Is it a smart choice to become a paralegal first, then a lawyer?

Becoming a lawyer is very tough, and people who have the opportunity to go to the Ivy League for law school are set, not the average Joe. Competition for lawyer jobs is keen and the person with experience will distinguish him/herself from the pack. I should know, I was a paralegal and became a lawyer later on myself. Check out the Bureau for Labor Statistics website for more Information on the career paths. Don't be misinformed by individuals with no clue about hard work and sacrifice.