After conversing with family lawyers from large firms and those who are sole practitioners, it becomes easier to understand the vastness of the field of family law. From what I can tell, family law captures a wide array of legal considerations, going beyond divorces, this area of practice explores wills and estates, torts, property law, and much more, including criminal law. Although most family lawyers centre their expertise in a particular branch, family law allows you to spread your wings and taste different areas of law. It is analogous, in a way, to a family doctor, in the sense that there is a general understanding of the entire field altogether.
A rather unique element of family law is its ability to help people with their personal struggles and issues. Almost everyone who seeks the services of a family lawyer experiences unique problems that only a capable family lawyer can alleviate. This is not to say that other careers do not lift burdens off others, but as a family lawyer cultivates a relationship with clients as they go through their struggles, they leave a lasting impact. A family lawyer not only discusses the personal struggles of a client, but they also “get their hands dirty” with the personal problems of others and advocate for their client. They spend their time, energy, skill, knowledge, and resources, on helping others during some of the most challenging times of their lives. Talk about a rewarding career!
Although there are appealing reasons to enter the field of family law, it is simply not built for everyone. If one considers themself as an emotionally vulnerable or sensitive individual, family law may be a challenging area to navigate. To help others in their low moments, family lawyers need to be able to hear sorrowful experiences and not allow it to dictate their behaviour or cause considerable mental strain. Not only that, but, given the personal element of the field, there may be times when delivering heartbreaking news is inevitable. Drawing back to the family doctor analogy, having to share with a patient that there is an illness or course of treatment that needs to be taken is not a joyful undertaking. Family law has moments in which sharing that level of news is needed, it requires the bearer of the delicate news to articulate it carefully and sympathetically.
What is attractive in family law can also be a deterrent. Family law is intimate and allows for personal impact, which requires careful resilience, attention, delicacy, and at times, disheartening conversations—things that are exacerbated by the emotional nature of the field. Despite this, if you are interested in going deep into the lives of others and making a lasting impact, family law might be a perfect fit for you. You can, yourself, be used to free someone from a lasting problem. Although it is demanding, the reward cannot be denied. If you are interested in learning more, contact the Osgoode Hall Family Law Association today!