AboutSally A. Kane Expertise As a recent law school graduate who excelled in law school, I can answer questions regarding the law school experience including preparing for and applying to law school, excelling in law school, law review, legal writing tips, the law school curriculum, exam success, financing law school, balancing work and school, clerkships and externships, job interviewing and more. I do not answer homework questions.
Experience I have thirteen years’ experience in the legal field, ten as a litigation paralegal and three as a corporate attorney. During law school, I juggled many priorities including a full time job, law school and a newborn baby. In law school I served as a law review editor, wrote for student publications and completed two externships, one with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and one with the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Publications I have published law and career related articles in a variety of publications including Legal Assistant Today, The Legal Intelligencer, Juris and The Journal of Legal Nurse Consulting.
Education/Credentials I possess a B.A. in Writing from Edinboro University, a Paralegal Certificate from Duquesne University and a J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law.
Expert: Sally A. Kane Date: 3/7/2008 Subject: Law School Question
Question Hello Sally. I just recently found this site, I hope it is still up to date and you are still answering questions. If not please forgive me. I just recently enrolled in college with no major. I have finally decided to go for a Law degree. Truthfully I hope to be an Assistant District Attorney within New York. Do you feel this is a realistic goal? I to am working a full time job, sometimes 50 hour weeks, although I am still managing classes also. As for law as my major, what should I expect? Is this a good field or is it so competitive that theres no point in trying? Money is not everything, but I do hope one day to make enough that I can support a family, live in a decent house, and possibly drive a luxury car, is law going to offer a salary where I can live comfortably or struggling? Basically any tips or info you can give me would be greatly appreciated. I have advisor's at school but they don't truly know anything about the majors we choose. Its nice to have someone you can ask for a change. Thank you very much.
Answer Hi Steven,
Becoming an assistant district attorney (ADA) is a realistic and achievable goal. However, it is not necessary to major in pre-law to gain admission to law school. Law schools accept students from a variety of disciplines from political science, English, history and philosophy to science and engineering. More important than your major is how well you perform in school. You should aim for high grades since undergraduate grade point average is a major factor in law school acceptance.
While becoming an ADA is an attainable goal, keep in mind that the typical ADA salary will not offer a life of luxury. If you aim to drive luxury cars and make “big money” then a career in government is not for you. However, an ADA income will allow you to live comfortably while enjoying a challenging and rewarding career.
