Curriculum

​​​DePaul's comprehensive family law curriculum offers students access to theoretical as well as practical courses in areas such as divorce, mediation, child advocacy, child abuse and neglect, juvenile justice, domestic violence, elder law, and disability law. Courses taught by experienced full-time and adjunct faculty who are experts in their fields, along with the hands-on opportunities offered by the Family Law Center, contribute to an outstanding family law education. With a diverse curriculum, innovative programs, and respected faculty, DePaul's family law program is a leader in the education of family law students.​

There is a growing demand for family law attorneys with specialized credentials in today’s legal market. To gain an advantage in the workforce, students may obtain a Certificate in Family Law through completion of JD requirements and specialized certificate program requirements. Within the Certificate, students may choose between three practice tracks depending on their interest and career goals: the divorce/marital dissolution track, the child advocacy track, or the elder law track. Each track provides specialized knowledge to help students increase their marketability.​Students must take several required courses and then may choose from the remaining electives offered to reach their credit requirement. Please note, the certificate itself will not indicate a specific track.​​