Is It Possible to Attend Trade School Then Law School?

If you're considering a career in law after trade school, you may be wondering if it's possible to achieve your goal. It is indeed possible to go to trade school and then attend law school, but there are several important factors to consider. This article will explore the different pathways to law school and the requirements you need to meet.

Pathways to Law School

There are two primary pathways to law school: through traditional higher education institutions (colleges or universities) or by first attending a trade school. Each pathway has its own set of pros and cons.

Educational Requirements

Most law schools require a bachelor’s degree for admission. However, trade schools typically offer vocational training and may not provide a degree that qualifies as a bachelor’s. If you do attend a trade school, you would likely need to complete a bachelor’s degree afterward before being eligible for law school. The Pearson Foundation notes that a bachelor’s degree is a fundamental requirement for admission to law school.

It's worth noting that you will need a Bachelor’s degree to be accepted into a JD (Juris Doctor) law program. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), most trade schools offer an Associates degree or a certificate, neither of which will be sufficient for law school admission. In the United States, you need a four-year bachelor’s degree to qualify for law school. A trade school degree alone will not meet this requirement.

Gaining Relevant Skills

Trade schools can provide practical skills, but law schools generally look for critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills. These skills are often developed through a university education in fields such as the liberal arts or social sciences. Attending a university can provide a broader educational foundation, which can be beneficial for law school.

Taking courses in fields like political science, philosophy, or history can help develop valuable skills for law school. For example, political science can help you understand the legislative process, while philosophy can sharpen your critical thinking skills. Additionally, a university education can offer more networking opportunities, internships, and extracurricular activities related to law.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

Regardless of your educational background, you will need to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and perform well to gain admission to law school. The LSAT is a standardized exam that measures logical reasoning, reading comprehension, and analytical writing skills, all of which are crucial for law school.

Advantages of College/University

Comprehensive Education: Attending a college or university can provide a broader educational foundation. Networking Opportunities: Universities often offer more networking opportunities, internships, and extracurricular activities related to law. Preparation for Law School: Courses in political science, philosophy, or history can help develop skills that are valuable in law school.

Conclusion

If you are committed to a career in law, pursuing a traditional college or university route may be more advantageous. However, if you find a trade that you are passionate about and believe you can excel in, you still have the option to pursue further education later, including a bachelor’s degree to qualify for law school. Just ensure that you meet the requirements for law school admission.

It's important to note that the law school accreditation standards established by the ABA require you to have completed at least three-quarters of a bachelor’s degree at the time you enter law school. However, many law schools impose higher standards and require a full bachelor’s degree.

There is only one ABA-approved law school in the country that routinely admits applicants who lack a bachelor's degree, and it is not recommended. Fewer than half of its graduates pass their bar exams each year.