This module review was accurate as of 12 April 2026 and reflects the personal experience of Jade Nicolson studying the LLM in Legal Practice at the time of writing.
This article reflects on my experience studying the Family Law module as part of my LLM at The College of Legal Practice. My aim is to give future students an honest insight into both the content of the module and what it’s like to study it in practice.
Introduction to the module
I chose to study Family Law because I wanted to explore an area that combines legal complexity with real-life impact. Unlike more commercially focused subjects, family law deals directly with people’s personal circumstances, often during particularly difficult periods in their lives.
Since realising that I wanted to work in law, family law was always an area that intrigued me and one I knew I wanted to explore further. That in itself made the module feel meaningful from the outset and I knew it would be beneficial to really confirm my interest or show me that it perhaps wasn’t the area of law I wanted to go into.
At this stage in my legal journey, I’m still considering which path to take, so having the opportunity to experience a range of practice areas has been incredibly valuable. This module, in particular, gave me a clearer sense of what it means to advise clients in sensitive and emotionally charged situations.
What the module covers
The course introduced a broad range of key family law topics, giving both a solid legal foundation and an appreciation of how those principles operate in practice. Tasks set were set to be like ones given to a newly qualified solicitor working in family law. We explored areas such as:
- The process of divorce
- Financial settlements and how assets are approached on separation
- Arrangements for children and the court’s focus on their welfare
- Legal responses to domestic abuse
- The use of mediation and other non-court dispute resolution methods
The module was well-structured, with each topic building on the last. Even though the course is delivered online, everything was clearly organised and easy to follow
How the module is taught
What stood out most to me was how practical the learning experience was. Rather than focusing purely on legal theory, each week involved applying the law to realistic client-based scenarios.
These tasks ranged from advising on divorce and finances to considering appropriate arrangements for children. They required not just legal knowledge, but also careful judgment and awareness of the client’s situation.
Alongside the practical work, there was a mix of supporting materials, including readings and short video content. Regular feedback sessions were also a key part of the learning process, helping to clarify areas of uncertainty and improve my approach week by week.
Assessment and progress
Assessment in this module was based on a combination of ongoing practical work and a reflective piece at the end.
The weekly tasks formed a portfolio that demonstrated development over time, while the reflective assessment encouraged me to think more deeply about how my skills had evolved. This was something I found particularly useful, as it highlighted progress that isn’t always obvious. It also allowed me to be constructive and reflect on what I would actually do differently in practice.
Feedback throughout the module was consistent and detailed, which made it easier to identify areas for improvement and build confidence as the course progressed.
Skills developed
Through this module, I developed a range of skills that feel directly relevant to legal practice. These included:
- Applying legal principles to realistic client situations
- Communicating advice in a clear, structured, and empathetic way
- Approaching sensitive matters with professionalism
- Analysing both legal and practical aspects of disputes
Not only did I develop skills but it also further confirmed my interest in the world of family law.
Final thoughts
Overall, I found the Family Law module to be very engaging . It reinforced the idea that being a solicitor is not just about knowing the law, but also about understanding people and their circumstances.
It was definitely my favourite module I undertook on my LLM.
The experience has given me a new perspective on client care and the importance of clear, compassionate communication. It has also helped me further refine my interests as I continue my LLM studies.
Conclusion
For anyone considering this module, it offers a valuable combination of legal knowledge and practical skill development. It provides a realistic insight into family law practice and the responsibilities that come with advising clients in this area.
While completing the module was a significant achievement, the most valuable outcome for me has been the confidence and perspective I’ve gained from the experience.
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