Transactional Lawyer vs Litigation Lawyer - What Are The Differences?

While there are many different types of lawyers, most of them fall into two broad categories: transactional lawyers and litigation (or disputes) lawyers. In this week's video, we want to talk about some of the differences between the two, including the kind of work they do, the lifestyle, and common misconceptions about their jobs.
There are also lawyers who don't fall into either of these categories and whose work is more advisory in nature. However, as we worked as transactional and disputes lawyers ourselves and are sharing based on our own personal experiences, we haven't covered that type of lawyer in this video.
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Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:22 The Work - Litigation
2:05 The Work - Transactional
3:39 The Lifestyle - Litigation
5:25 The Lifestyle - Transactional
7:05 Misconceptions - Litigation
8:13 Misconceptions - Transactional

[@nanayaa7795]

I love how well thought out and clear this comparison video is.

[@EmandLloyd]

Thank you so much! We try our best to organize the content in our videos to make it as clear and helpful as possible, so we always appreciate this kind of feedback 😊

[@OK-wb1dy]

I tried both. You definitely have to be fit to be a litigation lawyer- running around from office to court carrying heavy files.

[@thealmighty0071]

and most importantly knowing your case, the judge and understanding the arbitration process and how quick you can settle the case to move on to the next xD

[@emilyliu185]

You guys have the best week in the life videos I’ve ever seen!

[@emmymohd4330]

As someone who's studying to become a lawyer , this was so helpful and organized.. Still deciding on my major though ✌🏻😅

[@masoodr971]

Great summary! I like how you switched back and forth to keep it interesting.

[@Douglas77755]

You guys are a huge blessing to me!

[@gac_bc]

Great video. As a transaction lawyer in Brazil i can assure the video is 100% accurate.

[@pobodjjd]

Great video! Even a software engineer like me enjoys watching! Thanks!

[@niachelidze7822]

That was pretty helpful. Thanks!

[@bowenpaintertraillawyers]

Very interesting - thanks for sharing!

[@JannisZafeirakos]

I was just doing my research onthis topic before I start my internship this summer, and your video helps me wonderfully. Awesome content, keep it up ! :)

[@EmandLloyd]

Glad to hear it was helpful! Thanks for watching :)

[@mohmeegaik6686]

Thanks Em & Lloyd.

[@jojowu1611]

Hi Em and Lloyd, So happy for the new upload! I love your channel.

[@EmandLloyd]

Aww thank you so much ❤️

[@ambermay6884]

Excellent video

[@alexanderrowson4453]

very cool video, keep it up with the good work

[@aaronrivera17]

Wow wow!!!! 15k!!! One of the fastest growing channel in youtube guys!!

[@EmandLloyd]

Thanks Aaron!!

[@brannonsoriano8233]

Wow, I understand on comparing the ligitation v. transitional lawyer.

[@shannontongg]

This is such a great breakdown! I personally find the pace of transactional work so much more intense, but it’s nice that the matters conclude in much shorter time frames. I also feel that there are many more opportunities to collaborate with other teams in transactional areas, which I really enjoy

[@EmandLloyd]

Thanks, Shannon! For sure - I (Lloyd) did transactional and contentious seats but ultimately decided on transactional work for the shorter time frames to completion.

[@marcosjova2530]

I am an Angolan 🇦🇴 living in India 🇮🇳 studying Computer science and engineering, that discription doesn't matter but your videos are great

[@EmandLloyd]

Thank you!

[@amywong2741]

Hi Em and Lloyd, in your opinion, which one out of transactional lawyer and litigation lawyer is more prone to professional negligence claims? Many thanks!

[@snehagopal3881]

Hi Em and Lloyd, I loveeeee your videos! I have been binge watching your videos since I came across your channel. Make a video on how much Corporate Lawyers make in a year!

[@EmandLloyd]

Thanks so much Sneha, really appreciate it 😊 We'll consider making a video on that topic later on!

