4-year degree required. *sigh*

I see this all day, every day. Paralegal job ads that specifically state that a Bachelor's degree is required. I have 6 years of experience as a litigation paralegal and have been told countless times that I don't qualify for positions due to lack of a 4-year degree.

The kicker is that there are no 4-year paralegal degrees in my area that I'm aware of. There are some pre-law BAs, paralegal ASs and paralegal certificates. So am I essentially being told that a person with a degree in kinesiology stands a better chance of landing a paralegal job than me, despite 6 years of experience in the field? It's absurd, and offensive.

This never used to be the case, so I'm not sure when or where this trend started. When I entered the field as a file clerk I saw few ads with a 4-year educational requirement. Very few. Now it is the norm. Where does that leave the people who began as file clerks and worked their way up through the ranks with dedication and hard work, gaining actual hands-on experience? Why the industry shift?

There are so many paralegals looking for work and the paralegal certificate doesn't mean much - or rather it's not really clear what it means. Is it from an ABA approved school? Is the school legit? Is it a mail order paralegal certificate? Is it a fly by night school? A 4 year degree means something fairly consistent.

At my last job paralegals had to have 2 out of the 3 - (1) 4 year degree, (2) any law firm experience job title didn't matter, (3) paralegal cert from anywhere. They ended up with a lot of former file clerks, high school grads, who got a mail order paralegal cert because they could pay them $10/hour. Now those folks can't find jobs in other law firms. They just got lucky with a law firm who was more bottom line oriented than skill and education oriented.

Do you have plaintiff or defense experience? That's another kicker. Defense experience is better than plaintiffs side experience. Some of the clients for the defense firms require the paralegals have bachelors degrees.

I hope you find something soon.

Paralegal cert. is from UT San Antonio. Experience is defense side.

And again, what exactly DOES a 4-year degree mean to an employer if it has nothing whatsoever to do with the position they're hiring for? It's highly illogical. In my mind, if I was the hiring manager, I'd take the person with 6 years or relevant experience every single time. But apparently I'm stuck in the twilight zone.

It sounds to me like there is a black and white hiring stipulation applied across the board. By firm or company policy they prefer employees with bachelor's degrees at the minimum, and that's about as much thought as they put into it. They didn't consider that a lack of relevant 4-year degrees would leave some candidates for certain positions scratching their heads.

Who here has a 4-year paralegal degree? Who here has a bachelor's degree period?

I have one. I have a Bachelors degree from UT-Austin. It's in Journalism.

I also have a paralegal cert from an ABA approved school and graduated top of my class.

I look good on paper so when the law firm sends my resume to the client for approval to work on their cases, the client can be all impressed and say, Sure we will pay your paralegal $125/hour versus, say, $75/hour for a high school grad.

Personally, I don't think a college degree is necessary to be a paralegal. You can be literate, professional, know your place, have a general body of knowledge that helps with cases, without having a degree. It's just hard to convince people of that when they are determing what they think of you from reading your resume.

I wouldn't give up looking. It just may take longer. My friend struggled too - same reason - even though she had 20 years experience, but she finally landed a really good job. She got a judge (an attorney she used to work for) to make an introduction for her and she was hired.

Unhappy in Dallas, Texas said: [W]hat exactly DOES a 4-year degree mean to an employer if it has nothing whatsoever to do with the position they're hiring for? It's highly illogical. In my mind, if I was the hiring manager, I'd take the person with 6 years or relevant experience every single time. But apparently I'm stuck in the twilight zone.

It sounds to me like there is a black and white hiring stipulation applied across the board. By firm or company policy they prefer employees with bachelor's degrees at the minimum, and that's about as much thought as they put into it. They didn't consider that a lack of relevant 4-year degrees would leave some candidates for certain positions scratching their heads.

Who here has a 4-year paralegal degree? Who here has a bachelor's degree period?

I have a B.S.B.A. in Accounting that I earned twenty-one years before I became a paralegal. But for my degree I wouldn't have been admitted to my paralegal school. Law afforded me opportunities to finally use my accounting background. A college degree may not be necessary to do paralegal work, but, without question, my education helped me with paralegal work overall.

