| Aspect | Law School Graduate | Paralegal |
|---|
| Required Credentials | Juris Doctor (JD) or equivalent | Associate's degree or paralegal certificate |
| Work Environment | Law firms, courts, corporate legal departments | Law firms, legal departments, government agencies |
| Industry Usage | Legal profession, aspiring attorneys | Legal support, assisting attorneys |
Law School Graduates have completed a JD and are qualified to sit for the bar exam, aiming to become licensed attorneys. Paralegals assist attorneys with legal tasks but do not require a JD or bar exam. While both roles work within the legal industry, Law School Graduates are on the path to becoming licensed lawyers, whereas Paralegals support legal work without practicing law.