Imagine highlighting legal cases at your kids’ football game, balancing textbooks on your lap and cheering on touchdowns over the weekend.
That’s the inspiring reality of Navpreet Dhillon, a first-generation Punjabi American, former teacher, and mother of two, who made the bold decision to pursue a legal career after starting a family. Now thriving as a second-year law student at San Joaquin College of Law (SJCL), Navpreet’s journey shows that it’s never too late to rewrite your story and that choosing law school as a second career can be deeply fulfilling and transformative.
“One of the most rewarding things about this law school journey is knowing that my kids are watching me go through this process. I love that they're seeing me work hard and seeing me push through the challenges. They're seeing me stay committed to my goals, even when things get really difficult.”
From Classroom to Courtroom: A Career Reinvented
Transitioning from teaching to law school wasn’t an impulsive decision for Navpreet. It was the result of deep reflection and a long-held dream. After years of working in education, she realized she was ready for a new challenge. “I loved working with students and families, but I knew I didn’t want to move into administration. I started thinking seriously about what else I wanted out of life and law had always been in the back of my mind.”
Navpreet recognized that many of the skills she had developed in the classroom were directly transferable to a legal career: communication, organization, advocacy, and problem-solving. “Teachers are natural advocates. If you’ve ever stood up for a student’s IEP or helped a parent navigate school policies, you’re already doing the kind of work lawyers do. Law just gives you a broader platform to create change.”
Studying for the LSAT While Teaching Full-Time
While working full-time as a teacher, Navpreet carved out time to study for the LSAT with focus and determination. “I was juggling lesson plans during the day and LSAT prep at night,” she said. She relied on online tools like 7Sage to guide her through the material and help structure her study time. This helped boost her LSAT score, exceeding what SJCL expects for admission. “It wasn’t easy, but having a routine and using the right resources made all the difference.”
Navpreet also said SJCL’s flexibility (we accept both LSAT and GRE scores) is also helpful for many students because it gives them options. “The LSAT shouldn't discourage anyone from applying. SJCL accepts either LSAT or GRE scores, so it's accommodating the different strengths and testing styles of potential students.”
A Supportive Law School Community in the Heart of the Central Valley
Going from teacher back to student life was initially challenging for Navpreet. “You lose the control you had in the classroom. You're going from the person with all the answers to being the student again,” she explained.
But Navpreet found a supportive community at SJCL with fellow working parents and second-career students, which helped alleviate her initial feelings of imposter syndrome. “Seeing others successfully navigate the same challenges gave me confidence that I could do it too,” she said.
SJCL’s unique collaborative approach—we grade to a standard, not a competitive curve—encourages camaraderie and support among our students. Our small class sizes also ensure our professors remain accessible and deeply invested in the success of their students. This close-knit environment has led to our impressive 78% Bar-pass rate and highlights how we effectively prepare our graduates for the California Bar Exam.
Essential Time Management Tips from a Law School Mom
Balancing parenthood and law school requires planning and discipline, things Navpreet prioritized early on. Here are some of her best practical tips:
- Plan ahead with family calendars: Coordinate and clearly communicate schedules clearly with your spouse, family, support system, etc.
- Prioritize activities: Utilize after-school or extracurricular activities for your children to create structured study time for yourself.
- Consistent communication: Regularly discuss and plan upcoming commitments and responsibilities to avoid surprises with your support system.
- Prioritize self-care: Set realistic expectations for yourself, give yourself grace (especially on tough days), and schedule intentional mental health breaks and self care activities.
“Procrastination isn’t an option,” Navpreet said. “Being a parent forces you to be incredibly efficient with your time. I actually find myself being more purposeful and focused than I was before law school and sometimes even more than my classmates without kids. Every minute counts, so I plan with intention so I can be fully present for my family.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
One of Navpreet’s greatest motivations as she balances law school with motherhood is the example she sets for her children. “My kids see firsthand what dedication and perseverance look like,” she said proudly. “I visualize my graduation day almost every week—me walking across the stage, my kids cheering from the audience. That moment keeps me going.”
Navpreet has also been inspired by her fellow classmates that balance law books and parenthood at SJCL. “Watching parents balance their responsibilities and goals is incredibly motivating,” she said. “When you have a dream and your kids see you push through any challenges to make it happen, it’s one of the most beautiful things.”
Representing and Supporting Her Community
During her years as a teacher, Navpreet became a trusted resource for her community and often assisted with translation, legal questions, and general advice. Now as she pursues her law degree, she’s looking forward to advocating for them even more effectively. “Even helping just one family fills me with pride, especially since my parents are immigrants,” she shared.
Representation also matters deeply to Navpreet, especially in today’s legal world: “I’m Punjabi, and there aren't many Indians, especially women, in legal roles. With today’s immigration issues, my community needs advocates more than ever. I wish I had more answers now, but knowing I can give them that meaningful support one day in the near future is incredibly fulfilling.”
She also highlights SJCL’s important role in the community as the only law school within a 100-mile radius, providing local students in Fresno and the Central Valley the chance to get their law degree without relocating. “I didn’t initially know SJCL existed here,” she admitted. “So I want more students to realize there's a great law school option right here, without having to move away or disrupt your life.”
Visualize Your Own Success at SJCL
Imagine the moment your family cheers as you cross the graduation stage, fully recognizing the dedication and sacrifices that got you there. “Walking across the stage in my cap and gown in front of my family is profoundly motivating. The confidence and pride I've gained through law school is incomparable – it’s impacted my self-worth and has truly transformed me.”
At SJCL, our supportive community and personalized approach cater to working parents and career-changers. With flexible schedules, in-person and Online JD programs, and dedicated support from experienced staff like our Admissions Director, Diane Steel, SJCL will guide you every step of the way.
If Navpreet’s journey inspires you, register now for our next Law School 101 or email Diane directly to see how SJCL can make your law school goals a reality. Your journey starts here— let us support you every step of the way.