It may feel as if there are endless ways to describe a lawyer: a custody lawyer, a criminal lawyer, a civil lawyer, a corporate lawyer, a public defender. Some terms are used more often than others, and the distinguishing between them can be minute and difficult to see at times. One of the most important kinds of lawyers to be familiar with are commercial lawyers, also commonly known as business lawyers; these professionals have a lot of duties and job requirements, but many people do not have an understanding of when to seek help from a commercial lawyer, and the many terms that this professional can go by.

Here are the major functions of one of these such law professionals.

Commercial lawyers can help draft and negotiate contracts. Whether you are having difficulties coming to terms with a new employer, or can’t seem to find common ground with the contractor you have hired to remodel your home, a commercial lawyer is your guy for the job. He specializes in the art of helping people compromise for a business contract.

Commercial lawyers help with employment disputes and complaints. Did your former employer underpay you for three months? Do you suspect a current employee of giving trade secrets to a competitor, a major breach of contract? In a case where an employee or an employer may have crossed a line, a commercial lawyer is the best to have on the case. Depending on the financial standing of your company, you as an employer may either hire a commercial lawyer from a firm or hire one to exclusively work for and represent your company.

Commercial lawyers can help settle renter to tenant disputes. Did you come home one day to find your landlord rifling through your desk drawers? Did a tenant of yours change the locks without asking? The laws protecting tenants and the standards that renters must uphold vary from state to state; if you are one or the other and suspect your renter or tenant of unethical or prohibited behaviors a commercial lawyer can research the laws in place in your state, and can often help determine who is right and who is wrong without the case going to trial. In this case, you may be referring to your legal representation as an eviction attorney or a real estate attorney.

Commercial lawyers help big, important transactions go smoothly. Is your company being absorbed by another bigger one? Are you selling your apartment complex to a commercial developer? Are you settling a civil case with a lump sum of money being transferred? Where big transitions and negotiations are present, you will also run into a commercial lawyer. In this case, he may be called a business lawyer. He helps his client understand complex financial issues, legal disputes related to the transaction, and economic knowledge necessary for the case.

This is especially important for startup businesses and businesses experiencing rapid economic development. If you are the owner of such a business with a high rate of economic development, but are struggling to establish a low employee turnover, a commercial lawyer can double as an economic development consultant. This lawyer can also answer questions about relocating your business, starting a business, and finding a skilled laborforce.