Legal scholar refers to an individual who specializes in the study of law and legal systems. They may have specialized knowledge on legal history, customs, theories and application of laws. Other synonymous terms that can be used to refer to a legal scholar include legal expert, legal analyst, legal theorist, jurist, legal philosopher, legal academic, legal commentator, legal specialist, and legal authority. Legal scholars may have expertise in various areas of law such as contract law, criminal law, intellectual property law, environmental law, and labor and employment law. These individuals often contribute to legal research and analysis, and may also be called upon to provide expert opinions in legal proceedings.