Going from paralegal to lawyer is an aspiration for many, so what does the path look like for legal support professionals?
As a paralegal, you’ve got the inside track on the legal industry. After seeing the higher salaries that lawyers earn, the challenging work they perform, and the level of prestige that they seem to enjoy, it’s natural to think about becoming an attorney yourself.
But is law school the right step for you?
Over the past decade, law school enrollments have dropped to historic lows, and overall, nearly 27% fewer students enrolled in 2022 compared to.
The statistics suggest that not only is enrollment stagnating to a large degree, but demand for lawyers is higher than it’s ever been.
In essence, there’s a big gap in the market that can only be appealing to paralegals wanting to become lawyers.
In this article, we will examine what it takes to go from paralegal to lawyer, and actionable steps you can take to get started, as well as considerations.
Getting into law school
Even if you’re a working paralegal, before you can apply to law school, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree. If you’ve already earned an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, some of your credits will likely transfer, but you’ll need to complete additional courses to obtain your bachelor’s degree.
Then you’ll need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and once you pass the test, you can start applying to law schools. The main advantage that paralegals have when applying to law school is their experience in the legal industry and their knowledge of what it is like to be an attorney.
However, your paralegal job is not guaranteed to make your application to law school any more competitive. In fact, it could put you at a slight disadvantage since there is a strong association between being a paralegal and performing primarily administrative (rather than substantive) legal duties. But if you do enter law school, your industry experience will likely help you to excel there.
Pros and cons of becoming a lawyer
The practice of law is one of the oldest and most esteemed professions globally. It symbolizes hard work, success, and the potential to make a meaningful impact.
However, it is also associated with demanding aspects, such as long working hours, stress, and the pressure to achieve partner status. Here, we explore some of the key pros and cons of pursuing a career as an attorney:
The pros
- Lower competition for top-tier schools: With a decrease in law school applications, the competition for spots at prestigious institutions like Yale, Stanford, and Columbia has become less intense. However, the academic standards for admission remain high.
- Respected profession: Attorneys are highly trained professionals who must complete law school, pass the state bar exam, and obtain a license to practice, contributing to the esteemed reputation of the profession.
- Higher earning potential: Lawyers typically earn higher salaries compared to paralegals and other legal professionals, particularly in prominent law firms (BigLaw).
- Variety and challenge: Attorneys often experience a diverse and challenging work environment after years of rigorous education. The practice of law brings excitement and variety to their daily tasks.
- Control over practice areas and clients: Lawyers enjoy more control over the areas of law they specialize in and the clients they choose to represent.
The cons
- High cost of law school: Law school can be prohibitively expensive, often exceeding $150,000. A substantial portion of an attorney’s higher income may go towards repaying significant student loan debt.
- Unpaid overtime: As salaried employees, attorneys are not compensated for the overtime they frequently invest in their work.
- Stringent ethical standards: Lawyers are held to extremely high standards of ethics and professionalism. Violating these principles can lead to malpractice charges, suspension, or even disbarment.
- Limited work-life balance: Paralegals often have more control over their work-life balance than attorneys. Studies suggest that individuals valuing flexibility and personal ethics are opting against attending law school.
- Additional responsibilities for attorneys: Attorneys bear the responsibilities of running a firm, maintaining malpractice insurance, and other obligations that paralegals may not have to contend with.
Ultimately, the decision to pursue a legal career and attend law school is a deeply personal one, influenced by a myriad of factors beyond these considerations.
The path from paralegal to lawyer
If you’re looking to go from paralegal to lawyer, you’ll need to meet certain requirements, which can vary by state (there are some states where passing the bar is not necessary, for example)
Education requirements
Here are the general steps you would need to take:
Bachelor’s degree
Ensure that you have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While there is no specific major required for law school, you might choose a field that aligns with your interests or that complements your experience as a paralegal.
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
Prepare for and take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Your LSAT score, along with your undergraduate GPA, is a crucial factor in law school admissions.
Law school
Apply to and attend a law school accredited by the appropriate legal authority in your jurisdiction. The Juris Doctor (JD) program typically takes three years to complete. During law school, you’ll study a variety of legal subjects and gain the knowledge and skills necessary for legal practice.
