Exactly. You need to get your bachelors first (4 years or so, depending on whether you take an accelerated program or not), and then 3-4 additional years in law school to get your Juris Doctorate. You will need to get your bachelors in something that challenges your critical thinking. Maybe something like political science, computer science--or a major that encourages a lot of reading like english or criminal justice. This will prepare you for college and court. You could get your certificate in paralegal studies (which usually takes 6 months to a year to obtain), then continue school from there. Paralegals make good money, so you should be good if you do that. Then you ll just move up. Be prepared for HARD work! I m sure you know that already. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.
No, that is not the best way to go. Paralegal is not a stepping stone to becoming a lawyer, it s a detour. To become a lawyer you first need a bachelor s degree in an approved major, then you must get accepted into law school where you will spend 3 years and have your employment restricted (you won t be able to work full time). If you graduate you will have to study for and pass the state bar and get admitted into practice. After that 7+ years you will only start out making $60k (ish). If you value your family time don t become a lawyer! Being a paralegal is very rewarding and the income isn t too shabby. You can get an associate s degree from an American Bar Association (ABA) accredited school in less than two years if you work extra hard. It is hard to find employment as a paralegal right out of the gate so you may have to start off as a legal secretary (which I recommend working as while you are still in school). After a year or so of legal experience and a paralegal degree you will be ready to work as a paralegal and shouldn t have a hard time getting hired. If you took the 7 years it will take to become an attorney and applied it to getting an AA degree and working 5 years as a paralegal you would be making about the same and it would be a much less stressful 7 years and a less stressful career for the rest of your life. If you have any questions e-mail me.
go directly to a crimminal defense law firm ask to be put on as internship to become a jr partner to become full time lawyer great money/interesting/etc good luck
A friend of mine did that--however, you did not mention if you have any degree. To get your JD, you will need a BA first.
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