Becoming A Family Law Expert: A Comprehensive Guide

Family law is an emotional area of law that deals with complex family or domestic relationship issues. Family lawyers are involved in the personal aspects of their clients' lives, including divorce, child custody, alimony, abuse and neglect proceedings, successions, family partitions, and more. To become an expert in family law, there are several steps you must take. Firstly, obtain an undergraduate degree from an accredited university, as this is a prerequisite for admission to any law school. During your undergraduate degree, it is important to maintain a high GPA and join extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership, collaboration, organisation, and responsibility. The next step is to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and gain admission to an accredited law school. While in law school, it is beneficial to gain relevant family law experience through internships or externships. After graduating from law school, the final step is to pass the bar exam to obtain a license to practice law independently. While not mandatory, pursuing an LLM degree can further enhance your expertise and career opportunities in family law.

Education: Bachelor's, law school, LSAT, bar exam, master's

To become an expert in family law, you will need to meet certain educational requirements. Here is a step-by-step guide detailing the educational path to becoming a family lawyer:

Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Before applying to law school, you must obtain a bachelor's degree from an accredited university. Although there is no specific major required for law school, students planning to pursue law often major in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or government. Taking courses that improve your communication and public speaking skills is also beneficial. Maintaining a high GPA is crucial, as it will increase your chances of getting into your desired law school.

Pass the LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

The LSAT is a crucial step in the law school admissions process. It evaluates your logical and analytical thinking, writing, and reasoning abilities. It is typically taken towards the end of your undergraduate program. A high LSAT score, along with a strong GPA, will improve your chances of getting into a good law school.

Complete Law School

When choosing a law school, ensure it is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). Law school typically lasts about three years, during which you will earn your Juris Doctor (JD) degree. In your first year, you will cover various law topics, and in your second and third years, you can enroll in advanced-level courses related to family law, such as divorce, adoption, custody, child welfare, and marriage.

Obtain a Law License by Passing the Bar Exam

After graduating from law school, you will need to pass the bar exam to become a licensed lawyer. The requirements may vary by state, but generally, you will need to pass a series of exams that may include multiple-choice and essay questions. Once you pass the exams and submit the necessary documentation to your state, you will officially be a member of your state's bar and can practice law.

Accumulate Continuing Education Credits

To maintain your law license, you may need to earn continuing education credits throughout your career. This requirement varies by state, but you can typically earn these credits by attending conferences, seminars, lectures, or completing online or in-person courses approved by your state.

Consider a Master of Laws Degree (Optional)

Although not mandatory, obtaining a master of laws degree can enhance your career prospects and make you a more competitive candidate for high-level family law positions. These programs allow you to further specialize in family law and set you apart from other candidates.

By following these educational steps and gaining practical experience, you will be well on your way to becoming an expert in family law.

Skills: Communication, empathy, negotiation, organisation, research

Communication

Communication is the basic building block of relationships. It is the process of conveying thoughts and feelings to another person. Developing good communication skills is critical for successful relationships, and this is especially important for family lawyers who need to connect with their clients on a human level.

To communicate effectively, it is important to be clear and accurate in the message you are trying to convey. Active listening is a key part of this, where you give your full attention to the speaker, focus on their content and feelings, and paraphrase what they have said to ensure understanding.

Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. Family lawyers need to remain logical and follow legal procedures, but it is also important to treat clients with empathy, especially as emotions can be strong in family court. An empathetic lawyer will be able to understand their client's situation and provide comfort when needed.

Negotiation

Negotiation is a critical skill for family lawyers, especially in divorce or custody cases. It is important to understand the preferences of your client and be able to capitalise on differences to ensure your client gets fair treatment in the courtroom.

Organisation

Organisation is a vital skill for family lawyers, who have to deal with a lot of paperwork and important documents. Being organised helps to keep files in order, ensures easy access to files, and protects client confidentiality. Organisation also includes time management, strategic planning, and the ability to set priorities.

Research

Family lawyers must be able to find and interpret statutes, administrative regulations, cases, and secondary sources. They also need to know how to conduct interviews and ask the right questions to gather the information they need to serve their clients effectively.

Experience: Internships, relevant work experience

Experience: Internships and Relevant Work Experience

Gaining relevant work experience is a crucial step in becoming an expert in family law. During your final year of law school, you can start building your experience by participating in internships, externships, practicums, or clinics that specialise in family law. These opportunities allow you to apply the knowledge gained during your legal education and develop practical skills specific to family law.

For example, DePaul University is well known for its family law program, which offers students a range of hands-on learning experiences. Taking advantage of such programs can provide you with valuable exposure to diverse family law topics and help you build a strong foundation for your future career.

