Becoming a family attorney involves obtaining a bachelor’s degree, attending law school, and passing the state examination. Familiarity with different areas of family law is important, and courses in psychology, sociology, and counseling can be beneficial. Internships with a family law division can also be helpful.
The steps taken to become a family attorney are generally straightforward, but there are variations in each program. A family attorney focuses on helping families with a range of legal concerns. There is a myriad of specialties in family law, including but not limited to adoption, divorce, neglect, abuse, child or spousal support, parenting, custody, and many other issues that families incur. A person looking to become a family attorney should become familiar with the various areas of practice. After thoroughly researching the field and deciding to become a family attorney, chronological phases of practicing law are needed.
Education requirements to become a family attorney are a bachelor’s degree, law, and completion of the state examination, which assesses a candidate’s skills and proficiency to practice law in that particular jurisdiction. Many universities offer pre-legal studies for students offering a variety of courses that focus on different elements of law. Students should also take psychology, sociology, and counseling courses to enhance their understanding of family functionality. These courses are offered at most universities and are often beneficial for students who want to excel in family law.
The course of action after receiving a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, preferably in pre-law studies, is to choose a law school based on the availability of a family law program. A Juris Doctorate (JS) is the lowest level required to practice law and focuses on the study of general law procedures. Most students find the Master of Laws (LLM) a desirable degree program because it requires the student to focus on a specific legal area, such as family law. The LLM offers family law sub-categories for students who are primarily interested in a specific area, such as child and family law mediation or partnership taxation.
Most law students take the state exam upon graduation, and the guidelines are different for each state. This is the final step in becoming a family attorney and builds on course work and knowledge gained in law school. Internships are usually offered while the student is still in school and should be chosen based on whether or not the company has a family law division. To become a family lawyer, previous studies, training and experience must have aspects of family law as their main focus.
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