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: 5/12/2008 Subject: Am I employable at 35?
Question Sally, I currently 28 and pursuing a paralegal degree and will graduate May
2009. I've always wanted to try law school (I love to nitpick and argue) but I
figure that since I'm just finishing up my associates, and I have to have a
bachelor's, that I will be close to 35 upon graduating from law school (God
willing).
Will my age be a factor in my employment? Also, for my bachelor's should I
continue and study paralegal science or start over in political science,
English, etc? And, I've been in college for 10 years, no joke, for various
things: political science, architecture, nursing, etc. Will this be a hindrance to
my admission?
Answer Hi Elizabeth,
35 is definitely not too old to begin a career as a lawyer! I graduated from law school at age 33 and had multiple job offers upon graduation. These offers were from large law firms, midsize firms and corporations.
Earning top grades, gaining legal experience and participating in law review, moot court, externships or other law school activities is more important than your age at graduation. Some employers even prefer older law grads because they may be more mature, experienced and grounded.
As far as your bachelor’s, don’t start over! Paralegal science is as good a major as political science or English. You will learn legal concepts and develop skills – such as writing, communication and logical reasoning – that will be important in law school.
The number of years you have spent in college is far less important than your academic record. If you earn high grades and score well on the LSAT you should have no problem gaining acceptance to law school.
