Areas of Law

Administrative Law
Administrative law governs the activities of administrative agencies of government, both federal and state. Work in these government agencies can include rulemaking, adjudication or the enforcement of specific regulations. Several Nebraska Law faculty and adjunct faculty members specialize in Administrative Law. 


Advertising Law
Advertising attorneys work with clients to ensure that advertising claims are truthful, not deceptive and that no marketing activities break the laws set forth by the Federal Trade Commission. Professor Richard Dooling specializes in Advertising and Mass Media Law.


Alternative Dispute Resolution
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) refers to a variety of processes that help parties resolve disputes without trials. These processes could include negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Professor Kristen Blankley is Nebraska Law's expert in Alternative Dispute resolution.


Antitrust Law
Antitrust attorneys advise clients on whether their business practice comply with regulations domestically and internationally so that markets function effectively on the basis of fair and open competition. They undertake abroad range of different legal activities, including litigation, government investigations, merger advice and counseling.Two Nebraska Law faculty specialize in the area of Antitrust Law.


Appellate Practice
Appellate law is a stage of dispute resolution. It involves handling cases on appeal,  including sophisticated legal analysis, strategy and issue identification. Appellate attorneys often specialize in different areas of law or in court-specific appeals. Nebraska Law faculty and adjunct faculty specialize in Appellate Practice.


Aviation Law
Aviation attorneys work with laws that govern the operation of aircrafts and the maintenance of aviation facilities. Aviation attorneys work with state governments and federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration. Professor Frans von der Dunk is Nebraska Law's expert in Aviation and Space Law.


Banking Law
Banking and financial lawyers deal with the lending and borrowing of money, and the management of financial liabilities. They help structure their clients' transactions, to protect their clients' best legal and commercial interests, and to negotiate and document the contractual relationships. 


Bankruptcy Law
Bankruptcy and restructuring attorneys work to avoid a client's bankruptcy. They are adept at transactional work and litigation across a range of areas such as mergers & acquisitions, securities, banking, labor & employment, tax and intellectual property. Professor Wilson specializes in Bankruptcy Law.


Business Law
Business and commercial law applies to the rights, relations and conduct of people and businesses engaged in commerce, merchandising, trade and sales.  Business attorneys help clients in a variety of ways, including establishing business entities, drafting and reviewing contracts and hiring practices and understanding the regulations that govern specific areas of commerce. Several Nebraska Law faculty and adjunct faculty members specialize in Business and Commercial Law.


Civil Law
Civil Law delineates private rights and remedies, and governs disputes between individuals in such areas as contracts, property and family law. Civil attorneys work with clients in a variety of areas, all of which are  Several Nebraska Law faculty and adjunct faculty members specialize in Civil Law and Procedure.


Class Action Litigation
Class action attorneys deal with lawsuits in which one or several people sue on behalf of a larger group. Class action claims can vary widely. Class action attorneys may have a general practice, or they may choose to specialize in areas like employment law, health law, environmental law, advertising law or securities law. 


Communications Law
Communications law refers to the regulation of communication service providers and the use of public resources for the deployment of communications facilities and services. Communications attorneys work with state governments and federal agencies such as the Federal Communications Commission. Professor Justin (Gus) Hurwitz is an expert in this area of law. 


Constitutional Law
Constitutional Law deals with the fundamental principles by which the government exercises its authority. In some instances, these principles grant specific power to governments while in other cases those principles place limits on what governments can do. Constitutional lawyers work on cases where individuals or groups believe the government or a private party has infringed on their rights. Nebraska Law has several faculty members who specialize in Constitutional Law.


Construction Law
Construction Law is a branch of law that deals with matters relating to building construction, engineering and other related fields. Construction Law covers a wide range of legal issues, so construction attorneys are well versed in areas such as contracts, negligence, liens, bonds, environmental regulations and insurance. Two Nebraska Law adjunct professors specialize in Construction Law.


Consumer Protection
Consumer protection is a group of laws designed to ensure the rights of consumers as well as fair trade, competition and accurate information in the marketplace. Consumer protection attorneys wok with government agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission and Better Business Bureau. 


Contract Law
Contract law governs oral and written agreements associated with the exchange of goods and services, money and properties. Contract attorneys draft and enforce contracts in a variety of settings, and often specialize in a particular field. Three Nebraska Law professors specialize in Contracts.


Copyright Law
Copyright Law is one branch of intellectual property law. Copyright lawyers focus on the registration of copyrights with the UC Copyright Office and litigation of copyright disputes in federal court. Several Nebraska Law faculty and adjunct faculty members specialize in Copyright Law.


Corporate Law
Corporate attorneys advise corporations, partnerships and other associations on their numerous legal rights, responsibilities and obligations. Corporate practice involves a wide range of legal issues, but corporate lawyers can expect to review contracts and other agreements associated with activities such as mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, while also advising on corporate governance. Several Nebraska Law faculty and adjunct faculty members specialize in Corporate Law.


