal matters related to global copyright protection and infringement.

 

  1. Labor Law - International Labor RelationsScore: 62

  • Labor law, also known as employment law, is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees. Attorneys specializing in labor law address issues such as workplace discrimination, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining, workplace safety, and wrongful termination. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on International Labor Relations: Manages legal issues related to international labor relations, including negotiations and dispute resolution.

 

  1. Maritime Law - International Maritime RegulationsScore: 60

  • Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal matters related to activities on navigable waters. Attorneys in maritime law handle issues such as shipping, salvage operations, marine insurance, and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with international and domestic laws specific to maritime activities.

  • Emphasis on International Maritime Regulations: Focuses on laws and regulations governing international maritime activities.

 

  1. Administrative Law - Federal Government AffairsScore: 58

  • Administrative law is a legal field that governs the actions and decisions of administrative agencies, ensuring their compliance with established laws and regulations. Attorneys in administrative law represent clients in matters involving government agencies, regulatory compliance, and administrative hearings, navigating the complex relationship between individuals or businesses and the government to seek fair and just resolutions.

  • Emphasis on Federal Government Affairs: Deals with legal aspects of federal government affairs, including regulatory compliance and advocacy.

 

  1. Immigration Law - International Business Immigration Score: 56

  • Immigration law is a legal practice area that deals with matters related to the movement of individuals across borders, covering aspects such as visas, green cards, asylum, and deportation. Attorneys in immigration law assist clients in navigating complex immigration processes, advocating for their rights, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on International Business Immigration: Advises businesses on international immigration law for employing global talent.

 

  1. Corporate Law - Global FinanceScore: 54

  • Corporate law encompasses the legal aspects of creating, managing, and operating corporations, covering a spectrum of activities from compliance to mergers. Attorneys in this field play a vital role in advising businesses on legal matters, ensuring adherence to regulations, and protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in the corporate landscape.

  • Emphasis on Global Finance: Provides legal assistance to corporations in navigating global financial transactions and compliance.

 

 TOP

 The Least Marketable Practice Areas in Central States  

 

  1. Personal Injury Law - Regional ClaimsScore: 50

  • Personal injury law is a legal field that deals with cases where individuals have suffered harm due to the negligence or intentional actions of others. Attorneys in personal injury law, often called personal injury lawyers, assist clients in seeking compensation for damages resulting from incidents such as accidents, medical malpractice, or product liability, navigating negotiations with insurance companies or pursuing litigation to ensure fair redress for their clients.

  • Emphasis on Regional Claims: Handles personal injury claims on a regional scale, addressing accidents and injuries within a specific geographical area. 

 

  1. Education Law - Local School DistrictsScore: 48

  • Education law is a specialized legal field that addresses issues within the educational system, covering matters such as student rights, special education, discrimination, and school governance. Attorneys in education law work to ensure fair and equitable access to quality education, representing students, parents, and educational institutions in legal matters and advocating for compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on Local School Districts: Focuses on legal issues within local school districts, including governance, policies, and disputes.

 

  1. Environmental Law - Local Environmental ComplianceScore: 46

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on addressing and regulating the interaction between human activities and the environment. Attorneys in this area work on a wide range of issues, including pollution control, conservation, land use planning, natural resource management, and environmental impact assessments. They navigate complex regulations at the local, national, and international levels to help individuals, businesses, and government entities comply with environmental laws. Environmental lawyers also play a crucial role in advocating for environmental protection, representing clients in environmental litigation, and working towards sustainable practices that balance human needs with the preservation of the natural world.

  • Emphasis on Local Environmental Compliance: Ensures local businesses comply with environmental regulations and standards within a specific region.

 

  1. Energy Law - Local Energy ProjectsScore: 44

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and consumption of energy, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate regulatory frameworks, negotiate contracts, and address environmental considerations, playing a crucial role in facilitating transactions and ensuring compliance within the dynamic and evolving energy sector.

