6 Different Types of Lawyer in Scotland

Scotland has a long and proud legal history and is home to a diverse landscape of highly trained expert legal professionals who look set to continue this tradition for generations to come.

Lawyers in Scotland are integral to upholding justice and ensuring that the word of law is upheld in all cases no matter the nature of the case.

There are certain areas of the law that are studied and practiced in pretty much every country in the world. Criminal law, corporate law, family law, human rights law. With a few notable exceptions, these are areas of the law that exist worldwide.

Every nation has its own unique legal system, however, and the role of lawyers in each is slightly different depending on factors such as the court process and the potential penalties facing the accused.

Scotland is no different and there are several different types of lawyer operating in the country that are integral to the legal process. If you are looking for a lawyer in Scotland or are considering law as a potential career path, it is very important that you understand the difference between different types of lawyers.

This article will help you do just that, looking at 6 different lawyer types in Scotland.

Family Lawyers

Family lawyers specialise in divorce cases, child custody cases, domestic abuse cases and anything else related to family law. They will often look to avoid court proceedings through negotiation if possible due to the sensitivity and highly emotional nature of these cases.

Immigration lawyers

Immigration lawyers help those looking to move to or remain in Scotland with visa application, right to remain appeals, citizenship applications and asylum claims. The immigration system in Scotland can be pretty complicated and overwhelming and it is the task of an immigration lawyer to help their client navigate it.

Corporate lawyers

Think ‘Suits’ but a bit less glamorous. Corporate lawyers work with and for businesses, helping to protect their assets, both physical and intellectual property as well as representing them in mergers and acquisition cases.

Criminal Lawyers

Criminal lawyers represent those who are facing criminal charges, building a case for the defence by examining all the available evidence and determining which approach has the best chance of success based on their extensive knowledge of case law.

Advocates work on behalf of those accused of a crime, but can also work for the Crown building a case for the prosecution.

Property Lawyers

Property lawyers will help to oversee the transfer of real estate and the associated transactions of money and assets.

They will ensure that the transfer of property is legally binding and protects their client from liability.

Environmental lawyers

Slightly different from the other lawyer types on this list, environmental lawyers are closely involved in the development of the law as well as the application. They work with environmental agencies, Governments, NGOs and more to ensure compliance with the environmental laws that are so integral to the future of both Scotland and the World as a whole.