Are you facing a legal issue or dispute? Not sure what type of lawyer you need?

Here is a list of the main types of law and some of the key issues involved from commercial law to family law.

1. Commercial

Commercial law involves the legal side of business and deals with:

• Starting a business
• Drafting contracts
• Incorporating a business

2. Consumer

Consumer law covers the sale of goods and services to the general public. The law seeks to protect consumers against:

• Dangerous products
• False advertising
• Unreasonable contracts

3. Criminal

Criminal law involves the following issues:

• Getting Arrested or Charged
• Murder
• Assault
• Theft and fraud
• Drugs
• Prostitution
• Obscenity

4. Elder Law

Elder law involves the rights of the elderly in terms of:

• Wills and estates
• Age discrimination
• Abuse and exploitation
• Care facility standards
• Mental capacity and consent
• Healthcare decisions
• Power of attorney

5. Employment

Employment law concerns the relationship between employees and employers. Specific issues include:

• Getting Hired or Fired
• Human rights
• Health and safety
• Worker’s compensation

6. Family

Family law relates to issues involving spouses, parents and children, such as:

• Getting Married or Divorced
• Child Custody
• Support payments

Tip: Quebec family laws may differ significantly from Canadian law.

7. Immigration

Immigration law pertains to anyone in Canada, legally or otherwise, who does not hold citizenship.

8. Insurance

Insurance law pertains to disputes over insurance claims and settlements.

9. Intellectual Property

Intellectual property law covers disputes involving:

• Trademarks
• Patents
• Copyrights
• Industrial designs

10. Personal Injury

Personal injury law pertains to disputes arising over injuries sustained in car accidents and slip and fall injuries.

11. Real Estate

Real estate law relates to issues involving land and structures such as:

• Buying or Selling a Home or property
• Renting property from a landlord
• Becoming a landlord

12. Social Security

Social security law pertains to disputes over employment insurance, benefits and pensions.

13. Taxation

Taxation law concerns disputes between Revenue Canada and individuals, small businesses or corporations.