If you have specialized in family law, you know this is one of the most difficult legal work profiles. Family law is a broad term used for litigation involving family issues like divorce and childcare.
Some of these might be spousal and child support issues, custody of minor children, or division of assets post-divorce. Some other issues can be adoption, paternity, termination of parental rights, and protection from domestic abuse.
As a family law attorney, you likely possess the skills required for the job already. If you are considering applying for work, you should learn more about the role and what it entails. The details on that are up next.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Family Law Attorney
As a family lawyer, you will work with clients to help resolve family disputes in court. You might need to draft legal documents, such as prenuptial agreements, divorce papers, and civil partnership dissolution papers.
Advising clients on prudent financial settlements post-divorce is also part of this role. A good family law attorney advises the client on working out an acceptable arrangement for both parties.
You will also need to work on child custody and support issues. In addition to legal guidance and assistance, you must help clients through extremely stressful times.
Day-to-day Duties of a Family Law Attorney
You will need to attend meetings with clients daily and do research. This might involve looking for precedents in ongoing and previous cases. You will also file applications and motions in family court.
You will also attend court hearings and negotiate with the other party to settle. If you like to help people, this job can be tremendously rewarding.
However, acrimony and bitterness are natural when families are pitched on either side of the legal battlefield. And it can be a sticky wicket for the family law attorney on multiple occasions.
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Skills Required
You will need the skills of an efficient litigator and a negotiator. You also need excellent counseling skills to communicate effectively with your clients.
Knowledge of accounting and finances is necessary to understand and present your cases in court. Many family law attorneys opt for specialization, such as in divorce law, domestic abuse laws, child support, and child custody.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of a family lawyer in 2018 was $79,719.
How to Apply?
You can check the American Bar Association (ABA) website for job postings for family law attorneys. You can also search for jobs on online job search portals. However, not all of these are trustworthy.
Other options exist if you are wary of sharing your personal contact information online. LinkedIn, for one, is a credible platform for applying for a job as a family lawyer. You must build a stellar profile and acquire an extensive network for greater visibility.
Or else, you can research legal firms and check uand t their credibility via websites like Glassdoor. Applying via the company website is a great idea. Ensure you submit a meticulously prepared resume and cover letter. Applying from the company page can help you follow up on your application later.
The U.S. government offers free or low-cost legal services to people who cannot afford to pay. You can work as a state-appointed legal aid attorney.
Conclusion
Family disputes and marital issues are on the rise, and the demand for family law attorneys is also increasing. Within this area of law, you can make a positive long-term impact on thousands of families.