how to become a lawyer in family law

Join Law School and Pursue the Family Law Area of Concentration

The first step to becoming a family lawyer is to join a law school that’s accredited by the American Bar Association. To do this, you must pass the Law School Admission Test.

Get a Licensed to Practice as a Family Lawyer in Your State

All states require lawyers to hold an active legal license in order to practice. As such, you must take and pass your state’s licensing or Bar Examination.

Find a Job

The last step in your quest to become a family lawyer is to find a job and put your expertise to practice.

Step 1: Earn an Undergraduate Degree

Some students enroll in pre-law programs, but they're not required for admission into law school. Students planning to go to law school major in criminal justice or government. Admissions offices look for coursework in writing and logic as well as public speaking and government.

Step 2: Attend Law School

Most students earn their Juris Doctor (JD) in about three years when attending law school full-time. It's important to attend a school that's accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). During their first year, students take courses in civil procedure, criminal and civil law, contracts, and property law, as well as constitutional law.

Step 3: Get a Law License

Earning a law license is known as passing the bar. The bar is an exam administered by each state that tests knowledge of the law. Every lawyer, regardless of his or her practice specialty, has to pass the bar exam. Applicants must submit background information and proof of education to the state board of bar examiners.

Step 4: Earn Continuing Education Credits

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most states require lawyers to earn a minimum number of continuing education credits on a regular basis. Continuing legal education (CLE) credits are earned at conferences, through electronic downloads, or in seminars and courses (both online and in person).

Step 5: Consider Earning a Master of Laws (LL.M.)

While not required, earning a Master of Laws degree may open the door to new career opportunities. Some programs allow students to specialize in family law.