[@Aidan_Au]

Thanks for making a comparison video. Going to trials is stressful. Glad that you can avoid them. Not sure if you're interested. A video of "Real Life Lawyers Reacting to Suits" may be interesting

[@EmandLloyd]

Great suggestion - the idea crossed our minds before and we will definitely consider making a video like that down the road! Thanks for the support as always 😄

[@shariecebrewster5962]

New on there's I am. Lawyer and learning more on It's

[@edithkwok2266]

Hi Em and Lloyd, your videos have been very insightful! It would be great if you could share your experiences in finding internships and litigation work in Hong Kong and whether someone without proficiency in reading and writing Chinese would be at a disadvantage or even difficulty in finding work? I grew up in the U.K. and can only speak Cantonese fluently but struggle to read and write. Therefore, it is a concern which I have for potentially practising in HK in the future. Thanks !!

[@EmandLloyd]

Thanks, Edith! Sure - that's a great idea actually, we will consider doing a FAQ video for anyone looking to enter the legal industry in HK. The short answer is, because many firms have a PRC practice, there is usually a pretty strong preference for having Chinese language skills (incl reading and writing). That said, some firms with a practice that doesn't involve too much Chinese drafting can be okay with spoken only, but it certainly makes the job hunt a bit harder. I (Lloyd) struggled with reading and writing for a long time, but worked with a tutor to get my Chinese to a higher standard which helped me get a TC. Em still can't read or write too well, but for her practice areas, didn't need too much written (but she also spoke more Chinese at work than I do with her clients/colleagues etc).

[@edithkwok2266]

@@EmandLloyd thanks for that! Yes, a FAQ for entering legal industry in HK would be great.

[@jessyenow2643]

This was such a great video

[@theworldforgot4857]

Thank you for this may God bless you!!!!!!🙏🏽🤲🏾❤️❤️❤️

[@calvinliu3657]

Would love to see a video of how you met!

[@habibrahman6615]

kindly make a video on which law practice is highly demand in UK and EU countries. As Tax law is different for each country and family law as well. Kindly make video on Transactional litigation, Merger & Acquisition, & intellectual property etc.Are these included in Commercial law? In which area should i practice as my aim is to work in Europe.

[@geoffreytang8939]

Want to get your opinion on the recent market downturn, does it make you more apprehensive about having quit a well paying job?

[@shariecebrewster5962]

Working on It's

[@brannonsoriano8233]

Question, do you guys to go the gym after work?

[@leonfong4456]

What was the longest case u ever deal with

[@verretiger5719]

Very well done! Thumbs up!!👍👍

[@merwynmuljadi1441]

Have you managed to secure a new job Em?

[@midshipsport]

Where are you guys based?

[@brannonsoriano8233]

Do you guys take breaks together?

[@TruthTALKA]

Not all Litigation lawyers actually are trial lawyers right? Most never see a trial.

[@MICHAELTULE-ok8mn]

Hello from a thing I use to well OK den

[@tytraulich4987]

#1 rule is not to break profession. Clinic CEO- “ignores affairs” There’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to take care of your affairs on your own.

[@aciuschristophores7789]

LOLd at the censoring of all documents. Bro I'm not gonna gain valuable info about the clients from the 1-2 pages of the 1000 page doc :P

[@user-yr6th9cz8q]

Get some real question like what is a pagan vs the satan ? Easy enouph but hay don't forget this rule of thumb has well . Even if a law does not expressly target religion, it will trigger strict scrutiny if its object “is to infringe upon or restrict practices because of their religious motivation.”

[@elliehung9856]

第五！

[@chinyeoh7882]

第七！

[@jackchen8367]

you guys can speak Chinese?

[@EmandLloyd]

Yep! I (Lloyd) speak both Mandarin and Cantonese and Em speaks Cantonese.

[@networkedperson]

you start out your video giving a random shout-out to the capitalistic exploitation of internships. lol. "hopefully you get a job after your underpaid or free work" The only thing worse than most lawyers are pharma companies...

[@Coleen_West]

I'm already bored. Got to 31 seconds. Next...