LL.M Family Law

Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University

The Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University established the LL.M. Program in Family Law in response to contemporary family law practice's increased demand for specialization and need for an interdisciplinary focus for resolving family issues. The only program of its kind in the eastern United States, and one of only three programs in the country, Hofstra Law's LL.M. Program in Family Law furthers Hofstra Law's commitment to developing skilled and compassionate family lawyers who have a thorough grounding in the issues central to the field - divorce, family violence, child custody, abuse, neglect, and support - as well as knowledge in related areas such as tax, contracts, real estate and partnership law, child psychology and treatment options.

The program is organized in conjunction with The Center for Children, Families and the Law, an institute of the Maurice A. Deane Law School dedicated to education, community service, and research to benefit children and families involved in the legal system. The Center's training program is one of the most comprehensive children and family curricula offered in the United States and its interdisciplinary approach is designed to better prepare a new generation of legal and mental health professionals to promote appropriate and effective justice in both the juvenile and family court systems. Students in the LL.M. Program are invited to attend monthly meetings and other special events offered in conjunction with the Center.

Hofstra Law's LL.M. Program in Family Law meets the needs of all students, whether they seek to concentrate on matrimonial issues - marital dissolution, child custody, and property distribution; child protection issues - child abuse and neglect and the child welfare system; or one of the growing areas of subspecialty - international family law, legislative reform, or representation of gay and lesbian families. The program director ensures that each student's program is carefully shaped by that student's interests and background (including the previous study of family law and practice experience).

The program requires completion of 24 credits, which may be taken on a full-time (one year) or part-time (two years or three years) basis. To earn the degree, students must achieve a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 out of a possible 4.0.