Criminal Law
Criminal law regulates social conduct and activities that are threatening, harmful or otherwise endangering to the property, health, safety and moral welfare of people. Criminal lawyers work both inside and outside the courtroom representing clients. Criminal attorneys require a substantial set of skills including negotiation, investigation, counseling and litigation. Several Nebraska Law faculty and adjunct faculty members specialize in Criminal Law.


Cyber Law
Cyber law encapsulates legal issues related to the use of the Internet. Cyber attorneys work with regulations in a variety of areas including intellectual property, licensing, privacy, censorship and trade. Professor Justin (Gus) Hurwitz is an expert in this growing area of law. 


Elder Law
Elder law covers the legal practice areas that place emphasis on issues that affect the aging population. These issue range from estate planning  and health care to employment discrimination, receipt of benefits and planning for incapacity or mental incompetence.


Employee Benefits Law (ERISA)
Employee benefits refers to compensation provided to workers, by their employers, to supplement their wages , but are not required by law. However, the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) sets minimum standards for more private industry health plans. Professor Colleen Medill is an expert ins ERISA and Employee Benefits Law.


Employment Law
Employment law is a broad area encompassing all areas of the employer/employee relationship. Employment law practitioners work within thousands of local, state and federal statutes, administrative regulations and judicial decisions. Several Nebraska Law faculty and adjunct faculty members specialize in Employment Law.


Energy Law
Energy Law governs the use and taxation of renewable and non-renewable energy. Attorneys who work in energy law deal with contracts and taxation agreements, as well as environmental and natural resource regulations. Professor Jessica Shoemaker specializes in Energy Law.


Entertainment Law
Entertainment lawyers work in a range of practice areas specifically related to the entertainment industry. Much of the work done by entertainment attorneys pertains to contracts and negotiation, but could also touch on areas of intellectual property, labor law, tax law or defamation. Professor Richard Dooling specializes in Entertainment and Media Law.


Environmental Law
Environmental attorneys advise companies on federal , state and local laws and regulations relating to public health, welfare and the environment. It includes industrial activity, the development of natural resources and the use of land. Work often is focused on a specific environmental medium: air, water, waste or natural/cultural/historical resources. Two Nebraska Law professors specialize in Environmental Law.


Family Law
Family lawyers handle a wide range of matters including divorce, child custody, support and visitation, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, guardianship, adoption, termination of parental rights and establishment of paternity. Several Nebraska Law faculty and adjunct faculty members specialize in Family Law. 


Financial Services Regulation
Financial services regulation is a form of regulation which subjects financial institutions to certain requirements, restrictions and guidelines to maintain the integrity of the financial system. Financial regulation influences banking, credit, consumer protection and market confidence and stability.


Health Law
Health law practitioners provide regulatory advise on the implementation of legislation and advise healthcare companies in transactions, commercial litigation and government investigations. Three Nebraska Law faculty members specialize in Health Law and Policy.


Immigration Law
Immigration law involves issues related to immigration and naturalization. Immigration attorneys work in different practice settings. Some choose to practice in private firms doing business immigration work, others choose to work on personal and family immigration issues, and some choose to work in government agencies. Two Nebraska Law professors specialize in Immigration Law.


Insurance Law
Insurance Law pertains to insurance policies and claims. Insurance lawyers may work for government agencies regulating the business of insurance, as in-house counsel for insurance companies on issues of coverage issues and insurance policyholder defense or with corporations as benefits advisors. 


Intellectual Property Law
Intellectual property (IP) attorneys typically focus in one of three areas: patents, trademarks and copyrights. IP attorneys will handle infringement and prosecution and litigation for such disputes. Nebraska Law faculty and adjunct faculty specialize in Intellectual Property law.


International Law
International law serves as a framework for the practice of stable and organized international relations and is used in relations between nations. Many international attorneys specialize in international trade or international finance, others work in government agencies or corporations  with international interests. Several Nebraska Law faculty and adjunct faculty members specialize in International Law and related issues.


Juvenile Law
Juvenile law addresses law, rules and regulations with regard to individuals under the age of majority. In addition to matters of juvenile crime, juvenile law also deals with adoption, child support, custody child abuse and parental rights. 


Labor Law
Labor and employment law governs the workplace and the relationships between employers and employees, managers and unions, and employers and government. Employment work will involve both litigation and counseling. Several Nebraska Law faculty and adjunct faculty specialize in Labor and Employment Law.


Land Use & Zoning Law
Land use and zoning law designates permitted  industrial, agricultural, commercial and residential uses for parcels of land. Attorneys specializing in land use have diverse backgrounds in environmental and natural resource law, property and urbanization. Two Nebraska Law professors specialize in Land Use.


