Private practitioners usually handle a variety of cases, although they often earn a reputation for concentrating in one or more particular areas. This reputation leads to client referrals. For example, a lawyer might gain a reputation as a tax lawyer, handling enough cases in this area to comprise most or all of his or her practice. Many lawyers are employed by departments and agencies of federal, state, and municipal governments. Many work for private businesses, large corporations, or industrial firms.
Some lawyers become judges, politicians, or teachers.
Others apply their legal education in areas such as banking, insurance, and real estate, where legal procedures may be a part of the job activities. Because the profession of law is so diverse and complicated, law school provides a general legal background, after which there are many options as to the specific concentration of law to be pursued. The lawyer's role most familiar to the public is that of a trial lawyer. Trials are news items because they involve people in dramatic and crisis situations. However, many men and women who practice law seldom appear in the courtroom.