Legal education in Lebanon, as in most countries, begins broadly. Law students are required to study all branches of the law, civil, administrative, commercial, criminal, and personal status, before earning their degree.
Once admitted to the Bar Association, the young lawyer begins the apprenticeship stage. It is during this period that real specialization starts to take shape, often influenced by the type of cases handled at the law firm where the trainee works. A lawyer apprenticing in a firm that focuses on criminal and felony cases will naturally gain more exposure to this field, just as one in a civil or commercial law practice will grow into those areas.
Over time, this orientation blends with personal inclination and professional experience, shaping the lawyer’s future practice.
Personality and Practice
The branch of law a lawyer pursues is not only about cases, it is also about personality.
- A criminal lawyer often finds themselves in fast-paced, high-stakes situations, dealing with clients from all walks of life, judges, and judicial police. The work is intense, the financial return can be quick, but it usually ends once the case concludes.
- A civil or commercial lawyer, by contrast, often works with business owners, companies, and financially established individuals. The relationships are typically longer-term. Representing companies brings ongoing annual retainers in addition to fees for specific cases, creating a form of financial stability.
Why Specialization Matters
In the end, choosing a specialization is not just a professional preference; it benefits both lawyer and client. For the lawyer, it allows for deeper knowledge, confidence, and efficiency. For the client, it ensures stability, clarity, and trust in the advice received.
This is what ultimately distinguishes one lawyer, or one law firm, from another: expertise born of focus, shaped by both training and temperament.