  • Emphasis on Local Energy Projects: Deals with legal aspects of energy projects at the local level, including regulatory compliance and project development.

 

  1. Labor Law - Local Union NegotiationsScore: 42

  • Labor law, also known as employment law, is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees. Attorneys specializing in labor law address issues such as workplace discrimination, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining, workplace safety, and wrongful termination. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Local Union Negotiations: Involves negotiating on behalf of labor unions in local collective bargaining and labor disputes.

 

  1. Maritime Law - Local Fishing IndustryScore: 40

  • Maritime law, also known as admiralty law, governs legal matters related to activities on navigable waters. Attorneys in maritime law handle issues such as shipping, salvage operations, marine insurance, and environmental regulations, ensuring compliance with international and domestic laws specific to maritime activities.

  • Emphasis on Local Fishing Industry: Focuses on legal matters related to the local fishing industry, including regulations and disputes.

 

  1. Elder Law - Local Senior CareScore: 38

  • Elder law is a specialized legal practice focused on addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by older individuals. Attorneys in elder law handle matters such as estate planning, long-term care, guardianship, and healthcare directives, working to protect the rights and well-being of seniors as they navigate legal considerations associated with aging.

  • Emphasis on Local Senior Care: Provides legal services related to senior care within a specific locality, including estate planning and healthcare issues.

 

  1. Employment Law - Local Small Business IssuesScore: 36

  • Employment law is a legal field governing the relationship between employers and employees, encompassing issues like workplace rights, discrimination, wage and hour regulations, and wrongful termination. Attorneys in employment law advocate for fair labor practices, represent both employers and employees in legal disputes, and navigate the intricacies of labor regulations to ensure compliance in the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Local Small Business Issues: Addresses employment-related legal issues specific to small businesses within a local community.

 

  1. Tax Law - Local Tax ConsultingScore: 34

  • Tax law is a legal practice area that deals with issues related to taxation, including tax planning, compliance, and dispute resolution. Attorneys in tax law assist individuals and businesses in navigating the complexities of tax codes and regulations to ensure compliance and minimize tax liabilities.

  • Emphasis on Local Tax Consulting: Provides tax consulting services to individuals and businesses at the local level.

 

  1. Family Law - Local MediationScore: 32

  • Family law is a legal practice area that addresses legal matters related to familial relationships, encompassing issues such as divorce, child custody, spousal support, adoption, and domestic violence. Attorneys in family law play a pivotal role in assisting individuals and families with navigating legal processes, ensuring fair resolutions, and advocating for the best interests of children and family members involved in legal disputes.

  • Emphasis on Local Mediation: Specializes in mediating local family law disputes, such as divorces and child custody matters.

 

  1. Criminal Law - Local MediationScore: 30

  • Criminal law is a legal discipline that addresses offenses against the state or public, encompassing investigations, prosecutions, and defense related to criminal activities. Attorneys in criminal law, including defense lawyers and prosecutors, play essential roles in ensuring due process, advocating for the accused or the state, and seeking fair outcomes in criminal proceedings ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.

  • Emphasis on Local Mediation: Represents individuals facing criminal charges at the local level, providing defense in local courts.

 

  1. Healthcare Law - Local Clinic OperationsScore: 28

  • Healthcare law is a specialized legal field that addresses the complex and evolving legal issues within the healthcare industry. Attorneys in healthcare law navigate a wide range of matters, including regulatory compliance, patient rights, healthcare contracts, and the legal aspects of medical practice, aiming to ensure that healthcare providers, institutions, and patients operate within the bounds of the law while delivering and receiving quality healthcare services.

  • Emphasis on Local Clinic Operations: Deals with legal issues related to the operation of healthcare clinics within a specific region.

