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Are you a law student or planning to join a law school? If so, do you have an idea of which field you would like to major in? Law offers an opportunity for you to practice in a wide variety of areas, whether you choose to work as a criminal defense attorney or as a legal attorney. Your decision must be aligned with an area of law with good prospects and that complements your strengths and interests. Here is a list of five of the fastest growing legal sectors for law graduates.

1. Health Care Law

Health care law degrees are in high demand in the current legal market and will likely continue to grow in the next coming years. As a matter of fact, nearly half of the fastest growing professions are in health care. To add on that, when you think of the numerous debates and controversies that revolve around health care issues, like abortion, legalizing medical marijuana, and euthanasia, the list is possibilities is endless.

In the U.S., health care will continue to be a hot topic, especially if the current administration continues its pursuit to roll back, repeal, or alter the Affordable Care Act. Insurance companies and healthcare organizations are also looking for graduates with a health law degree to enable them to navigate through any new statute that may arise.

2. Environmental Law

In the recent past, companies have been trying to develop sustainable energy. The increased attention on pollution, climate change, and other environmental issues calls for professional knowledge in environmental law. Corporations are trying to find ways in which they can comply with government regulations and avoid litigation.

As an environmental lawyer, you will advise clients on green strategies and sustainability issues. You’ll also be asked to step in where environmental NGOs want to prosecute a straying corporation.

3. Entertainment Law

Entertainment is a continuously and rapidly growing sector. With the increased use of digital media, lawyers in the entertainment industry are in higher demand than ever. In entertainment law, clients include artists, authors, athletes, etc. Whether you’re evaluating terms and conditions in contracts or represent clients in contract negotiations, this is another fast-growing sector to consider.

4. Intellectual Property Law

With the extensive growth in technology and the exponentially increasing number of patents being filed every day, lawyers are being hired to legally safeguard the intellectual property of their clients. Lawyers in this field also work to preserve the ownership rights of the owner. Intellectual patent lawyers are hired by inventors, businesses, authors, artists, musicians, scientists and other creative works owners.

5. Family Law

Non-traditional families are continuously evolving into new family units with their own set of laws. Gay and lesbian marriages are legalized almost everywhere, more people are taking up single parenthood, and other modern family set-ups are popping up every day. These new modern families are changing things like custody laws and they require lawyers who are in touch with these new realities. This has led to more people requiring skilled family lawyers than ever before.

With that in your mind, make sure that you pick a field of law that will make your job exciting. In as much as you want a field that will be financially rewarding, you must also choose one that will complement your aptitudes and personality if you want to enjoy success in the long run.

Written by Meghan Hale, a content writer at Plant Sumo and editing machine. You’ll find me yelling at my dog to stop barking, whether it be at the neighbours or on a long afternoon walk