Gain practical experience
Seek internships or clerkship opportunities during law school to gain hands-on experience. Your experience as a paralegal may be an asset during this time, helping you stand out in certain areas of law.
Networking
Build professional connections by networking with legal professionals, including attorneys, judges, and fellow law students. Attend legal events, join relevant organizations, and engage in activities that allow you to connect with others in the legal field.
Bar exam
After completing law school, you’ll need to take and pass the bar exam in the jurisdiction where you intend to practice law. The bar exam tests your knowledge of legal principles and your ability to apply them.
Character and fitness evaluation
Complete any character and fitness evaluations required by the state bar. This process involves disclosing information about your background, education, and personal history.
Admission to the state bar
Apply for admission to the state bar in your jurisdiction after passing the bar exam and satisfying all other requirements.
Continuing Legal Education (CLE)
After becoming a lawyer, you’ll likely need to participate in continuing legal education (CLE) to stay informed about changes in the law and enhance your skills.
It’s essential to note that specific requirements can vary by jurisdiction, so it’s crucial to research and adhere to the rules and regulations in the area where you plan to practice law.
Seeking guidance from mentors, career advisors, or legal professionals who have made a similar transition can also be beneficial.
Legal support professionals have an advantage going from paralegal to lawyer
Armed with a network within the legal community, paralegals can navigate law school and the complexities of legal practice with familiarity.
Their honed skills in legal research, client interaction, and exposure to diverse legal areas not only facilitate a smoother educational journey but also set the stage for an informed approach to their evolving roles in the legal profession.
Let’s take a look at some of the key reasons paralegals have an advantage in wanting to become a lawyer.
Legal knowledge and experience
Paralegals possess a robust foundation of legal knowledge and practical experience gained from their work in various legal settings, making them well-positioned to tackle the challenges of law school and legal practice.
Understanding legal processes
With a deep understanding of legal processes, case management, and legal research, paralegals can seamlessly transition to law school and quickly adapt to the demands of legal practice.
Networking opportunities
Paralegals often have established professional networks within the legal community, providing valuable opportunities for guidance, mentorship, and recommendations as they navigate the transition to law school and beyond.
Exposure to diverse areas of law
Through their work assignments, paralegals gain exposure to different areas of law, allowing them to identify specific legal fields of interest and tailor their legal education and career path accordingly.
Legal writing and research skills
Paralegals develop strong legal writing and research skills, which are critical for success in law school and essential for effective legal practice.
Understanding client relationships
Interacting with clients, paralegals understand the dynamics of client relationships, bringing valuable experience to their roles as practicing attorneys.
Time management and organizational skills
Accustomed to managing multiple tasks, deadlines, and priorities, paralegals possess crucial time management and organizational skills vital for success in law school and the legal profession.
Familiarity with legal technology
Many paralegals work with legal technology and case management systems, providing them with a technological edge in an increasingly tech-driven legal landscape.
Demonstrated commitment to the legal field
The decision to transition from a paralegal to a lawyer showcases a commitment to a legal career, a dedication viewed positively by law school admissions committees and potential employers.
Financial considerations
Paralegals transitioning to become lawyers often have a realistic understanding of the financial and time commitments associated with legal education and the practice of law.
While these advantages enhance the transition, aspiring lawyers must still demonstrate dedication and navigate law school and the bar exam successfully. Individual circumstances and jurisdictional requirements can also impact the specifics of this transition.
Conclusion
The journey from paralegal to lawyer presents a unique and promising path within the legal profession.
The advantages that paralegals bring to this transition, including their comprehensive legal knowledge, practical experience, and established networks, position them favorably for success in law school and beyond.
While the legal landscape is evolving, with a decrease in law school enrollments and an increasing demand for lawyers, paralegals find themselves in a compelling position to bridge this gap.
The decision to pursue a legal career involves careful consideration of the pros and cons and acknowledging the challenges and rewards associated with the esteemed profession of law.
For paralegals aspiring to become lawyers, the journey is marked by potential, opportunity, and a demonstrated commitment to the dynamic field of law.
