Are you interested in learning whether or not you can advance a paralegal degree to a law degree? Do you want to know if the courses that you take as a paralegal student can be applied to meet some of your law degree prerequisites? Many prospective law degree students who want to enter the world of law as quickly as possible wonder if there are advantages to taking a paralegal job prior to working towards a law degree. If you are one of these students, you should consider how earning your paralegal degree can help you increase your chances of getting accepted into competitive law schools. Read on, and learn about how your credits will transfer and why you may want to earn a paralegal degree prior to becoming a law student.
What is a Paralegal Degree and Why Do Students Earn It?
Paralegals are professionals who work in law firms and other governmental agencies in the legal field. As a paralegal, you will stage paperwork and conduct research. You will be given assignments by lawyers who need you to look up case files or help the lawyer prepare the case. You may also assist in the courtroom and speak with clients when the lawyer is out of the office. If this position interests you, you may want to consider becoming a certified paralegal through one of the national certification bodies. To become a credentialed paralegal, you will need to take a Paralegal degree program so that you can meet eligibility requirements. This degree can later be used to give yourself a promotion to become a lawyer when you are ready to enter law school.
How Can Your Paralegal Degree Help You Get Into Law School?
Now that you know that you need to a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Paralegal Studies to become a certified professional, you may be wondering what you can do with your degree in the future. You can attain skills in legal field as a paralegal and see if this is the area of employment that you want to work in. If you are still passionate about studying law and you have earned your Bachelor’s degree, you may be able to use your academic record to meet admissions criteria posted at many law schools. You will need to consider the degree of law school acceptance, and be sure that any prelaw courses you take are accredited and acknowledged by the Law School Admissions Council.
You must consider more than just your major when you plan on using paralegal studies to meet law school admissions requirements. In addition to this, you will need to focus on your GPA while you are an undergraduate. Virtually all law schools that have a reputation with the American Bar Association have strict GPA requirements. Meeting prerequisite requirements is important, but having a high GPA is the only way that you will compete. Involvement in student organizations like UNICEF and service organizations like Habitat for Humanity are also good ways to get attention.
Becoming a paralegal is a good way to familiarize yourself with life in a law firm. You can gain invaluable experience, and also better your chances of getting into law school by showing how dedicated you are. Demand for paralegals is on the rise, projected to grow by 17% by 2016. With demand for paralegals so high, you can easily find a position in a legal role to gain experience and then use your paralegal degree to a law degree advancement.
For more information on earning your Online Paralegal degree, please see Top 10 Online Paralegal Degree Programs.
