Legal Definitions - law firm

A law firm is a group of lawyers who work together to provide legal services to clients. They may organize themselves as a partnership, professional corporation, or limited-liability company. The lawyers in a law firm often share clients and profits.

Many law firms have a hierarchical structure where partners supervise junior lawyers called associates. Associates are usually on a track to become partners themselves.

A law firm may specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal defense, family law, or intellectual property. For example, a law firm that specializes in intellectual property may help clients obtain patents or trademarks for their inventions or brands.

Another example is a captive law firm, which is staffed by lawyers who work for an insurance company. These lawyers defend insureds in lawsuits covered under the insurer's liability policies. However, there are ethical concerns about whether the lawyers will act in the insured's best interests.

These examples illustrate how law firms can provide specialized legal services and how their structure can affect the way they operate.