There is no black-and-white, across-the-board college degree hiring stipulation or other conspiracy. There is no lack of logic. The long and short of it is law firms can establish any qualifications they want for their paralegals. Plenty of firms hire paralegals, such as you, who have experience and OJT but don't have a degree.

I suspect many firms require paralegals to have degrees and paralegal certificates so they can bill them out higher. At least around here, not every firm expressly specifies a four-year degree, nor does every firm expressly specifies a paralegal certificate. I wouldn't be surprised if a degree and certificate are hidden requirements, however.

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Continued....

It has been axiomatic that educational credentials, including a degree and paralegal certificate, get you through the door for your first job. Then experience gets you subsequent jobs. I question both. I had trouble landing my next job after collecting four-plus years of experience. I couldn't land anything after collecting more than eleven years of experience total. I suspect age discrimination factored into my difficulties. Also, at least around here, the legal market has always been very competitive. It's worse now with layoffs and the recession.

Finally, no one needs a dedicated paralegal degree. Get the degree in anything and get an ABA paralegal certificate. As I wrote, above, firms only want one to have a degree.

FWIW I guess I should add I did graduate from my ABA paralegal school with honors, a 4.0 GPA and perfect attendance.

Unhappy in Dallas, Texas said: I see this all day, every day. Paralegal job ads that specifically state that a Bachelor's degree is required. I have 6 years of experience as a litigation paralegal and have been told countless times that I don't qualify for positions due to lack of a 4-year degree.

The kicker is that there are no 4-year paralegal degrees in my area that I'm aware of. There are some pre-law BAs, paralegal ASs and paralegal certificates. So am I essentially being told that a person with a degree in kinesiology stands a better chance of landing a paralegal job than me, despite 6 years of experience in the field? It's absurd, and offensive.

This never used to be the case, so I'm not sure when or where this trend started. When I entered the field as a file clerk I saw few ads with a 4-year educational requirement. Very few. Now it is the norm. Where does that leave the people who began as file clerks and worked their way up through the ranks with dedication and hard work, gaining actual hands-on experience? Why the industry shift?

Why not start by doing the AAS Degree, and figure it out as you go along. You would be surprised that your 7 years experience will commensurate the other 2 years. Good luck.

I agree with Foxylee. I earned my BA in college and then began work as a paralegal. I then enrolled in a paralegal school and got hired by a new firm before receiving my A.A.S. I got my degree with honors while on the job, then stayed with that firm for 10 more years. Sometimes, an employer just wants to see that you were diligent and dedicated enough to receive a degree, and then it is your experience that gets you raises and/or a higher paying job. After 12 years in the field, I am now overqualified for many paralegal jobs, but there are still many employers looking for "Senior" paralegals. I was shocked when I was turned down for an interview, since a firm insisted on a minimum of 15 years experience! The bottom line is: more than a certificate, a degree gets you through the door, and perhaps more importantly, gets you respect from the get-go.

Except in Florida.

I agree with Jeff's comments and his last sentence in particular. One can beef all day about hiring requirements being unfair, but it boils down to this: as long as they aren't discriminatory companies can set any hiring requirements they want.

Education is one of the few quals one can control. So if you want to work for law firms that require four-year degrees, get one. You could apply anyway - the moment could be right and you could find yourself in the right place at the right time - but don't be surprised if you aren't called.

A paralegal opening that requires fifteen years of experience? That's a good one. I've more than eleven years in multiple specialties and it's been suggested I am overqualified.

A high school diploma used to mean something, but with the general public education system in disarray these days, it's practically worthless. Employers consider a 4 yr. degree to mean that an individual has a certain minimum of English, reading, comprehension, and communication skills, as well as the ability to finish what one has started. It's a minimum bench mark for a reason. I know some attorneys who still have the attitude that as long as a candidate has the basic raw skills, as evidenced by a 4 yr degree, they can teach them all the legal stuff.