Additionally, gaining experience through summer employment or volunteer work in the legal field can also be beneficial. These opportunities allow you to develop essential skills such as leadership, collaboration, organisation, and responsibility, which are valued by law schools and future employers.

In the final year of your law degree, you can also start researching and gaining relevant family law experience to make yourself a more attractive candidate for potential employers. Many family law students choose to intern at family law firms or participate in family law clinics, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical setting under the supervision of experienced professionals.

By actively seeking out and engaging in these experiences, you will not only enhance your resume but also develop a deeper understanding of family law and strengthen your expertise in this field.

Specialisation: Family law certification, continuing education

Specialisation: Family Law Certification and Continuing Education

While it is not a requirement for lawyers to specialise in a particular field, some states, such as California and North Carolina, offer official certifications for lawyers who want to be considered specialists in family law. Obtaining a certification in family law can help lawyers expand their career opportunities and better empower their clients.

California

In California, lawyers must pass a formal examination to demonstrate their expertise in family law matters. This involves completing a comprehensive test that requires deeper knowledge than the general bar exam. After passing the exam, applicants must demonstrate specific experience and continued education in family law. They must also submit references from colleagues that can attest to their knowledge, skill, character, and professionalism.

North Carolina

In North Carolina, lawyers must be officially certified by the North Carolina State Bar's Board of Legal Specialization to call themselves specialists in family law. To obtain this certification, lawyers must meet the following requirements:

• Be licensed and in good standing to practice law in North Carolina
• Be substantially involved in family law practice (averaging at least 600 hours per year for the 5 years prior to applying)
• Earn at least 45 hours of Continuing Legal Education credits in family law in the 3 years prior to applying
• Receive positive peer references from at least 5 other lawyers or judges
• Complete a 6-hour written examination with a passing grade

To maintain their certification, North Carolina family law specialists must be positively reviewed every 5 years by at least 5 other lawyers or judges and maintain good standing with the North Carolina State Bar. They must also earn at least 12 hours of Continuing Legal Education credits in family law and maintain substantial involvement in family law practice each year.

In addition to state-specific certifications, family lawyers can pursue advanced degrees, such as a master of laws, to further specialise in family law and expand their career opportunities.

Job search: Top law schools, high GPA, useful extracurriculars, legal experience

Job Search: Top Law Schools, High GPA, Useful Extracurriculars, and Legal Experience

When it comes to becoming an expert in family law, your job search can be greatly enhanced by attending a top law school, maintaining a high GPA, engaging in useful extracurriculars, and gaining legal experience. Here's how you can maximise your potential in each of these areas:

Top Law Schools

While it is not necessary to attend a top-tier law school to become a successful family lawyer, it can open doors to certain career paths, such as working for prestigious large firms. If your goal is to work for a small, local law firm, consider a law school with a strong local network instead. DePaul University's College of Law in Illinois is an example of a school with a strong local network, offering a family law fellowship, experiential learning opportunities, and a well-connected alumni base.

High GPA

Maintaining a high grade point average (GPA) during your undergraduate studies is crucial. A high GPA, combined with a high score on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), will significantly enhance your chances of gaining admission to your desired law school. Criminal justice, psychology, sociology, and government are common majors for students aspiring to become family lawyers, as they provide a solid foundation for understanding family dynamics and legal principles.

Useful Extracurriculars

Extracurricular activities are an important component of your law school application. They demonstrate your ability to manage multiple commitments effectively and provide insight into your character, passions, and skills. Consider the following extracurriculars:

• Mock trials, public speaking events, and debate teams: These activities help develop persuasive argumentation and quick rebuttal skills, which are essential for lawyers.
• Service activities: Volunteering at hospitals, animal shelters, or with underprivileged students showcases your dedication to helping others, an important quality for lawyers.
• Activities with substantial time commitments: Sports teams, orchestras, or bands require frequent practice and demonstrate your ability to manage your time effectively.
• Internships and jobs: Gaining work experience, whether law-related or not, demonstrates your ability to balance work and academic life. Any promotions or awards received during this time will further enhance your application.
• Activities that show leadership: Seek opportunities to take on leadership roles or create your own club. However, ensure that your initiatives are well-maintained and have a positive impact to impress the admissions committee.

Legal Experience

Gaining legal experience during law school is invaluable. Look for colleges that provide simulated learning events, clinical learning, externship placements, and Moot Court activities. These opportunities allow you to apply your knowledge to real-world situations and develop substantive skills. For example, externship placements may involve shadowing professionals, legal writing, research, client interviews, and court appearances. By the time you graduate, you will have a competitive edge and a more robust resume, making you a more attractive candidate for family law positions.

Frequently asked questions