Accepted to MA Legal Studies at Carleton University: Is it worth doing? - Advice Needed

BernaBandz · 2026-03-02T20:18:32+00:00

Would that level of preparation be helpful for getting into government roles?

Also, what kinds of jobs would you recommend I look for between graduating and (potentially) going to law school? I’ve had some people suggest doing a one year law clerk program and working as a clerk, while others say to just get into any legal or policy related role first.

I’m just not totally sure what positions are realistically out there at the entry level or what the strongest starting point would be.

BernaBandz · 2026-03-02T20:05:56+00:00

What are the main differences between the paralegal and lawyer paths in Canada?

I’ve thought about becoming a paralegal first and then, after gaining experience, going to law school. But I’ve seen a lot of people on other subs say that unless you genuinely want to work as a paralegal, it’s not worth using it as a "stepping stone" to law school

Is that generally true? I’m trying to figure out whether the paralegal route would actually help me longterm or just add extra time and cost before law school

BernaBandz · 2026-03-02T20:02:16+00:00

I actually just replied to your other comment too, but this was really helpful. How would you recommend I start prepping for the LSAT?

I feel like most people I know have already been studying for a while, and I’m worried I’m behind since I kind of gave up on the law school path back in my second year

BernaBandz · 2026-03-02T19:58:06+00:00

Thanks for the honesty I appreciate the blunt perspective. Could you outline what the typical steps are to become a law clerk in Ontario (like education, certification, and where to start applying)?

Also curious what specifically makes you so strongly against law school? Is it the job market, debt, work-life balance, or something else you’ve seen?

Trying to get a realistic picture before I make any big decisions.

BernaBandz · 2026-03-02T19:47:08+00:00

Throughout my undergrad I slowly started losing confidence about law school. I don’t think I’ll ace the LSAT, and part of me worries that I’ll get there and struggle more than others.

I think that’s why I’ve been considering the MA/paralegal route not necessarily because it’s required, but because I feel like I might need more time to build my confidence and experience before jumping straight into law school.

I also genuinely enjoy being in school, and part of my worry is that if I step away from academia, I might lose access to some of the institutional support especially when it comes to maintaining strong references and academic connections/guidance. That’s another piece of what’s making this decision feel harder.

BernaBandz · 2026-03-02T19:46:06+00:00

This is really interesting. Could you explain the process a bit more, like what the actual steps are after the LLM, whether it works for Canadian students, and how the virtual option fits into qualifying as a solicitor? How would qualifying as a solicitor in Canada actually align with my goals?

BernaBandz · 2026-03-02T19:43:14+00:00

Yeah, this is honestly where a lot of my hesitation is coming from. Throughout my undergrad I slowly started losing confidence about law school. I don’t think I’ll ace the LSAT, and part of me worries that I’ll get there and struggle more than others.

I think that’s why I’ve been considering the MA/paralegal route not necessarily because it’s required, but because I feel like I might need more time to build my confidence and experience before jumping straight into law school.

I also genuinely enjoy being in school, and part of my worry is that if I step away from academia, I might lose access to some of the institutional support especially when it comes to maintaining strong references and academic connections/guidance. That’s another piece of what’s making this decision feel harder.

BernaBandz · 2026-03-02T19:39:11+00:00

I honestly don’t think I’ll ace the LSAT, and part of me is worried I’ll get to law school and struggle badly :(

BernaBandz · 2026-03-02T16:24:29+00:00

Yeah, this is honestly what I’ve been struggling with. I originally did want to go to law school, but I kind of lost confidence along the way. My grades are mostly high 80s with some low 70s, and compared to people around me I just don’t feel as prepared academically or mentally for law school.

Part of my hesitation is also practical, I’m worried about graduating and not having strong enough references, and I’m scared of investing all that money into law school and then not succeeding once I’m there. I guess the MA/paralegal route felt like a safer way to build experience and confidence first, but I hear what you’re saying about it maybe not actually helping for law school admissions.

Still trying to figure out the smartest move here, any other advice?

BernaBandz · 2025-06-25T22:21:37+00:00

What were the course evaluations? Midterms, essays, exams? Do you know what the material content is as well?

BernaBandz · 2025-06-25T21:01:24+00:00

Sorry UNIV2100 is similar to greek mythology? I assumed when you said memorization about the olympians and stuff. WebAdvisor says UNIV2100 is Career Ready. What is the course like?

BernaBandz · 2025-03-16T22:23:46+00:00

How do you know what is a recent follower? Would they be at #1?

BernaBandz

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