There are many ways in which a body of law, or the principles of law-making, can be divided into categories for the purposes of simplification. In the discussion that follows I assume that law can be divided in a simple, hierarchical way; there is not always such a clear distinction in practice, of course. It is impossible to list and explain all of the various types of law practiced today. Law is a system of binding rules that are enforceable on all people equally, usually through formal organizations such as courts and the police. The laws of a country are of vital importance since they shape politics, the economy and society in numerous ways. In Britain there are various types of laws but the three main varieties are Statute Laws, European Laws and Common Law.

The comparative lawyer works with international relations in trade and commerce, travel, government business, and many other areas depending upon the breadth of his/her knowledge and the needs of his/her employer. The field of comparative law is one in which there is a great deal of opportunity for advancement and challenging work. Comparative lawyers may find their employment with business firms, with government organizations, or with any person or group which deals with countries other than the United Kingdom.

Public law is the body of law that governs the relationship between the individual and the state, as distinct from civil law (or `private' law) which governs the relationships between individuals. Public law is often taken to be divided into `criminal', `constitutional' and `administrative' branches, although these are not distinct in all jurisdictions.

Family law attorneys deal specifically with laws having to do with family matters. There are multiple facets to each instance of representation required and knowledge of individuals and their family histories are necessary. Family law lawyers must interview each family member involved, or mediate for families so agreements can be made in an amiable or restructuring way. The most common family law attorneys are the divorce lawyers, but other aspects of family law are represented as well. Child support claims and those stipulations, custody and who gets custody, visitation and length of visitation. Adoption proceedings, who can adopt, the rights of fathers, mothers, and the different statutes of each state, paternity and how it is determined, domestic abuse charges, who was abused, spousal abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse and the court's rulings, annulments of marriages and what are considered avoidable marriages, are all represented by the family law attorney. How these cases are decided by the courts and for what reasons are determined by the knowledge and representation of the family law attorney.

Criminal Law involves just what the label implies - people accused of crimes. Lawyers who specialize in criminal law may work on either side of the adversary process - defense or prosecution. There are many more types of law from which to choose; what you choose will depend upon your present interests and your interests as they develop in law school. There is no reason to make your decision before beginning your studies as to what type of law you will practice; the legal profession changes constantly and you may find your own interests changing as you become exposed to more and more information.

In the India, administrative law regulates the rights that the apparatus of state has to intervene in the lives of citizens. For example, in A hitch-hiker's guide to the galaxy, Arthur Dent's house is demolished on the orders of a Local Authority without adequate consultation. The papers describing the reason for the demolition were held in a locked filing cabinet in a basement room with no lighting and a sign on the door saying `Beware of the leopard'. This could be considered an offence against administrative law.

Legal malpractice attorneys represent persons who have previously retained lawyers as representation, and through the neglect of the original lawyer the clients and their cases have suffered. Lawyers can be guilty of malpractice in a number of ways. A lawyer can perform well below his or her capabilities due to conflict of interest or just plain negligence. There are deadlines to be met, limitations on how long a client has to file a claim, settling a case for less compensation without the client's consent, and breaches of contract due to fiduciary and consumer protection statutes. Attorneys can also harm clients by over charging them or causing clients physical and emotional hardship due to time and money lost.