How To Become A Family Lawyer In Preston

Family law is a challenging yet rewarding field that offers an exceptional career path for those who wish to make a positive difference in people's lives. As a family law lawyer, you are responsible for providing expert legal counsel and emotional support to clients through some of the most difficult and life-changing moments they may face. 

The practice of family law presents you with complex legal challenges that require intellectual stimulation. But more importantly, it presents you with the opportunity to guide individuals through tough legal issues like divorce, child custody, and adoption, helping them make informed decisions that can shape their future. If you're looking for a career that offers both personal fulfilment and intellectual stimulation, then family law is the perfect choice.

But how do you get from there to here?

The field of family law is one of the most challenging and emotionally demanding fields in the legal profession. Family lawyers deal with complex cases that require a high level of commitment and dedication. From child custody battles to divorce settlements, family law lawyers must be prepared to handle a wide range of issues that can have a profound impact on the lives of their clients. 

While the work can be incredibly taxing and emotionally draining, it is also incredibly rewarding. Family lawyers have the unique opportunity to make a real and meaningful impact in people's lives by helping families navigate difficult situations and find solutions that work for everyone involved. Ultimately, the dedication required to succeed in this field is well worth it when you see the positive outcomes that can result from your hard work.

Why Choose Preston?

Preston boasts a rich history and a vibrant culture that makes it an excellent place to live. With a population of over 140,000, this bustling city is home to several museums, galleries, and theaters that offer endless opportunities to experience art and culture. Additionally, the city is renowned for its beautiful parks and open spaces that provide the ideal backdrop for a picnic, a walk, or simply some time to relax and unwind. 

For those looking to advance professionally, Preston also has a thriving economy, with plenty of jobs available across various sectors. Overall, whether you're a history buff, culture vulture, or simply looking for a great place to live, Preston is definitely worth considering.

Why Choose Preston For a Career in Family Law?

If you're looking to begin a career in family law, you'll want to consider choosing Preston as your starting point. Here, you'll have access to a wide range of diverse clients in need of representation for some of the most important and emotional legal matters of their lives. With plenty of local law firms specialising in family law, you'll have ample opportunities for hands-on experience and mentoring from experienced professionals. 

Beyond the practical considerations, Preston offers a vibrant and welcoming community with plenty of opportunities to get involved and give back. Whether you're looking to make a name for yourself in a smaller legal market or simply seeking a change of scenery, Preston is a great choice for a career in family law.

Why Choose Family Law as a Career?

If you have a strong desire to help others and are also interested in the legal system, then a career in family law could be the perfect fit for you. As a family lawyer, you will have the chance to support clients as they navigate some of life's most challenging situations related to family issues, such as divorce, child custody battles, and domestic abuse incidents. 

Your role as a legal advocate in these cases will be instrumental in helping your clients make sense of the law and gain clarity on the options available to them. Not only is this field challenging, but it also offers the potential to make a significant impact on people's lives by providing them with the support and guidance they need during difficult times. In short, if you are passionate about helping others and are interested in the legal system, family law may be the ideal career path for you.

Qualifications needed to become a Family Lawyer in Preston

Education 

The legal profession has opened its doors to students who may have skipped the traditional university route. With advancements in education, ambitious students can rise to the top through the Legal Apprenticeship Program. This program allows students to earn a salary while gaining hands-on experience in the legal industry. Participants in this program will not only have a competitive edge in their field, but it’s also a more affordable way to pursue a career in law. The introduction of the Legal Apprenticeship Program has levelled the playing field by allowing anyone with the passion, ambition and talent to become a lawyer.

Professional

The legal profession has always been an appealing career path for many individuals. However, the traditional route of obtaining a law degree can be a lengthy and demanding process that not everyone can undertake. This is why the recent approval of an alternative path towards becoming a practicing solicitor is great news for aspiring lawyers everywhere. 

With this new route, a bachelor's degree in any field, two years of work experience, and successfully completing both phases of the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations can make legal ambitions a reality in just five years. It's a fantastic opportunity for those who may have thought a legal career was out of reach due to education requirements. With this new avenue open, the legal profession can now welcome a more diverse range of individuals, who can pursue their dreams whilst enjoying a rewarding career.

Local Universities and Law Courses near Preston

University of Central Lancashire - “Our LLB Law degree provides the essential training you’ll need to become a successful solicitor or barrister. You’ll learn about ground-breaking research topics such as war crime trials and women in prison.”

Manchester Metropolitan University - I got to experience lots of incredible opportunities. The law school's commercial law clinic called the Business Law Café, run with international law firm Addleshaw Goddard, was my favourite.

The University of Liverpool - “Law is not just about learning what the rules are, but about thinking about what they should be.

This degree offers a truly modern legal education reflecting the needs and concerns of society in the 21st century. Whether you are planning a career in the legal profession or a career in almost any other field of expertise, this degree will challenge and inspire you.”

Family Law Work Experience

If you're a law student pursuing a career in family law, you may be wondering how to enhance your credentials and stand out in a competitive job market. Fortunately, there are numerous opportunities available for gaining relevant experience in the field. Participating in family law essay contests, shadowing an experienced lawyer, or marshalling for a judge can provide valuable insights and practical experience beyond the classroom. 

These experiences demonstrate your passion, commitment, and knowledge of the challenges and rewards of practicing family law, making you a valuable candidate for future employment in the industry. With so many opportunities at your fingertips, now is the perfect time to take the first step towards achieving your career goals in family law.

Expected Salary for a Family Lawyer in Preston

According to Indeed data, the average salary for a Family Lawyer in the UK is £41,796 per year, though this will vary depending on location and the business you work for.

Wages for recently trained solicitors vary across the UK and can range from £26,000 to £55,000, with London City businesses paying the highest average salary.

In Preston, the average salary for a Family Law Lawyer is £38,589 (15% below the national average).

Workers in the legal profession earn some of the best wages in the country, with many businesses offering significant salaries and bonuses regardless of specialisation.

What Cases You May Work on

• Prenuptial and Postnuptial agreements
• Child maintenance orders
• Divorce cases
• Child custody cases
• Domestic violence cases
• Divorce settlements
• Financial settlements
• Civil partnership dissolution

 Finding a Speciality in Family Law

Family law is an incredibly rewarding field for legal practitioners. It offers unmatched opportunities to make a significant impact in the lives of their clients. With such a vast scope of legalities, lawyers in this field are well-equipped to help families navigate challenging situations in divorce, child custody, and domestic violence cases. Despite the challenges, the satisfaction of helping individuals and families overcome legal obstacles is unmatched. By specialising in a particular subfield, lawyers can tailor their approaches to suit clients' unique situations and provide effective advocacy. In doing so, they can improve outcomes for families in need and ensure that they receive the justice they deserve.

Visiting Stowe Family Law Divorce Lawyers Preston

 Our Preston family solicitors office is located at Unit 5, Albert Edward House, The Pavilions, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston PR2 2YB.

You can call us on 01772 953946 from 8:30am – 7pm, Monday to Friday and 9am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.