I want to be a lawyer at 30, am I realistic?

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Given the uncertainty of what "type" of diploma in business that you have received (is it a Bachelor's degree?), what kind of "course" you took for entrance into a university (Was it for law school? Or an undergrad university?), or what type of university you have applied for or if you got accepted yet, the key is not in your capacity to commit to a firm, an ability which I am sure you do have since you're age 27. Law school, in general, does not require any entrance preparation class. The key to being able to finish the course work in 3 years lies in how much academic requirements you have already fulfilled, if you have passed the LSAT and/or already gotten accepted into graduate school for a legal education. These are the realistic requirements:

1. California is the ONLY state that allows access to take the BAR exam (which you must pass to get a license) WITHOUT a law school education. All other 49 states require a JD in order to take the BAR.
2. Law school requires a 4-year undergrad degree before consideration for acceptance. So if you have already received your 4-year Bachelor's degree diploma in Business, then you're well on your way. If not, then you need to work on completing that first.
3. Have you taken the LSAT (Law School Admission Test) yet? Law schools require that passing score for acceptance consideration. The details about this exam is too long for me to write here, but check out this link for details:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Law_School_Admission_Test#Unscored_section
4. Have you already been accepted into law school yet? If you have already applied and gained acceptance, then yes, you can absolutely get done with law school by the time you turn 30. The actual law school part of the education is only 3 years. If not, then you still have the application process to go through. That process will take at least a couple of months.
5. If you have not completed a 4-year Bachelor's degree yet, then the FASTEST route would be to CLEP out of as many of your required undergrad classes as possible. There's a CLEP exam for every subject. Passing each exam will give you the required college credits without having to take classes.
6. Although law school curriculum is challenging, it is possible to achieve even with kids. As long as you have the determination, ANYTHING is possible. I have an 8-year-old daughter and I'm in 2nd year law school. So believe me, it IS possible. I KNOW you CAN do it, too!
7. If you do choose Corporate Law, then I would recommend going into a Healthcare company. Medical/Pharmaceutical or Healthcare are the single most stable field for any level of job security during any kind of economic conditions in ANY country.

Best wishes.

oxymandia

Many people take up law in mid-life. For them, it is a viable new career.

Yellow Mochiko

A law degree in Australia is a 3 year degree - assuming you pass everything, you should be able to finish the degree in 3 years.... so it seems .... OK?

Then you just have to find an article clerk position. But if I recall correctly, nowadays legal students can do a post-graduate study instead?
So.... you may need a tad more than 3 years.

10nis

It sounds to me that you are in the process of making a wonder life altering decision. You will be experiencing many new changes but remember to continually make new goals throughout your lifetime. I love to hear that you are following your hearts desires. You will become a successful attorney because of this. Good Luck in your new career path.

majenwen

In order to be a lawyer, you need to graduate with a BA/BS (which generally takes 4 years, but can be completed in 3). Law school takes 3 years (4 years for part-time students or for a joint degree). Then you have to sit for the bar exam.

You could, however, start working at a law firm as a legal assistant, and stay on with that firm when you pass the bar as an associate.

Lindylu

go for it
study hard u r still young
make somethink of ur life as in times your kids will be 18 and have partners and wont need u at all (sad I know ) but true
think of urself get a future in 4 years u will be laughing
DO ITTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
good luck

sparkles

I'm hoping 30's not too old. I'm doing my second semester in law and I'm 32. There are definite advantages to being older, mainly having invaluable life experience and having a bit more stability. Studying law is alot of work but extremely interesting. Go for it and good luck!

Feta Smurf

There's no doubt you can do it - definitely.

But, it's many hours of study and work. Make sure you are willing to miss out on watching your children grow up - and not having much family time.

All the best though either way!

Katya001

I say, do what you want to do...

:)

Carole

I say go for you dreams! I just think it may be unrealistic to become an Attorney by the age of 30 if you are currently 27 yrs. old. Law School takes several years from my understanding. So what if you will be over the 30 yr mark, age is only a number, and besides... 30 is just the beginning of a long life ahead. Best of luck!!!

Bgal

Yes. It is very realistic. With hardwork, determination and support from your wife and kids, it is very possible. Do not listen to anyone who says your dream is a fantasy. Remember ''only small minds criticize big ideas''.

Who says you can''t be a lawyer after 30? Don't lose focus. No matter how long it takes you to get your degree, it will be worth it. I assure you.

Best wishes!

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