Expert: Bryan Chant, Esq. - 7/23/2009

Question
I am a 45 year old stay-at-home mom with a law degree and Oregon bar membership.  However, I graduated from law school in 1991 and did not practice.  I did contract prep/negotiation work as a paralegal for 5 years for a large pharma co. but no other legal work.  Is there any chance of a law firm hiring me if I pass the CA bar with this background?!

Answer
Jane,

I would say that there is absolutely a chance but you're going to have a lot of work to do.  Law firms are looking for people who can "hit the ground running."  Many firms don't have the time to train new attorneys.  That being said, you do have some experience.  If you are planning on taking the California bar exam, I would suggest trying to do some pro bono work to build up your resume.  In my opinion, this experience would be valuable to prospective employers.  Also, consider joining specialty bar associations.  (e.g. plaintiff's bar, defense bar, corporate counsel bar, county attorney association, etc...)  Most importantly, start networking!

Good luck with the bar exam and with the job search.