Litigation
Litigation attorneys help their clients resolve disputes, whether by negotiation, court litigation or an alternative form of dispute resolution. Some litigators will concentrate of specific types of claims, while others use trial experience in court-specific matters. 


Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Mergers and Acquisition Law deals with the laws affecting the purchase of one company by another or the blending of two companies into a new entity. Both processes are heavily regulated, so attorneys practicing in this area will deal with regulations set forth by the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission. 
Military Law
Military Law governs armed forces personnel including conduct while in training or on active duty, protections of military spouses, and service members' reentry into civil society when their tours of duty are over. In many states, separate and distinct bodies of law govern the conduct of members of the armed forces.


Native American Law
Native American Law is unique in that individuals of Native American decent are U.S. citizens and entitled to the same legal rights and protections that all citizens enjoy, but they are also members of self-governing tribes with inherent rights. Attorneys practicing in this area deal with issues of tribal sovereignty, property and gaming. Professor Jessica Shoemaker specializes in Native American and Federal Indian Law. 


Patent Law
Patent Law is the largest branch of intellectual property law. Patent law attorneys focus on the prosecution and application of patents, and work with patent owners to identify potential alleged infringers. Adjunct professor Christal Sheppard specializes in Patent Law.  

Property Law
Property Law governs the various forms of ownership and tenancy in real property and personal property. Many aspects of property law overlap with contract law and real estate law on issues of purchase agreements, titles and loans, and with environmental and land use laws. Three Nebraska Law professor specialize in Property Law.


Public Health Law
Public health law examines the authority of the government to improve the health of the general population within societal limits and norms. There are three major areas of public health law practice: police power, disease and injury prevention and the law of populations. Public health attorneys are generally employed by government agencies. 

Public Interest Law
Public interest law is the practice of law to further interests shared by the entire public or significant segments of it. The clients and issues handled by a public interest attorney reflect broad areas of public concern. Public interest practice takes place in legal services and law reform organizations, as well as in government agencies, charities and educational organizations. Nebraska Law has established the Nebraska Public Interest Law Fund (NPILF) to help students who chose to work in public interest jobs.

Real Estate Law
Real estate law involves the sale of property, acquisitions and disposals, financing, leasing, development, joint ventures and funds. Real estate attorneys may also specialize in land use, advising on state and local laws, such as zoning regulations. Nebraska Law faculty and adjunct faculty specialize in the area of Commercial and Real Estate Transactions.


Securities Law
Securities law regulates the sale and trade of securities and financial investments. Securities lawyers are involved in transcations related to the generation, management and transfer of assets or debt instruments, and advise clients on legal structures available for raising capital for businesses. Two Nebraska Law professors specializes in Securities Law and Regulation.


Social Security & Disability Law
Social secuirty and disability law covers the legal practice areas that place emphasis on issues that affect the aging population and individuals with disabilities. Attorneys who work in this area are familiar with the practice of health law, insurance law, medicare, welfare and unemployment compensation.


Space Law
Space law is an area of law that encompasses national and international law governing activities in outer space. The term space law is most often associated with the rules, principles and standards of international law appearing in the five international treaties and five sets of principles governing outer space which have been elaborated under the auspices of the United Nations Organization. Nebraska Law is home to the only Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law LL.M. program in the world taught in English, and several faculty and adjunct faculty that specialize in these areas. 


Tax Law
Tax law encompasses a variety of activities, including transactional support and structuring, tax planning and tax controversy. Tax attorneys ensure that transactions are as tax-efficient as possible and are required to have familiarity with all relevant domestic and international laws. Attorneys specializing in tax controversy deal with tax-based litigation, IRS examinations an tax shelter investigations. Several Nebraska Law faculty and adjunct faculty specialize in Tax Law.


Trademark Law
Trademark Law is one branch of intellectual property law. Trademark attorneys handle the prosecution and clearance of new trademarks, as well as the litigation in relation to trademark infringement and unfair competition. Three Nebraska Law faculty and adjunct faculty members specialize in Trademark Law.


Transportation Law
Transportation law deals with all forms of transportation. These law derive from local, state and federal governments and apply at a transport system level or to specific acitivities. Transportation attorneys specialize in regulatory compliance, cargo claims, freight, hazardous materials, and transportation-related agreements and contractual disputes. 


Trust & Estate Law
Trust and estate law pertains to procedures and practices as they affect individuals and heirs. Governing regulations vary greatly from state to state. Attorneys practicing in this area will also deal with matters of family law, tax law and business entities. 


Water Law
Water law deals with issues of ownership, control and use of water as a resource and encompasses a broad framework set to resolve disputes and policy issues relating to water. Water law attorneys also have expertise in property and environmental law. Two Nebraska Law professors specialize in Water Law.