What do you know about paralegals?

Question

Anyone know any pros and cons to this profession?? I've always been interested in this career but i don't know very much about it...whats the pay like for a starting person...aslo it's a huge career jump...i'm a cosmetologist right now but i know doing hair for a living isn't a forever job...because lets be real...BESIDES barbers i've never seen a 60 year old stylist lol so what do you have for me :)

Answer 1

The opportunities for a paralegal really depends on the specialty. The most in demand paralegals are those in the litigation field; followed by corporate paralegals who are responsible for maintaining corporate records, articles of incorporation, etc. While the "least" markeable [but the "highest" paid] paralegals are in the field of intellectual property [i.e., patents, trademarks] and immigration law. In conclusion, choose your paralegal courses accordingly, with emphasis on litigation preparation [discovery], docketing/calendaring of incoming pleadings [calendaring] and trial preparation [creating Exhibit tabs, Bajii jury instructions, etc.]. The "pro" side of a litigation paralegal is often "unlimited" overtime which can amount to a high salary range of $65,000 to $75,000 per year, while the "downside," being constantly pressured to meet a monthly client billable quota. And failing to meet that quota, often results in the paralegal's overnight dismissal. It's not a pretty picture. I just want to lay out what really happens in the real world of litigators and their relationship with subordinate paralegals.

Good luck!

Answer 2

vicseo is right, also the deadlines and documents you have to create is pretty heavy. Calendaring is probably the hardest thing because you have to keep track of everything that needs to be done because one missed hearing or document can cause you to be terminated. It's all about organization. It's even harder if your attorney is, well, a harda--. The demands can get stressful. The upside is money and if you really are interested in law they you'll like the enviornment.