Paralegal

I'm not a lawyer or paralegal, but I own a Legal services company and manage firms and their staff in the Mortgage loan resolution area of practice (foreclosure prevention, litigation, short sale escalation, etc.). Our market is booming and we are always in need of entry-level paralegals who are skilled in business backgrounds too (specifically bilingual). (Granted, I'm in Texas...). I looked at getting my law degree and Paralegal Cert at one time, but I couldn't justify the time and expense of Law School, and I just never got around to the Paralegal because business took off. I think it is a great thing to pursue if you are interested in the Law and a very organized, detail oriented person. I'd also advise you to stick to the same kind of law in which you may already have a background in from prior work experience.

Hope this helps,
C.

I am an attorney turned stay-at-home mom married to an attorney. I would look into the job market for legal assistants in your area first. Some areas and some law firms have been hit really hard by the economy. It's a very detailed-oriented job. Are you good with organization and details? You should also look into the type of legal assistant you would like to be. For example, the transactional areas of law (bonds, corporate, real estate) have generally been hit harder than litigation areas. Some areas are booming (bankruptcy).

I was a paralegal for about 15 years before giving it up to be a SAHM. That was 7-years ago. I had a love-hate relationship going on with my chosen profession. I loved the type of work I was doing (litigation) and trial prep is a great for someone who is an adreneline junkie like I was at the time. The money wasn't great when I first started out but got to a heck of a lot better as I got more experience under my belt and changed from one firm to another.

I did enjoy working with everyone that I worked with and have a long standing friendships as a result. There's some really great attorneys out there that can be really good at giving direction, being realistic with the assignments that they give you and the deadline for getting it done. More often than not though, you will end up working with an attorney that seems to speak in cryptic code and it is up to you to decipher it and get the job done. If you are someone who is a self-starter, feels comfortable asking questions, and has the ability to read people and anticipate their needs, you will probably do very well.

Hope this answers all of your questions. If you would like to ask me anything else, feel free to PM me.

I have a paralegal certificate (probably from the great school you mentioned), and received honors, top grades and headed out into the world. It has been three years and I did not get a paralegal job. I was told I do not have enough experience often enough that I hung onto my school jobs. I also work with a person who got a job (at my school this year) coincedently, (I did not know her before that) who also went to the possibly same school you will go to and she has also been out for a little less than me. And she has top grades. I was very disappointed. I worked in the day, had a husband, family and took classes at night, driving through snow and bad weather at times to achieve this. But no luck. The law is ever changing, I haven't totally given it up yet, but want to go back for more classes if I thought thatwould help. Perhaps you have a connection, or something that would get you a job afterward, then yes, go for it. I myself have explored other possibilities while I pay off that schooling. I thought perhaps I was too old, too short, too fat, too skinny, whatever. Bad personality? Who knows, but myself and my friend (and sadly about four others I keep in touch with) do not have jobs in the legal field.I keep seeing career advertisements recommending that these jobs are highly sought after and are high paying, so maybe I just struck out so far. So... What if you try to get a job in the legal field without spending a lot of money on certification and then follow up if need be? See if you like it. Good luck!

I received my associates degree in paralegal studies and worked for a law firm and for the corporate office of Best Buy in their legal department up until I got pregnant with my first and my husband took a job in a different state. From my experience I would not go back. I never had any set hours and with a family I would like to have a job that has set hours. It is a very demanding job and can be very stressful at times. I would definitely get your degree as I would think most companies especially with the times the way they are today are looking for someone with a degree. Good Luck!

I have an associates degree in Paralegal studies and 10 years of experience.

I do not have my Paralegal certificate because at the time majority of law firms didn't require one as long as you had the education. Times have changed and more firms require a bachelor's degree and certification.

If the program you are talking about is an online program or one of those fast accredited schools, don't waste your money. I was someone who reviewed and sorted resumes and was instructed to toss anyone who obtained their degree or certificate online. I've heard that from many places.

I do love my profession. I made the choice to work in real estate development, I hope to stay in this area. Sadly it's been hit hard due to the economy so I've been thinking making a switch.

The pay can be extremely good but it may take awhile (5 years) to get to that higher pay bracket. I now make what an entry level attorney would make.