Civil Trial The practice of law dealing with litigation of civil controversies in all areas of substantive law before state courts, federal courts, administrative agencies, and arbitrators. In addition to actual pretrial and trial process, civil trial law includes evaluating, handling, and resolving civil controversies prior to the initiation of suit. Criminal Trial  The practice of law dealing with the defense and prosecution of misdemeanor and felony crimes in state and federal trial and appellate courts. Family Law  The practice of law dealing with legal cases arising from the family relationship of husband and wife, cohabitant and parent and child. It includes litigation of civil controversies arising from those relationships. In addition, it includes evaluating, handling and resolving such controversies prior to the institution of suit and post judgment proceedings.