How to Go From Being a Paralegal to a Lawyer

Although several states will allow you to substitute professional law firm experience for a formal legal education, most jurisdictions require that you attend a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. Even if your state does require you to attend law school, you may be able to get credit for your paralegal experience, provided that you do substantial, research-based work.

Instructions

1. Complete your bachelor's degree if you have not already. If you have a two-year degree or paralegal certificate, you will need to complete additional credits and earn your bachelor's degree. You may apply to law school with a bachelor's degree in any discipline.

2. Take the LSAT. You will need to take the Law School Admission Test prior to submitting your application to law school. The LSAT tests your reading comprehension, analytical skills and logic.

3. Apply to law school. You will need to submit your transcripts from your paralegal training program and your undergraduate education and supply each law school with two to three letters of recommendation from your college professors or the attorneys under whom you work. You will also need to write a personal essay detailing why you would like to become a lawyer.

4. Complete law school. Law school generally takes three years, but as a paralegal, you may be able to receive academic credit for your work experience if you choose to stay with your firm while you attend law school.

5. Apply for admission to your state's bar. After you complete law school, you will need to pass the bar exam in states where you plan to practice. You will also need to fill out an application that discloses your criminal and civil history and provide additional references from your law school professors and law firm supervisors.

Tips & Warnings

• Most states allow you to practice law on a provisional basis after you have completed two years of law school.

• Some full-time law programs prohibit students from working during their first year of school.

References

• Bar Admission Requirements
• Checklist for the Law School Application Process

Resources

• Law School Admission Council