Becoming a Family Lawyer

A family lawyer works with families of all shapes and sizes, helping them through a wide variety of legal issues. They could be dealing with couples who are seeking a divorce, a single parent who is battling for custody of their children, or a child who wishes to become legally free from parental authority through emancipation. They could also help with adoptions, prenuptial agreements, and paternity cases, among other things.

The work of a family law attorney requires critical thinking skills and an ability to read, analyze, and write well. They need to be able to communicate with clients, court officials, and defense counsel in the best interests of their clients. They must also have exceptional research skills, as they often spend time scouring legislation and legal journals for the latest developments in their area of practice.

Those interested in becoming a family lawyer should first look for law schools that offer concentrations in this area of practice. A typical law school curriculum includes a wide range of required courses, but a student may be able to supplement their studies with specialized classes that cover topics such as divorce law, domestic violence, and child custody. For instance, New England Law offers students the option to take ten credits of courses focused on family law. These courses can be a great way for aspiring family lawyers to gain an insider’s perspective on what their future career will entail.