Legal assistant firms have been trying to cash in on the family law boom for years, but not all lawyers are happy about it. While some attorneys welcome the extra work and take it as a sign they’re doing their jobs, others say that’s unfair and may encourage unscrupulous attorneys to take advantage of vulnerable clients. Legal assistants are in high demand but aren’t always paid well. This is one of the reasons why family law is a good business for legal assistants.
Legal assistants work in the legal field, helping attorneys with their cases. They assist with researching, writing court documents, answering phone calls, and other tasks associated with working in the legal system. This career choice is one of the few that pays better than minimum wage and doesn’t require any degree or licensing.
It’s a difficult time for both partners in a marriage. The emotional turmoil is often very hard to deal with. However, the effects of divorce on the children of parents who get divorced can be even harder to handle. It can leave them emotionally scarred and vulnerable.
What is Family Law?
Family law is the branch of law that deals with family relationships. It covers everything from divorce, child custody, divorce mediation, adoption, and marriage. To help with this complex and fast-growing industry, several training programs and certification exams have been developed. These certifications can allow you to specialize in a particular area of family law, often leading to better pay and job security.
A legal assistant specializing in family law can earn $30,000–$45,000 a year, while those focusing on criminal law can make as much as $35,000–$50,000. However, those with experience in family law can often command salaries of more than $70,000 a year.
Why do lawyers need legal assistants?
Legal assistants are in high demand but aren’t always paid well. This is one of the reasons why family law is a good business for legal assistants. Family law is a niche area that most attorneys often overlook. It is often under-represented in the legal profession and even understaffed. Most family law firms only have one attorney for every 20 cases.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of paralegals and legal assistants is expected to grow by 21 percent from 2012 to 2022. However, 1.8 million paralegals and legal assistants will be in shortage.
How to find a family law job
Many legal assistants find family law jobs by browsing job boards. However, you can also reach out to local family law firms and other related businesses in your area. I found a family law job by searching LinkedIn for “family law” and “legal assistant.” I then searched for the city where I lived and sent messages to the people with the best-looking profile.
I emailed a local attorney, explaining that I was a recent college graduate and wanted to enter family law. I asked if he needed someone immediately and how much he would be willing to pay. Within 30 minutes, I received an email with all the required information. I followed up by sending him my resume and asking if I could meet with him at his office.
How to start a family law business
Family law is one of the most profitable businesses you can start. To get started, you should consider opening your family law firm. Firms that specialize in family law have an advantage over solo practices.
They can offer more services, including estate planning and mediation. A good family law practice can generate anywhere from $40,000-$50,000 per month, significantly higher than the average $22,000 a solo practitioner earns.
How to create a good resume for family law
When I started as a legal assistant, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. At the time, I would become a paralegal, but I found that job extremely boring.
I started browsing for jobs and found that the most popular careers for legal assistants were:
• estate planning
• immigration law
Since I already worked in a family law office, I decided to look into the family law industry and see if it was a viable option. I chose family law because I wanted to work with children. The pay was much higher, and it was something that I knew I could learn quickly.
The best part about being a family law legal assistant is that you don’t need a degree. Instead, you can attend a local college and learn all about the industry by working with a legal team. It was a very fulfilling experience, and I loved every minute.
Frequently Asked Questions Family Law
Q: What is the most challenging aspect of family law?
A: The most challenging part is meeting all parties’ needs.
Q: What can legal assistants do to ease their clients’ stress?
A: Legal assistants can make sure that clients feel relaxed and comfortable.
Q: Are most family lawyers female?
A: Yes. We have a very large female clientele, and it’s the same with divorce attorneys.
Q: What should legal assistants expect when working with family law?
A: Legal assistants should expect the case to take a long time and be prepared for surprises.
Q: What is the most common misconception about family law?
A: The most common misconception is that it is not a business.
Top 3 Myths About Family Law
1. Family law is not difficult.
2. The Family law system is fair and easy to understand.
3. Family law does not involve any legal jargon or technical terminology.
Conclusion
When I first saw that there was an opportunity to earn $500 a month in my local area, I couldn’t believe it. I immediately went to the library and researched the best ways to start a family law practice. There are a lot of people who need legal assistance, and they’re willing to pay a pretty penny for it. This is a very lucrative niche. If you can offer your services at a reasonable price, you’re likely to make a tidy profit.
