Family law is unique even amongst all the different subsections of legal disciplines in many ways that make it more attractive to prospective lawyers. If you are intent on becoming a lawyer, but you do not want to work in the more corporate side of things and don't have the stomach or disposition to work in criminal cases, then family law could just be perfect for you. Before you jump straight in, here are a few pointers that should give you a good understanding of this legal profession and what to expect.

Primary Roles

As a family lawyer, you will almost always be dealing with the aftermath of a marriage breakdown. What this looks like, however, shifts all the time. Sometimes the battle is financial, other times it is more about assets and spousal support. If there are children, then custody arrangements are very important and these can be complicated by the causes of the divorce, such as abuse. Being a family lawyer is an emotional rollercoaster that will test you but, at the end of each case, you will know that you were helping people through perhaps their most vulnerable stage of their life. That is very rewarding to most family lawyers and a motivating factor for the entire profession.

Differences To Other Lawyers

One of the most unique features about family law is that much of it is done through mediation. That means the two parties will sit down with an agreed-upon neutral party who will facilitate the negotiation. In many divorces, both parties still maintain a basic level of care for the other and don't wish to drag this process through the courts if possible. That makes your required skills to become a family lawyer a little bit different from other areas of the profession. If that more informal setting sounds appealing, then family law is the place for you.

Qualifications 

Just like every other lawyer, a family lawyer has to attain a bachelor of law, which generally takes four years. Then, once they have completed all of their education they need to complete their practical legal training before applying to the legal admission board. This board will determine whether or not you meet the qualifications to practice law in your state or territory. That is all the qualifications you need, however, before you begin practising more independently, you will almost always have to spend a few years being supervised at a larger firm. 

For more information, reach out to a local family lawyer.