What is general practice?

General practice (or general law) typically encompasses a broad range of areas by an attorney. It means that the attorney does not limit their business or specialty to one particular area of law. Instead, general practice attorneys provide services to clients in several areas such as criminal law, accident and personal injury law, bankruptcy, business law, family law, estate planning, insurance law, litigation, and real estate.

Many younger attorneys will be general practice lawyer until they gain experience and settle into an area of law in which they intend to specialize. You also will often see a local, small-town attorney work in smaller communities where business may be limited, so they provide legal assistance and handle straightforward matters for clients in multiple areas of law. Attorneys are not required to focus on one area of law. However, in larger cities, “boutique” law firms have developed over the last several years that specialize in only one or two fields. The philosophy is to do one area of law extremely well and handle complex matters, thereby justifying a premium “boutique” fee.

Should you get a specialized attorney?

When you are looking for assistance with your legal matters, you may want to consider a type of lawyer who specializes in one area of law instead of a general practitioner so that you get more specialized advice. Many states have procedures where experienced attorneys can become board certified in a particular area of law.

To become specialized, board certification requirements generally include:

• A set number of years in practice.
• Have handled a certain number of cases and appeals involving the specialized practice area.
• Completion of specific continuing education related to the specialty.

If your situation is very specific to one area of law, the abilities of a board-certified attorney may be a better avenue for a concise resolution and a positive outcome of your case. However, if your situation involves an overlap of multiple areas like family, criminal matters, and probate, you may want a general practitioner instead. Because they are used to handling overlapping issues, a general practitioner may be able to give you a broader picture of the options and consequences you are dealing with.

In addition, for people who have regular legal issues such as those that sometimes plague small businesses, you may find that a general practitioner who can help in all the areas may get to know you and your business better than a new lawyer looking at an unfamiliar matter every time you have some sort of problem. Keep in mind that a general practice lawyer (or any lawyer for that matter) has a responsibility to seek assistance from lawyers of a certain specialty where such specialization is needed. Your general practitioner will be in a position to assist and manage and call in expert assistance whenever and whatever may come your way.

Regardless of whether you select an attorney who is in general practice or one who is board certified, you should double-check their credentials on your state bar website. Many states will now provide online access to former complaints against attorneys. You can also verify any state board certifications or specialties that will be the most helpful to your situation.

Case Studies: General Practice Lawyers and Their Diverse Expertise

Case Study 1: The Journey of Lisa Johnson

Lisa Johnson, a newly licensed attorney, opens a “general practice” law firm. She handles a wide range of legal matters for clients in her community. As a general practice lawyer, Lisa provides services in areas such as criminal law, accident and personal injury law, bankruptcy, family law, estate planning, insurance law, litigation, and real estate.

By offering a broad range of legal services, Lisa gains valuable experience and knowledge in different fields of law before eventually choosing to specialize in family law, where she finds her passion and excels in representing clients in various family-related legal matters.

Case Study 2: The Local Attorney

John Robertson operates a general practice law firm. Due to the community’s size and legal needs, John handles multiple areas of law, providing legal assistance for various legal matters that arise. As a local attorney, John is well-known and trusted in the community.

His ability to handle overlapping issues allows him to better understand his clients’ needs and build strong relationships within the community. John’s general practice approach enables him to serve as a reliable legal resource for the town’s residents, covering everything from real estate transactions to estate planning.

Case Study 3: The Expertise of Board-Certified Attorney

In this scenario, a client faces a complex legal situation that requires specialized knowledge and experience. The client chooses to seek assistance from Michael Williams, a board-certified attorney who has expertise in tax law. Michael’s years of experience and focus on tax law have earned him board certification.

When clients approach Michael with intricate tax matters, they trust in his ability to provide them with precise and tailored solutions. His specialized knowledge allows him to navigate the complexities of tax law effectively, resulting in positive outcomes for his clients.