Family law is about far more than divorce and custody disputes. Attorneys often advocate for children, survivors of domestic violence, foster families and others navigating some of life’s most difficult moments. Success in the field requires legal knowledge, courtroom skills and the ability to work alongside judges, social workers, educators and other professionals. The schools recognized here prepare students through clinics, simulations and interdisciplinary experiences that combine hands-on advocacy with a commitment to expanding access to justice.
The following law schools earned a place on our Family Law Honor Roll, recognized for the strength of their programs. Following the list, you’ll find the latest developments and news from family law programs at these various law schools.
Top law schools for family law
Florida State University College of Law’s Advocacy Clinic gives students hands-on experience representing children in foster care, dependency, adoption and domestic violence matters. Students handle approximately 120 family law hearings each academic year, developing courtroom advocacy and problem-solving skills while representing some of society’s most vulnerable clients. The clinic has also developed nationally recognized expertise at the intersection of family law and human trafficking. Students contribute to training webinars and podcasts for practicing attorneys and help host a monthly statewide workgroup focused on child survivors of trafficking, gaining experience in advocacy, education and interdisciplinary collaboration.
University of Wisconsin Law School‘s Family Court Clinic gives students extensive hands-on experience representing clients in family law matters while expanding access to justice across the state. During the spring 2026 semester, students provided direct legal services to more than 250 family court litigants and connected hundreds more with legal and community resources through the clinic’s remote service model, which reaches rural communities throughout Wisconsin. Students also represent clients in divorce, custody and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status cases, gaining courtroom experience while helping abused, abandoned and neglected children pursue immigration relief. Through partnerships with legal aid organizations and community groups, the clinic prepares students to serve families facing complex legal challenges.
University of San Diego School of Law‘s Children’s Advocacy Institute and Women’s Legal Clinic immerse students in the legal issues affecting children and families through direct client advocacy and community outreach. Working alongside experienced attorneys, students represent vulnerable children, survivors of domestic violence and low-income families in matters involving custody, divorce, guardianships, restraining orders and human trafficking. This year, the Children’s Advocacy Institute expanded its impact by launching the LEGACY Project, a legal clinic that provides trauma-informed legal services to youth experiencing homelessness. Students also learn from nationally recognized faculty, including Professor Dov Fox, a 2026 Guggenheim Fellow whose scholarship on family law, reproductive rights and bioethics is helping shape national conversations on the legal issues affecting families.
Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University is expanding its children and family law curriculum with a new course, Children and the Law: Legal Relationships Among Children, Families and the State. Taught by Hon. Cheryl A. Joseph, supervising judge of the Matrimonial Parts, New York State Court of Claims judge and acting justice of the Supreme Court in Suffolk County, the course examines how decision-making authority is shared among children, families and the state. Students explore topics including child abuse and neglect, custody, adoption, foster care, medical decision-making and the legal representation of children, providing a deeper understanding of the legal and policy issues that shape child advocacy.
Drake University Law School received a $300,000 gift from Sease & Wadding Law Firm to establish the Sabrina Ray Endowed Fund for the Children’s Rights Clinic. Created in memory of Sabrina Ray, whose 2017 death brought attention to Iowa’s child welfare system, the fund will support the Ray of Hope Award for exceptional student advocacy and the Sabrina Ray Justice for Children Summer Fellowship. The fellowship will provide funding for students pursuing internships with nonprofit and government organizations focused on juvenile law, as well as child welfare training opportunities. The initiatives will help students gain hands-on experience advocating for children and vulnerable youth.
Methodology
preLaw magazine grades law schools based on the breadth of their curricular offerings. Scores are weighted as follows: 30% for a concentration, 24% for a clinic, 12% for a center, 12% for an externship, 9% for a journal, 8% for a student group, 5% for a certificate and added value for additional offerings.
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