The legal profession covers a wide range of specialties, each requiring unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives. To shed light on what it takes to succeed in different branches of law, we spoke with four lawyers about their chosen practice areas. From criminal defense to immigration, their experiences highlight the diversity—and the challenges—of modern legal practice.
Criminal Law
Criminal law is one of the most demanding and high-stakes practice areas. According to Brampton Criminal Lawyer Gurasish Pal Singh of GPS Criminal Law Firm, the responsibility of defending clients accused of crimes is both a privilege and a heavy burden.
“Every case carries enormous weight because someone’s freedom, reputation, or even future employment opportunities may be at stake,” he explains. “What keeps me grounded is remembering that my role is to ensure my client’s rights are protected, no matter how serious the allegations.”
Mr. Singh notes that criminal defense work requires resilience. Courtroom appearances, cross-examinations, and late nights preparing arguments are all part of the job. But despite the pressure, he finds it rewarding to stand up for individuals who often feel overwhelmed and powerless in the justice system.
DUI & Impaired Driving
Specializing in DUI and impaired driving defense presents its own unique challenges. Brampton DUI Lawyer Akash Dhillon emphasizes that these cases often involve clients who are facing the legal system for the first time.
“Many DUI clients are terrified—they’ve never been in trouble before,” he says. “Part of my job is to guide them through the process while building a strong defense.”
He explains that impaired driving cases require careful examination of police conduct, roadside testing, and technical details around breathalyzers or blood work. “Even small procedural errors can make a big difference,” he adds.
Beyond the technicalities, Akash believes this field requires empathy. “You’re not just dealing with a legal problem—you’re helping someone through one of the most stressful experiences of their life.”
Corporate & Commercial Law
Corporate and commercial law may seem worlds apart from criminal defense, but Birpal Benipal of Brampton-Based Benipal Law insists the stakes are just as high—only in different ways.
“My clients are business owners, investors, and corporations,” he explains. “Their concerns aren’t jail time, but financial risk, compliance, and long-term growth.”
This practice area involves everything from drafting contracts and handling shareholder disputes to guiding mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Benipal points out that the work demands both technical knowledge and practical business sense.
“You can’t just know the law—you have to understand how businesses operate. My clients expect me to protect them legally while also helping them move forward strategically.”
He finds this specialty rewarding because it allows him to play a role in helping companies grow, create jobs, and contribute to the economy.
Immigration Law
Finally, immigration law is an area that deals with deeply personal and often emotional issues. Ottawa Immigration Lawyer Austin Mandall of Mandall Immigration Law escribes his work as a blend of legal advocacy and human connection.
“Immigration law is about people’s lives—whether they can reunite with family, build a new career, or escape dangerous conditions in their home country,” he says.
Austin emphasizes the complexity of immigration regulations and the frequent changes in government policies. “It’s a field where you have to stay constantly updated, because a rule that applied yesterday may not apply today.”
Despite the challenges, he finds the practice extremely fulfilling. “Few things are as rewarding as calling a client to tell them their application was approved. It changes their future completely.”
The Bigger Picture
These four perspectives highlight just how varied the legal profession can be. Criminal defense lawyers fight to protect individual rights, DUI specialists guide clients through stressful first-time charges, corporate lawyers safeguard business interests, and immigration lawyers help families and individuals build new lives.
Though the subject matter differs, all four lawyers share a commitment to advocacy, problem-solving, and supporting clients through difficult or complex situations. Their insights underscore that law isn’t just about rules and statutes—it’s about people.
