Good points all. While I fully agree that staying in an area of law is the best way to get experience and expertise as well as a perception of being knowledgeable (I have a recent example of a client calling me because he wanted a construction lawyer and not just a business lawyer), I can see how “blinders” can develop.

I see this as a pyramid. At least from my experience, you start with the more general and then find what you like and go with it. Liking what you do (whether the general or the specific) can only increase your job satisfaction and keep you wanting to know more. However, even in a relatively specific area like mine, construction, I have had to learn a bit of bankruptcy, a bit of tax, some general business law and all of the other things that affect my clients.

If nothing else, I now know people I can ask with questions, whether in other states or just those with more experience in particular areas.