How to become a paralegal ?

How Can a Paralegal Become an Attorney?

• Answer:

  Paralegals, as assistants to attorneys, are trained to perform duties such as investigating the facts of cases, researching laws and preparing legal documents. However, they are not trained to practice law, which means they would also be responsible for setting legal fees, providing legal advice, and presenting cases in court. To do so, paralegals need at least a juris doctorate, or J.D., which is the primary law degree required in the United States to practice law. Degree Requirements in Application Process A requirement of the application process to a J.D. program--offered by law schools across the nation--is that applicants have at least some formal education, made evident by official transcripts. A bachelor's degree is the usual standard, although there are some J.D. programs in the United States that consider an associate's degree or certificate (in paralegal/legal studies), since these are the two more common educational tracks for paralegals. Other Application Requirements In addition to formal training requirements, paralegal applicants would need to submit a personal statement detailing work experience and interests in connection with aspirations of being an attorney; letters of recommendation, preferably from supervisory attorneys; a resume describing academic, professional and extracurricular activities; and scores from the Law School Admissions Test, or LSAT. All applicants can gather and send all application components in one package through the Law School Data Assembly Service offered by the Law School Admissions Council, the organization that administers the LSAT. Curriculum In the first year of study, students take courses that are designed to introduce them to the legal field. This can include Civil Procedure, Contracts, Criminal Law, Legal Research and Writing, Torts and Constitutional Law. After the first year is completed, students can then take courses tailored to their individual interests or specialty areas. Time Frame It is usually estimated that students can complete the J.D. program within three years with full-time study. Part-time study, on the other hand, could take four years to finish. Bar Exam Upon graduation, paralegals would still need a license, which is essential for practicing law. This can be obtained by passing the bar exam administered by the state in which the person wishes to practice. In most states, though, paralegals must make sure that they graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association to sit for the bar exam. Upon passing the bar, paralegals then get the license that they need to become attorneys.