Advancing From Paralegal to Attorney
Posted by Oslo Nov 16th 2008, 17:36Though paralegals play a challenging role in law, some paralegals may seek more responsibility, higher pay and a larger view of the field. Those paralegals who are especially ambitious may aspire to become licensed attorneys. It is not an easy move, as it requires further education and a lot of effort, but it is entirely possible.
The path to becoming a lawyer varies by state. In California, according to Wikipedia, there are at least four ways to become a licensed attorney: attending a law school approved by the American Bar Association, attending a non-ABA approved course of study that is approved by the state, studying law for four years in an approved program under a judge or lawyer, and having a law license from another state. All four paths require passing the California Bar Exam. Other states have similar requirements, generally requiring a formal law education followed by passing a state bar exam. Paralegals are at an advantage in this process, as they may already have learned some of the fundamentals, depending on their experience and prior education.
Going Back to Law School
According to the US Labor Bureau, entry to law school usually requires a bachelor degree, which some paralegals may already have. Those who have an associate degree or high school diploma may need to return to school to attain a bachelor's in an appropriate field. Once a degree is attained, students can choose to study law full-time on a campus, study part-time while employed, or take classes online. Your employability in the field is partially determined by the program you graduate from, with the most recommended programs being those approved by the American Bar Association. More information on ABA-approved programs can be found on the ABA Web site.
Tracy Goodwin, a Fresno, CA attorney featured on LawCrossing.com, made the jump from paralegal to attorney by attending a four-year online law school. She entered with a BA in liberal arts, studying while employed by a local law firm.
"I was very overwhelmed, and every day I had to talk myself out of dropping out of law school," she said. "The firm I work at was very supportive."
After passing the First-Year Law Students' Examination (FYLSE, also called the "Baby Bar"), Goodwin was promoted to law clerk, a position similar to paralegal, but with the ability to meet with clients and assist lawyers in court. Later, upon passing the bar exam, she was offered a position as an associate in her firm. Though her job as a paralegal was easier and less stressful, she says her new position as an attorney allows her to make her own decisions on a case, giving her more responsibility, as well as a bigger paycheck.
"Being an attorney feels like a 24-hour job sometimes. However, I think it's a very good profession to go into, and I think it is particularly a good profession for women," Goodwin said. "You have a lot more options with a law degree than with a paralegal certificate."
Those interested in becoming a paralegal with the intention of moving on to become an attorney, or current paralegals planning to pursue lawyer status, should look into tuition reimbursement, as many law firms offer it as a benefit. The Law School Admission Council has information on choosing a law school, including info on financial aid, deadlines, and minority interests.
Posted by Marlene Mitchell on 3/2/09
I love the story about Tracy. I will be graduating in April this yr with my BS in paralegal studies, and plan to be licensed. I do want to further my career as becoming an attorney. This has made me think very positive with my goals.
Posted by Oslo on 4/2/09
Glad to hear it, Marlene. Keep your goals in mind and you’ll be fine.
Posted by Fergus on 19/3/09
I have a few friends that are lawyers and they do enjoy the heightened sense of responsibility (and of course the additional heightened paycheck…)
Posted by stephen on 7/6/09
I think Tracy’s story has realy answered my questions about paralegal studies..Thanks a million
Posted by Chris on 24/6/09
Way to go! As for the author of this piece…come on, are you really going out on that limb as to compare stress levels in the two occupations? Its like comparing apples and oranges. Both are fruits, both are sweet, both meet daily requirements of their food group, but they are not the same. Have you ever seen an attorney try to hammer out a Motion packet in the 12th hour with hand delivery to 15 parties while their computer decides to run an update, while ushering an incoming client to the conference room and offering (and then making) coffee, while scanning docs to the clients for their approval and at the same time trying to reach them on the phone to give the heads up that it is coming over and walking them through the fifth explanation of “the email is probably in your junk mail bin, I will hold while you check”, while a cherished most difficult client calls in to review (and complain) about line items on their latest invoice, while a tenant advises you that the internet is down, while the mail man is standing at your desk asking you to sign for a certified letter (that you know is that last minute retort from the opposing counsel on some case that your in-house attorney has been too busy play golf to work on (meaning you are now working late)etc, etc etc. While we may know an attorney or two who has had to do it all themselves at one point (now lets not get it twisted, we are talking lower level associates at really small firms), the average attorney does not have to field this type of routine office stress (and admittedly, this is what they pay the paralegal to do). But to say the job of attorney is more stressful, is not quantifiable. Both hold their own stressors, therefore I take issue with blanket the comparison of the two.
Posted by christina on 7/7/09
Hello, I am a 21yr old military wife and mother. I thought it would be easier for me to become a paralegal first for many reasons.I am looking into SDU, after recieving an associates in psychology. I am trying to find majors that are flexible. Thats where I need help. I would also like to work with t.v/news/radio. Journalis, which will be great for that. Will it matter for law school? Both degrees are great! right? I want very much to become a lawyer,and would like to be a reporter /anchor as well.
Posted by sussane on 15/7/09
i hate lawyers but this post is worth to read and laugh off..
Posted by rajj on 15/7/09
THX FOR sharing this funny post. Its really cool
Posted by Melissa on 21/10/09
your story has inspired me and answered a lot of questions thanks
Posted by Precious on 23/4/10
I am bouncing back and forth or rather or not to become a paralegal and/or an attorney. I heard paralegals do pay well, but attorneys exceptionally well. Also, paralegals are treated like secretarys’. They do all the leg work. Which is worth it?