Family/Child/Elder Law

Also known as: Legal Studies with Family Law Concentration, Family and Juvenile Law Studies, Human Services - Legal Advocacy (Family & Elder)

This Bachelor's program in Family/Child/Elder Law provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks, ethical considerations, and societal factors surrounding family relationships, child welfare, and elder care. You'll delve into diverse areas such as divorce, child custody, adoption, juvenile justice, guardianship, elder abuse, and estate planning, learning how laws are applied to protect vulnerable populations and resolve complex personal legal issues. The program focuses on developing critical thinking, legal research, and advocacy skills, preparing you for roles in legal support, social services, or as a strong foundation for law school.

Law & Public AdministrationLawLegal SupportLegal StudiesPublic PolicyLegal Advocacy

A Week as a Student

You start your week with a deep dive into "Introduction to Legal Systems," deciphering the intricate structure of the US courts. Later, you grab a coffee before heading to the campus gym, fitting in a quick workout. Back in your dorm, you tackle assigned readings for "Ethics in Law and Society," annotating complex case summaries. A quick question about jurisdiction confuses you, so you make a note to email your TA for clarification, determined to grasp the foundational concepts before Wednesday's lecture.

High School Preparation

Required Subjects

English Literature and CompositionU.S. HistoryU.S. Government or CivicsSociology or PsychologyPublic Speaking or Debate

Recommended GPA

3.0-3.5

Advanced Courses (AP/IB/Honors)

AP U.S. Government and Politics
AP Psychology
AP English Language and Composition
AP United States History
High School Debate/Forensics

Recommended Activities

Mock Trial or Debate Club
Model United Nations
Volunteer at a Legal Aid Clinic
Student Government
Peer Mediation Program
Volunteer at a Senior Center or Child Advocacy Group

Application Essay Topics

Discuss a current legal challenge facing families, children, or the elderly in your community and propose potential solutions.
Describe an instance where you observed or experienced an injustice related to family or elder issues, and explain how the legal system could have intervened.
Analyze the ethical dilemmas inherent in legal decisions concerning child custody or end-of-life care for the elderly.
If you could create a new law to protect vulnerable populations, what would it be and why?

Alternative Path

While a Bachelor's degree is the traditional path, you could enter related support roles by completing an Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies or Legal Assisting, often with electives focused on family or elder law. Some certifications in legal support or specific advocacy areas might also provide entry-level opportunities, though they won't offer the same depth of study or career advancement potential as a four-year degree.

Core Subjects

Click on "i" to learn more about each subject

Career Prospects

Growing Study Prospects

A Bachelor's degree in Family/Child/Elder Law prepares you for a range of roles in the legal and social services fields, or as excellent preparation for law school. You could work as a paralegal specializing in family or elder law, a legal assistant, a victim advocate, a case manager for child protective services, an elder care coordinator (non-medical), or an entry-level policy analyst for government or non-profit organizations. This degree provides a strong foundation for pursuing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and becoming a practicing attorney in these specialized areas.

Impact of AI on this Study

AI is increasingly impacting the legal field, and in this program, you will learn how to leverage tools for efficient legal research, document review, and case management. AI-powered platforms can assist in identifying relevant statutes and precedents, drafting basic legal documents, and even predicting potential case outcomes. Understanding AI's capabilities and limitations will be crucial for navigating ethical considerations and maximizing efficiency in your future legal-adjacent career.