 

  1. Estate Planning - Local Estate AdministrationScore: 26

  • Estate planning is a legal process that involves the systematic arrangement of an individual's assets and affairs to ensure their effective distribution and management after death, often including the creation of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Attorneys specializing in estate planning work to minimize tax liabilities, address family dynamics, and implement strategies that align with their clients' preferences for the transfer of wealth and the care of dependents.

  • Emphasis on Local Estate Administration: Manages the legal aspects of estate administration for individuals within a local area.

 

  1. Antitrust Law - Local Business CompetitionScore: 24

  • Antitrust law is a legal framework designed to promote fair competition by preventing monopolistic practices and ensuring market competitiveness. Attorneys in antitrust law work to enforce regulations that prohibit anti-competitive behaviors, such as price-fixing and monopolies, aiming to maintain an open and competitive marketplace that benefits consumers and encourages innovation.

  • Emphasis on Local Business Competition: Focuses on addressing antitrust issues and ensuring fair competition among local businesses. 

 

  1. Corporate Law - Small Business AdvisingScore: 22

  • Corporate law encompasses the legal aspects of creating, managing, and operating corporations, covering a spectrum of activities from compliance to mergers. Attorneys in this field play a vital role in advising businesses on legal matters, ensuring adherence to regulations, and protecting the interests of shareholders and stakeholders in the corporate landscape.

  • Emphasis on Small Business Advising: Provides legal guidance to small businesses at the local level on various operational matters.

 

  1. Securities Law - Local Investment AdviceScore: 20

  • Securities law is a specialized legal field that regulates the issuance, trading, and governance of financial instruments such as stocks and bonds. Attorneys in securities law guide businesses and investors, ensuring compliance with regulations, facilitating transactions, and addressing issues related to securities fraud or market manipulation, contributing to the integrity and fairness of financial markets.

  • Emphasis on Local Investment Advice: Offers legal advice on local investment matters, ensuring compliance with securities regulations.

 

  1. Commercial Litigation - Local Business DisputesScore: 18

  • Commercial litigation is a legal practice focused on resolving disputes that arise in the business context. Attorneys in commercial litigation handle cases related to contract breaches, business torts, intellectual property disputes, and other conflicts, representing clients in court or alternative dispute resolution forums to achieve favorable outcomes and protect their business interests.

  • Emphasis on Local Business Disputes: Handles legal disputes arising from business transactions and agreements within a specific locality.

 

  1. Administrative Law - Local Regulatory ComplianceScore: 16

  • Administrative law is a legal field that governs the actions and decisions of administrative agencies, ensuring their compliance with established laws and regulations. Attorneys in administrative law represent clients in matters involving government agencies, regulatory compliance, and administrative hearings, navigating the complex relationship between individuals or businesses and the government to seek fair and just resolutions.

  • Emphasis on Local Regulatory Compliance: Ensures local businesses comply with regulatory requirements and assists with compliance matters.

 

  1. Intellectual Property Law - Local Regulatory ComplianceScore: 14

  • Intellectual Property (IP) law is a legal domain dedicated to protecting creations of the mind, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Attorneys specializing in intellectual property law assist individuals and businesses in acquiring and safeguarding these rights, navigating complex legal landscapes to foster innovation while ensuring the exclusive rights of creators and inventors.

  • Emphasis on Local Regulatory Compliance: Addresses legal issues related to trademarks within a specific local jurisdiction.

 

  1. Consumer Law - Regional Consumer RightsScore: 12

  • Consumer law is a legal field focused on protecting the rights and interests of consumers in their transactions with businesses. Attorneys in consumer law address issues such as product liability, fraud, unfair business practices, and consumer rights, working to ensure fair treatment and providing legal avenues for redress when consumers are harmed or their rights are violated.

  • Emphasis on Regional Consumer Rights: Represents consumers in legal matters related to their rights and protections within a specific region.

