Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Attorneys
John, a partner at a small law firm, advises that a paralegal position might offer practical experience and insight into the legal field before committing to the considerable expense of law school, stating that "law school's not cheap". However, the direct path to becoming an attorney requires law school, and a paralegal role is unlikely to serve as a stepping stone to a large firm.
Law School, Paralegal, Small Law Firm, Career Paths, Legal Profession
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
John Fricks
Partner/attorney
Small Law Firm
Cal Poly
Boston University law degree (J.D.)
Computer Science
Law
Legal
Video Highlights
1. To become a lawyer, you must attend law school.
2. Working as a paralegal in a smaller law firm can provide practical experience and insight into the legal field, potentially influencing the decision to pursue law school.
3. Law school is expensive, so gaining practical experience beforehand is advisable to ensure it's the right career path.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
As a lawyer, you have to go to law school. You could become a paralegal, which might require a six-month program. I can't recommend that as a stepping stone, especially not for a big law firm job as an attorney.
However, in a smaller town, you could work as a paralegal to understand the business and practical aspects, and then go to law school. Alternatively, you could attend law school at night.
There isn't much you can do with just an undergraduate degree. A paralegal role involves more overhead, though you do generate some profit for the firm.
If you worked as a paralegal or in some capacity at a law firm, you might get a better sense of a lawyer's life and decide if you want to pursue law school. Law school is not inexpensive.
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