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To become a child abuse attorney in the US, an individual must complete seven years of post-secondary education, pass the state bar exam, and specialize in family law. They may also want to consider an undergraduate degree in psychology or social work and seek internships or employment with relevant organizations. Once licensed, they can work for the state or a company defending people accused of child abuse.
The requirements to become a child abuse attorney vary by jurisdiction; however, in most cases, the equivalent of a master’s or doctoral degree is required, as well as passing a standardized exam. In the United States, to become a child abuse attorney, an individual must complete seven years of post-secondary education and pass the state bar exam in the state in which they plan to practice. Law schools in the United States do not allow students to specialize in a specific area of law while in school; however, a student who wants to become a child abuse attorney may want to take specific classes or complete an internship in that field while in law school.
An aspiring lawyer in the United States must first complete a four-year degree before applying to law school. While all undergraduate degrees are considered for acceptance into law school, an individual whose ultimate goal is to become a child abuse attorney may want to consider an undergraduate degree in psychology, social work, or a related field. Likewise, an individual who wants to become a child abuse attorney must take advanced family law classes while in college.
Upon completion of the undergraduate course, application must be made to the faculty of law. US law schools offer the same core curriculum; however, many also offer internship or clinical opportunities for students. Candidates should research these opportunities before applying to law schools, as some may offer internships or clinics focused on family law or specifically child abuse issues. A law student should also seek employment or internship opportunities with the Department of Family and Children’s Services, or equivalent, while in law school.
Upon successful completion of law school, attorney candidates must apply for a license in the state in which they plan to practice. While application procedures may vary slightly from state to state, most states require an applicant to pass the Bar Examination as well as the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Examination. A background check is also common as part of the character and suitability portion of the application process.
Once licensed, an individual who wants to become a child abuse attorney may decide to work for the state or for a company that defends people accused of child abuse. Child abuse can result in criminal charges or can be the basis for removal of the child from the home under a Child In Need of Services, or CHINS, petition. Although the two legal procedures are slightly different, a prosecutor is involved in both on behalf of the state. Similarly, a parent or guardian accused of child abuse in any legal proceeding will need a defense attorney to represent them. As a result, an attorney planning to become a child abuse attorney should seek employment at the local prosecutor’s office or with a firm that handles a high volume of family law cases.
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