Paralegals with a associate degree finding a job!?

Question

I am thinking of getting my associates in paralegal studies , If you had no experience working in a law office was it really hard for you to get a job? did you have to start off first as a legal secretary and then move your way up? any advice well truly help thanks!

Answer 1

I am in a paralegal program now-I just started this week. I have a BA, so I will be getting my certificate. Most of the people in my classes will be working on their Associate degrees, as my school offers both programs.

I did a lot of research on this field before I made the choice to go to school. I truly believe you have to have experience above anything else. There are quite a few people in my class already working in law firms.

I have spoken to my professor about this, and she said that yes, it is important. She did not elaborate, but I can tell she knows that is an issue we will be facing after graduation. She suggested I do what I have been doing-applying for entry-level jobs in law firms. I have had a few interviews, but they did not work out for different reasons. My prof told me if I cannot find a job in a law firm, that I should work in a job that allows a lot of contact with people, as well as any of the other skills related to being a paralegal.

There is a difference between a legal secretary and a paralegal, but if you are in a smaller firm, there is a chance these jobs will intersect, and you will have to do the duties of both.

I think that the only way you will get hired as a para right out of school is if it is in a very small firm. Or maybe if you are in a state where they desperately need paras. Most of the ads I see here want at least 2 years of experience. I know this, and I am hoping I can get that experience in some way. My school requires an internship, and there are people who have been hired by the places where they interned.

I had to laugh the other night because some of my classmates think they are going to come right out of school and make huge salaries. NO WAY. That I know for sure. You have to put in your time and the better-paying jobs will come eventually.

I think it is a great career choice. If you choose to go, make sure you go to an ABA-approved school. That is pretty important. I am enrolled in a community college that is approved. I had the choice of several schools and this was the only one in my area that is approved. We have people in my class driving a bit of a distance to go to this school.

I wish you luck!

Answer 2

criminal law firm is where the need is...big bucks if you know what your doing