No other concentration affects the daily lives of clients as intensely as family law, which encompasses traditional issues such as marriage, domestic violence, divorce, custody, child support, child welfare, adoption, elder law, and estate planning.
In recent years, however, a whole new set of legal issues has arisen within the field, as a result of the rapid adoption of same-sex marriage, the rise in single-parent and grand-parented households, and other fundamental changes to society. These changes are expected to fuel a growing need for accomplished lawyers who can practice evolving family law in a wide variety of settings, including law firms, legal service providers, and child welfare agencies.
This concentration prepares students by offering a diverse array of specialized courses and training. In addition to courses centered on family law, the Law School provides students with unique clinical options. Our nationally recognized Families and the Law, Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy, Low Income Taxpayer, and Veterans Advocacy and Estate Planning clinics supply students with invaluable opportunities to represent clients and gain practical experience.
Students who concentrate in family law enter the workforce with a combination of interpersonal skills, case-management know-how, and subject-matter expertise to help families resolve important personal and financial problems. Outside the Law School walls, Catholic Law has a strong family alumni network, creating abundant possibilities for professional mentoring and externships.
A "Tracking Sheet" should be used by students to track their progress in completing the concentration. Once all requirements are fulfilled, students should bring the tracking sheet to their concentration coordinator. The concentration coordinator will verify requirements have been met and then sign the bottom of the form. The form should then be submitted to the registrar for processing of the concentration completion letter.
To discuss how a Family Law Concentration might fit with your career plans or for more information on the requirements of a Family Law Concentration, please contact:
Professor Mary Graw Leary
Acting Coordinator, Family Law Concentration
leary@law.edu