06 Family Law Attorney
What is it Like Being a Family Law Attorney
On this episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast, we unbox the career of a family law attorney.
Guest: Jonathan D. Steele is a seasoned family law attorney and Partner at Beermann LLP, renowned for his robust approach in managing sensitive family law matters such as divorce, child custody, and paternity. He has been recognized as one of the top 10 lawyers under 40 by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys and one of the top 10 family law attorneys under 40 by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys.
Jonathan at Beermann LLP
More ways to connect with Jonathan Steele
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What Does a Family Law Attorney Actually Do?
In his interview on Unboxing Careers, Jonathan Steele, a family law attorney and partner at Beermann LLP, explains that family law covers some of the most personal and sensitive areas of people’s lives. He works with clients on divorce cases, child custody arrangements, paternity issues, and prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. Steele emphasized that family law isn’t just about legal documents—it’s about guiding people through life-changing transitions, often when they are at their most vulnerable.
Handles divorce, custody, and paternity cases
Draft prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
Helps families through major life transitions
Balances legal work with human connection
A Typical Day in the Life of a Family Law Attorney
Steele shared that his mornings usually start with court hearings at 9:00 a.m. These might be in person or, increasingly, via Zoom, which allows him to appear in multiple courtrooms in a single morning. After court, he returns to his office for client meetings, case strategy discussions, and preparation for future hearings. On trial days, though, the entire schedule shifts—he often spends full days in court from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., sometimes for weeks at a time.
He explained that the pace can be intense: “If I’m in trial, that’s all I’m doing for the day.” The work is fast-moving and requires constant flexibility.
Mornings often spent in court hearings (in person or virtual)
Client meetings and case prep in the afternoons
Trials can take up entire days and stretch over weeks
Schedule requires adaptability and stamina
Skills and Traits For a Successful Career in Family Law
When asked what makes a strong family law attorney, Steele highlighted communication and confidence. He stressed the importance of public speaking and writing skills, since much of the job involves persuading judges and presenting arguments. But he also underscored the need for empathy: “You’re dealing with people in the most difficult times of their lives, so you have to be patient and respectful.”
For Steele, confidence came from experience—years of clerking and practicing under senior attorneys built his ability to walk into a courtroom prepared and self-assured.
Strong writing and public speaking skills
Confidence built through practice and mentorship
Patience and empathy with clients
Professionalism in and out of the courtroom
The Hardest Parts of Being a Family Law Attorney
Steele was candid about the challenges of his work. Clients often expect immediate responses, even after hours, because their situations feel urgent. This can blur the line between work and personal life. He also noted that trials demand long days and intense preparation, which can be physically and emotionally draining.
Beyond the workload, Steele emphasized that the emotional weight of cases can be difficult: “These are the hardest things people are going through. You carry that with you.”
Clients expect around-the-clock communication
Trials require long days with little downtime
Emotional cases can weigh heavily on attorneys
Hard to separate personal life from work life
Advice for Students Interested in Law
Steele shared that his path to family law began in high school, when he clerked for a family law attorney. That early exposure gave him a sense of what the career was really like and helped him decide to pursue law school. He recommended that students seek out clerkships, internships, or shadowing opportunities as early as possible.
He also advised students to sharpen their communication skills: “If you can write well and speak well, you’ll be ahead of the curve.” And in today’s professional world, Steele emphasized the importance of networking and online presence, especially through platforms like LinkedIn.
Try shadowing or clerking in high school to explore law
Build strong writing and speaking skills
Take family law courses and clinics in law school
Use LinkedIn to build and maintain professional connections
Is Family Law Rewarding?
Despite the challenges, Steele expressed how meaningful his work feels. Helping families find solutions during painful times is what drives him. “It’s stressful, but when you can get someone through the most difficult chapter of their life, it’s incredibly rewarding.” He explained that passion for the work is what makes the long hours and tough cases worthwhile.
Reward comes from helping families rebuild their lives
Passion for the work sustains long-term success
Career satisfaction comes from making a real difference
Closing Thoughts on Being a Family Law Attorney
Jonathan Steele’s story shows that being a family law attorney isn’t just about legal arguments—it’s about resilience, empathy, and the drive to help people through life’s toughest challenges. If you’re in high school, consider shadowing an attorney like Steele did. In college, focus on sharpening your writing and speaking skills while building connections that will help launch your career. The earlier you immerse yourself, the more confident you’ll feel if you choose this path.
Key Family Law Takeaways:
Family law attorneys handle a range of cases, including divorce, paternity, and prenuptial agreements.
Lawyers spend a significant amount of time in court, either physically or virtually.
Skills such as public speaking, writing, and research are crucial for success in the legal profession.
Confidence and respect are important personality traits for lawyers.
Misconceptions about lawyers include the belief that they are solely focused on making money and that they don't care about their clients.
Building a strong network and developing marketing skills are essential for lawyers.
Maintaining a professional online presence, particularly on LinkedIn, is important for career advancement.
Finding a career that you love and are passionate about is key to long-term happiness and success.
Interested in other legal careers? Check out these previous episodes:
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