College of Law > About > News > attorney panel offers advice on career path in family law

Attorney panel offers advice on career path in family law


Family law attorneys shared career experiences, advice on practicing family law and tips on leveraging legal education during a panel discussion for students at DePaul's College of Law in April. 

Panelists included attorneys from both the private and public sectors: Michael Alvarado, partner, Davis Friedman; Michelle Cass, associate, O’Connor Family Law; Stacy Freeman, partner, Rinella & Rinella; and James Champlin, staff attorney, Domestic Violence Legal ClinicAlexandra Perraud, president of the Child & Family Law Association, moderated the event.

Perraud asked panelists about their day-to-day tasks, career paths and advice for students hoping to become family law attorneys. Panelists encouraged students to get as much practical experience as possible during law school and emphasized networking. They encouraged students to enroll in DePaul's Family Law Clin​ic and to take Evidence, Trial Advocacy and Federal Income Tax. They also emphasized the financial aspects of divorce and encouraged students to gain as much familiarity with this aspect of divorce as possible. Though panelists agreed that the practice of family law can be stressful, they acknowledged it as a rewarding career path. 

The Schiller DuCanto & Fleck Family Law Center and the Child & Family Law Association partnered to present this event.