A question about a lawyer

[Blindrift]

What is the name of your state? Pa

This may be a dumb question but I know little about lawyers and how they function. If a lawyer is a malpractice lawyer as well as other civil matters, can that lawyer practice criminal law if called upon to do so?

The reason I ask is because my ex works for a malpractice attorney. That is he doesn't practice criminal law. He's a lawyer in NJ but is admitted to the bar in Pa, though I don't think he practices there. Recently she was arrested and we are waiting for court. It's a criminal matter involving a weapon. In the past he's represented her in civil matters, but now that this is criminal I was wondering if he had to be certified for criminal matters to represent her. Or can he practice criminal law whenever he wants because he is admitted to the bar?

[Ohiogal]

An attorney can practice criminal law, malpractice law and what not. Patents are one of the few areas of the law that have their own bar to pass. However the attorney who restricts their practice to malpractice MAY NOT have the skill and expertise of someone who restricts their practice to criminal law may have nor may he have the knowledge to do so competently. SO can he represent her in a criminal trial? Yes. Should he? probably not.