The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Paralegal Before Pursuing a Law Career

Introduction

Are you considering a career in law but unsure if becoming a paralegal first is the right path? In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of pursuing a career as a paralegal before embarking on your journey to becoming a lawyer. We will also discuss how to determine if the legal profession is right for you and provide practical advice for pre-law students.

Is Being a Paralegal Beneficial If You Want to Be a Lawyer?

While there may be some overlap in job duties between paralegals and lawyers, the educational path to becoming a paralegal will not give you an advantage in law school or increase your chances of passing the bar exam. Empirical studies consistently show that law students who majored in “law” subjects such as Legal Studies and Criminal Justice tend to earn lower grades than their peers who majored in non-law subjects like Linguistics and Chemistry.

Does Working as a Paralegal Have Any Advantages?

One potential benefit of working as a paralegal is that you would enter law school with a more realistic picture of what lawyers actually do for a living. However, it is important to note that many paralegals earn more than lawyers, but this is typically an exception rather than the rule. Additionally, the role of a paralegal is not always a gateway to law school. Some firms hire smart college graduates and train them as paralegals for a year or three before sending them to law school or ultimately not endorsing their continued career in the legal profession.

What Are Some Good Ways to Know If Law Might Be the Right Profession for You?

When pre-law students ask for advice about how to prepare for law school while still an undergraduate, it is vital to consider several factors. Here are six steps pre-law students can take:

Learn to read analytically. Learn to write clear and concise expository prose. Learn to think logically and rationally. Keep your grades up. Keep your nose clean. Learn and practice effective stress-management techniques.

By reflecting on your own strengths and interests, you can determine if the legal profession might suit you. The following are some questions to ask yourself:

Do you enjoy reading and are you good at it? Would you be happy working in a profession that entails a lot of reading? Do you enjoy writing and are you good at writing essays? Would you be happy working in a profession that entails a lot of writing? How are your logical reasoning skills? Are you good at the type of stepwise, rigorous logic you encounter in geometry, trigonometry, and calculus classes? Are you good at puzzles? How well are you doing in school? According to my rule of thumb, you should graduate in the top third of your class to be a viable candidate for law school. Are you committed to being honest and ethical in your dealings with others? Are you the kind of person who can be entrusted with someone else’s life savings? Are you committed to the principle of the rule of law? How well do you manage stress? Can you keep a clear head when someone throws a curveball at you? Would you be happy in a high-stress profession?

Additionally, consider asking yourself questions such as:

Do you play well with others? Are you curious about the world around you?

By answering these questions, you can get a clearer picture of whether the legal profession aligns with your strengths, interests, and values.

Conclusion

While working as a paralegal can provide valuable insights into the legal profession and build important skills, pursuing a law degree is a distinct career path. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of being a paralegal and reflecting on your suitability for the legal profession, you can make an informed decision about your future career.