What Is a Master of Family Law Degree?
A master’s degree in family law unlocks the door to numerous career possibilities for professionals who want to specialize in this area. Entry-level jobs related to family matters are generally accessible to those with only a law degree. Those with master’s degrees however, are able to take on more advanced challenges, and pursue leadership roles in their organizations. Those who hold a master’s degree are poised to excel in a number of high-demand roles, including: In the courtroom , a master’s degree matters even more — judges tend to prefer lawyers who have augmented their standard law degree with specialized education. Another reason to pursue a master’s degree in family law is the ability to network with fellow students in the program. In some programs, faculty members will also offer opportunities to publish in professional journals, an experience that can help students develop the expertise necessary to teach as well as practice family law.
Master’s Program: Core Classes and Curriculum
A master’s degree in family law covers a wide range of subjects relevant to this complex area of legal practice. Association of American Law Schools (AALS) considers the family law to be one of the six subfields of legal scholarship, along with public law, private law, international law, comparative law and legal profession. In addition to the principles of providing full representation and looking at the family unit as a whole, there are many practical applications of the law that affect families. Typical courses included in a master’s in family law program include child custody, divorce proceedings, child abuse and neglect law, adoption law, estate planning and domestic violence law. Courses such as child custody prepare students to find effective solutions to either achieve the best outcomes for children or to protect their legal rights. In practices relating to child custody, thorough documentation of issues affecting parents is essential to properly advocate for an appropriate solution. The same principal applies to courses addressing the historical development of divorce law and its modern application in divorce proceedings. In addition to the practical considerations involved in litigation or alternative dispute resolution of divorce proceedings, there are also often large amounts of documents involved. Law students in family practice should be actively involved in developing the skills necessary to sift through enormous amounts of documentation and information to proactively seek solutions to family law issues. Domestic violence law courses cover the legal rights of both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. Each case is unique and may involve both criminal law and family law issues. Law students gain experience by learning how to effectively navigate the different types of relevant proceedings to achieve the best results for clients. In order to best prepare law students for the actual practice of family law, clinical training programs emphasize the importance of client communication, documentation and maintaining high ethical standards. Practical coursework provides students with the experience necessary to practice in today’s increasingly complex society.
Job Prospects after Graduation
Obtaining a master’s in family law can open up a world of opportunities in the legal field, government, and non-profit associations, including:
Law Firms
Training as a family law specialist provides capability to practice in litigation and online dispute resolution, which means career options in family law firms, private practice, and public interest law.
Governmental Agencies
There are opportunities to work at the federal level, at agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services, or the Department of Justice, at state departments, or even within a county or municipality.
Non-profit Organizations
Legal aid societies and non-governmental organizations rely on specialists in family law to meet the needs of their clients. There are also opportunities to teach and work in community education.
Salaries and Job Growth
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that attorneys earn a median salary of $115,820 with some earning salaries that reach into the low $200,000 range.
The job market for lawyers is projected to grow six percent, which is a little slower than the average for other professions. The demand for lawyers is expected to remain relatively steady, as job growth will be offset by the fact that legal research, document review, and other routine tasks are being handled more by paralegals, legal assistants and other support staff due to development in technology. Generally, the greatest demand will be for lawyers who can advise clients on complex transactional and litigation issues that are becoming increasingly international in scope with specialization in areas of law such as immigration or tax.
Deciding On the Right Program
When embarking on the pursuit of a master’s degree in family law, choosing the right program is crucial. With so many institutions offering these programs, it can be challenging to determine which one is the best fit for your career aspirations. As with any educational journey, there are key considerations that should guide your decision.
The first factor to consider is accreditation. It goes without saying that the school you choose should be accredited by a recognized accrediting body. Having a degree from an accredited school not only gives you peace of mind that you received your education from a reputable institution, it will also be important to employers who seek the best talent for their organizations.
Another important element to take into account is the faculty. A school may be well-accredited but if the faculty isn’t qualified, you won’t be well-served by your choice. Look for faculty with significant practical experience in the field of family law, as well as instructors who have published widely. Also , be sure to read reviews of the faculty from current/former students to gain insight as to their teaching style and overall approach toward education.
Internship opportunities are also a highly relevant factor. As with any job, it’s crucial to gain experience within your desired field to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and capabilities to succeed. Most programs include an internship opportunity or element in order to provide students with real-world experience. However, some graduate programs place more emphasis on internships than others. This is a key consideration if you’re looking to get the greatest possible return on your investment.
Lastly, look into the school’s alumni success stories as this will help you to determine the return on your investment in a neutral manner. A school that has a healthy history of placing graduates in top positions at major law firms, government agencies and other family law-related organizations will give you greater confidence in your choice. Reach out to alumni and ask them about their experience with the school and how the school prepared them for the career they have today.
Admission Criteria and Application Process
The admission requirements and process for a master’s in family law program may vary somewhat between institutions, but in general, the prerequisites for enrollment in such a program are minimal. Because most of the applicants will already hold positions in the legal field through their work as paralegals, legal assistants, social workers, or in positions pertaining to the elderly, children, or the mentally ill, a bachelor’s degree is typically required. Most institutions prefer that applicants have a minimum GPA of 3.0, but this varies from school to school, and applicants who have substantial experience in the field can sometimes gain admission despite a lower GPA. The application process for admission to a master’s in family law program generally involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. After the application deadline, programs will notify students of the admission decision either by email or post.
Financing Your Master of Family Law
Financing a graduate degree can be challenging, but there are several options available that can help you finance your degree in family law. One option is applying for scholarships offered by law schools for which you are eligible for. Many law schools have their own scholarship programs or work with established organizations to reprieve noted scholars partial to full tuition. Another option might involve government support. A number of federal, state, and local agencies offer scholarships and grants for eligible students. These programs are based on factors such as ethnicity (for minorities), academic performance, or financial need. Organizations such as the American Bar Association or the Hispanic National Bar Association offer scholarships and grants that are based on various criteria. One of the most popular ways to fund advanced study is through student loans. There are several different programs available. The most noticed ones are federal programs , but there are also private loan programs available. Your law school can provide additional information about the best loans available. While student loans are often a necessity, there are ways to keep them affordable. The first step is to avoid any unnecessary additional loans by living comfortably and well below your budget. This is particularly important during the law school summer because many students take out $3,000 a month rent for their summer clerkships, which can become a problem once they enter the fall semester. It is equally important to budget wisely for your first year by renting a studio and buying a used car to save money until you start to earn an income. Further, you should also limit your credit card debt. Avoid credit cards with no spending limits that can lead to large debts, so consider waiting to make those big purchases until you have a job. Finally, to minimize your educational costs, do not purchase a new laptop; opt for a second-hand computer or online cloud access.