DePaul's Family Law Program prepares you to navigate a broad spectrum of issues across both the public and private sectors. Through coursework and hands-on training, you’ll explore key topics like child advocacy, juvenile justice, partnership, marriage and divorce, domestic violence, and disability and elder law. This comprehensive approach ensures you graduate with the knowledge and practical skills to handle the complexities of family law in diverse settings.
JD Certificate Program
Family Law
Prepare for a field where specialized knowledge can help you serve clients through some of life’s most consequential legal issues. You can tailor your coursework through recommended pathways in divorce/marital dissolution, child advocacy or elder law, each designed to support distinct professional goals. (Please note that the certificate does not list a specific track and course offerings may vary from year to year.)
Required Courses (all tracks)
Child Advocacy
Divorce/Marital Dissolution
Elder Law
Center, Institutes and Initiatives
Student Journals and Organizations
Awards and Recognitions
- 2021 recipient of Domestic Shelters' Purple Ribbon Award for Outstanding Advocate Training Program
Lawyering Skills Courses
- Family Law Field Clinic
- Professional Skills Courses
- Domestic Violence Practicum
- Legal Drafting: Child Advocacy
- Legal Drafting: Family Law
- Mediation: Family Law
- Restorative Justice
- Externships with governmental agencies, public interest organizations and private firms
Upper-Level Courses
- *Representative selection; course offerings may vary from year to year
Adoption Law
Child Protection: Abuse & Neglect
Children’s Human Rights Under International Law
Disability Law
Education Law & Policy
Elder Law
Estate Planning
Family Law
Financial Aspects of Divorce
Health Care Delivery Systems
Introduction to Corporate Finance
Juvenile Justice
Senior Research Seminar
Wills & Trusts