The Road to Building a Family Law Firm
Family law firms deal with much more than just divorce cases. While much of the practice does tend to deal more with marriage concerns, attorneys involved in such practices involve themselves with all types of issues related to the relatives, including maternity, wills, estates, paternity, and trusts. These lawyers may work for firms both big and small. In this article we will provide information pertaining to the steps involved in becoming part of a successful firm.
Step 1: In order to enter law school, one must obtain a bachelor’s degree. Once this has been addressed, many students begin an internship somewhere around their second year.
Step 2: While in school, take courses in family regulation, mediation, estates and trusts, wills, trial advocacy, counseling, pretrial advocacy, and interviewing.
Step 3: Register yourself for the Section of Family Law and the Student Division of the American Bar Association. Subscribe and study Family Law Quarterly as well as Family Advocate to keep yourself up to date to new developments and procedures.
Step 4: Write independent research papers and articles pertaining to various topics surrounding the field. Articles may be submitted to the school’s journal as well as other journals who are currently accepting submissions.
Step 5: Begin participation in the Moot Court Competitions. In this way you will be able to better prepare for trials and also be able to gain a better understanding of what the court process entails. In addition, enter the ABA’s Client counseling or Negotiation competitions whenever the current issue relates to your line of study. The skills gained from such an experience are all necessary to becoming a successful lawyer.
Step 6: Attend networking events held by local regulation practices to cultivate relationships and network with professionals within the community.
Step 7: Build your resume, outlining your skills, accomplishments, and experience. Draft a cover letter as well.
Step 8: Complete law school. Apply for positions at practices or for clerkships alongside judges.
Step 9: Once the school is through, pass the state bar exam in order to become licensed. Begin practicing it.
Step 10: Attend continued legal educational courses and seminars pertaining to the same.
Step 11: Gain membership within local bar associations working groups and attend workshops.
At this point, you should have all the tools you need to be a success. All it takes is a bit of discipline, hard work, and a whole lot of drive.