 

  1. Entertainment Law - Local Production Contracts Score: 10

  • Entertainment law is a specialized legal domain that addresses the legal aspects of the entertainment industry, including film, music, television, and sports. Attorneys in entertainment law handle contracts, intellectual property issues, licensing agreements, and negotiations, playing a crucial role in safeguarding the legal interests of artists, producers, and entities within the dynamic and multifaceted entertainment sector.

  • Emphasis on Local Production Contracts: Deals with legal aspects of production contracts for local artists and entertainment projects.

 

  1. Immigration Law - Local Visa AssistanceScore: 8

  • Immigration law is a legal practice area that deals with matters related to the movement of individuals across borders, covering aspects such as visas, green cards, asylum, and deportation. Attorneys in immigration law assist clients in navigating complex immigration processes, advocating for their rights, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

  • Emphasis on Local Visa Assistance: Assists individuals and businesses with legal processes related to visas at the local level.

 

  1. Labor Law - Local Employment DisputesScore: 6

  • Labor law, also known as employment law, is a legal field that governs the relationship between employers and employees. Attorneys specializing in labor law address issues such as workplace discrimination, wage and hour regulations, collective bargaining, workplace safety, and wrongful termination. They play a key role in ensuring compliance with labor laws, advocating for the rights of workers, and representing both employers and employees in legal matters related to the workplace.

  • Emphasis on Local Employment Disputes: Addresses legal issues related to employment disputes within a specific local context.

 

  1. Environmental Law - Local Sustainability ProjectsScore: 4

  • Environmental law is a legal field focused on addressing and regulating the interaction between human activities and the environment. Attorneys in this area work on a wide range of issues, including pollution control, conservation, land use planning, natural resource management, and environmental impact assessments. They navigate complex regulations at the local, national, and international levels to help individuals, businesses, and government entities comply with environmental laws. Environmental lawyers also play a crucial role in advocating for environmental protection, representing clients in environmental litigation, and working towards sustainable practices that balance human needs with the preservation of the natural world.

  • Emphasis on Local Sustainability Projects: Focuses on legal aspects of local sustainability projects and initiatives.

 

  1. Energy Law - Local Renewable InitiativesScore: 2

  • Energy law is a legal field that governs the production, distribution, and consumption of energy, covering various sources such as oil, gas, renewables, and electricity. Attorneys in energy law navigate regulatory frameworks, negotiate contracts, and address environmental considerations, playing a crucial role in facilitating transactions and ensuring compliance within the dynamic and evolving energy sector.

  • Emphasis on Local Renewable Initiatives: Deals with legal matters related to the development and implementation of local renewable energy initiatives.

  

 TOP

 Ranking and Scoring Methodology

 

1. Data Points Considered:

Number of Applications Sent: The total number of applications submitted by BCG Attorney Search for candidates in each practice area.

Number of Interviews Obtained: The total number of interviews secured from the submitted applications.

Number of Placements Made: The total number of successful job placements.
 

2. Weightage Assignment:

Different weightages were assigned to each of these data points to reflect their importance. For example:

Interviews Obtained: High weightage, as it indicates the interest of law firms in candidates of that practice area. 

Placements Made: Highest weightage, as it directly reflects successful job acquisitions and market demand.

 

3. Normalization and Scaling:

The raw scores were normalized to fit into a standard scale (e.g., 0 to 100) for easy comparison and interpretation.

This scaling ensured that the highest scoring practice area set the benchmark (e.g., score of 100), and other scores were adjusted relative to this top score.

 

4. Ranking by Firm Categories:

Scores were also calculated separately for different firm rankings (e.g., 1,2,3,4,5) to reflect marketability within these specific categories.

This allowed for a nuanced analysis of how marketability varies in firms of different standings.


This methodology aimed to provide a systematic and quantifiable way to assess the marketability of various legal practice areas, offering valuable insights for law firms, legal professionals, and candidates navigating the legal job market.

  


About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.


About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.

Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom

Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom

You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays

You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts

You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives


Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.

Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.

To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.


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