Paralegal?

Question

I am currently in high school, but I am thinking about college. I have always wanted to be a lawyer when I am older. When I graduate high school I am planning on going to community college to getting an associates degree as a paralegal and then transfering to a university to get a bachalors degree.

I was wondering if someone could give me any advice. Working as a paralegal would give me some experience in the field of law, but is it worth it and would it help my chances of getting into law school. I know I have to maintain a good GPA and pass the LSAT, but would working as a paralegal and still attending college be worth it.

Answer 1

Speaking as a college professor who minored in law as an undergraduate and has trained many Paralegals, let me say this.

There's nothing wrong with going the paralegal route and then transferring to get a Bachelors. Now to become a lawyer, you'll need an undergraduate degree (Bachelors) first, and then go onto law school to earn a Masters (J.D.).

Now working as a Paralegal isn't a bad idea because you would be working in the field, learning the business, and have contacts with lawyers, etc. And some firms may even pay for you to go to law school.

But is it necessary to go that route? No, it's striclty a personal choice. When you go through your community college training to get your Associates, you'll be learning the important things and may have the opportunitty to do an internship along the way.

But you are right, you will need a good GPA in order to get into law school. And the LSAT isn't an easy test, nor is law school, but many people do get through it. Plus, you'll need to pass the Bar exam for any state in which you plan on practicing. So there's quite a bit of work involved.

My advice for now is to begin your community college training and take it from there. You'll have instructors and a Program Chair where you can get some input.

Good luck to you and I'm glad you've thought about your future and have a plan! Very grown-up and professional.

Answer 2

I'm not sure that it is an actual stepping stone to becoming a lawyer, but it can certainly give one a small look at the mounds of information and knowledge that one must have to work as an attorney. I have heard that a paralegal typically does need to have earned a bachelor's degree in 'something' to find work. There are certificate programs as well for paralegal, and perhaps one can get a bachelor's degree and then go for a cerficate in paralegal at the local county vo-tech school or community college (perhaps non-credit course). Please forgo those expensive private schools for paralegal as they are no better than the more affordable ones. It should be accredited with the ABA/american bar association though. Wishing you the best of luck in all of your endeavors :)

For more info: http://www.bls.gov/oco and search 'paralegal' or 'lawyer' or such.

For US colleges: http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ

Answer 3

working in the field will definitely be a benefit. i've known a few paralegals who went to law school. of course, school is very different than the real world but at least when you graduate law school, you will have a basic knowledge of how the court systems works (i.e. what needs to be filed, how it needs to be filed). trust me-a LOT of lawyers do not have this basic information and it always falls on the paralegal to know this. maybe you will be lucky enough to work for a firm that will help pay some college costs. any firm would be thrilled to have someone they know (that they can groom) go to law school and bring their new degree back to them. good luck!!