Family Lawyer...? advice to become one?

Question

Hi, I am currently in my 2nd year of college going for a psychology major with a minor in business, but was wondering if this is the way to go towards becoming a family lawyer...? By family lawyer I mean one who deals with everything such as civil, financial, business, and legal cases for a family...? I would like to do this because I want to deal with civil as well as legal cases, and would like to do business (financing, etc...) on the side also...Just wondering what it would take, any advice, majors to choose, schools in california, etc...Any help please? thanks

Answer 1

Family law isn't what you're thinking of. You're thinking of a general practitioner who hopes his clients are all families. If you think more about it, it's going to be very hard for you to be such a lawyer to that many families. A few of them, sure. But not your whole practice.

Mainly, you need to understand areas of law better.

Family law deals with divorce, adoption, child custody, etc.

Then you've got all sorts of business law.

Then you've got civil litigation.

Lawyers either specialize in one or more related areas, or they are a general practitioner willing to do everything, but not great at everything.

If you want to be general, then focus on business in school. That requries the most technical skill. The most book learning. All the other stuff you basically learn on the job. Might as well keep doing what you're doing. Psych's an easy major so it'll prop up your GPA. Business isn't known to be that hard either. Help you get into a better law school that way.

Just try and get into the most prestigious law school you can. Follow the US News rankings cuz that's what everyone does.

Answer 2

I agree with everything the poster above me said except for the piece about the US News rankings.

More important than sheer ranking is reputation in the area in which you want to work. While one school might be "ranked" higher than another, in a particular area or city those rankings go out the window. For example, in Buffalo and Western NY, University at Buffalo is more favorably looked upon than say, Temple, even though Temple is a few slots higher in US News.

Even more important than that is finding a school at which you can be successful. C's at a top ranked school and a bad attitude from hating your law school experience won't get you very far.

Answer 3

There are several areas of law in which you described. Many family attorneys will also practice estate planning, wills and trusts which almost fall into family law but not quite. The combination for both family (divorce, custody adoption etc.) works hand and hand with estate planning.

I have attached a link to law schools for your review.