There is more of push for 4 yr. paralegal degrees now, due to the growth and influence of the AAfPE and paralegal educators in general. In addition to the basics mentioned above, these programs consist of basic over view courses in various areas of law, so an employee is familiar with terminology, basic civil procedure, basic legal research and writing and requires less time to train. A 4yr. paralegal degree used to make an experienced paralegal more competitive, it's now become a minimum requirement for many firms.... thus the push for advanced credentials like NALA's CLA/CP and ACP certifications and the various graduate paralegal/legal studies programs that are flourishing. While the field isn't absolutely closed to those without 4 yr. degrees, it is becoming more narrowed. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em and get that degree!

Jane Do Girl in Milton, Florida said: While the field isn't absolutely closed to those without 4 yr. degrees, it is becoming more narrowed. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em and get that degree!

That's really the point. Good post.

I can't imagine getting a 4 year degree in paralegal studies. Get the degree in some other field and then get a paralegal certificate.

I agree with Carrollton, Texas. Why limit yourself. It goes with the person getting a Bachelor's in Paralegal (for whatever reason) - best to use those extra credits towards something meaningful (education credits).

THE ONLY REASON firm are requiring four-year degrees is because they are too many qualified person applying for too few jobs. The easiest way to "narrow down the pool" is to add more requirements. A Bachelor's Degree is an easy route to go. It also does help to limit "uppidity paralegals with limited education" keep their "head out of the sky". I have worked with more than one "paralegal" who had nothing more than a high school education, and she thought she was totally superior to the secretaries or other staff around her, simply because she had the title "paralegal" and had an office. A Bachelor's Degree tends to keep paralegals more "in balance" with that feeling of superiority.

Mary in Tampa, Florida said: THE ONLY REASON firm are requiring four-year degrees is because they are too many qualified person applying for too few jobs.

That may be one reason. I think another reason is firms, and especially the big, uppity ones, can bill out degreed paralegals higher.

Mary in Tampa, Florida said: A Bachelor's Degree...also does help to limit "uppidity paralegals with limited education" keep their "head out of the sky". I have worked with more than one "paralegal" who had nothing more than a high school education, and she thought she was totally superior to the secretaries or other staff around her, simply because she had the title "paralegal" and had an office. A Bachelor's Degree tends to keep paralegals more "in balance" with that feeling of superiority.

Depends on the individual, but I would agree. Moreover, some individuals who've risen through the ranks resent paralegals with degrees and certificates. I think it goes to entitlement and self esteem. Once more, it depends on the individual.

This issue is really very simple. If firms require a college degree and you want to work at those firms, get a degree. Make sure your college is properly accredited or your degree will be worthless.

Mary in Tampa, Florida said: I agree with Carrollton, Texas. Why limit yourself. It goes with the person getting a Bachelor's in Paralegal (for whatever reason) - best to use those extra credits towards something meaningful (education credits).

THE ONLY REASON firm are requiring four-year degrees is because they are too many qualified person applying for too few jobs. The easiest way to "narrow down the pool" is to add more requirements. A Bachelor's Degree is an easy route to go. It also does help to limit "uppidity paralegals with limited education" keep their "head out of the sky". I have worked with more than one "paralegal" who had nothing more than a high school education, and she thought she was totally superior to the secretaries or other staff around her, simply because she had the title "paralegal" and had an office. A Bachelor's Degree tends to keep paralegals more "in balance" with that feeling of superiority.

I really don't know what your last sentence means. In my twenty years working as a paralegal I have never been able to connect a "superior" attitude with paralegals who have "limited education." I believe it is more a character/personality flaw, and I have seen it exhibited in very well educated people - especially some attorneys!

Working Paralegal in Austin, Texas said: I really don't know what your last sentence means. In my twenty years working as a paralegal I have never been able to connect a "superior" attitude with paralegals who have "limited education." I believe it is more a character/personality flaw, and I have seen it exhibited in very well educated people - especially some attorneys!

THis is my take: Most people feel somewhat "inferior" to those with the 4-year college education. Period.

Some paralegals are uppity by nature- because they have the title "paralegal" (with a 4-yr degree or not). It is a personality trait/flaw of that individual.

AS for me, my degree is from a prestigious private university, Boston University. No paralegal is going to effect my self-esteem, becasue I went to a "prestigious" college- I already know I am ahead of the pack. I do not feel the need to prove my superiority. I am intellegent, bright, and graduated from a "named" college.

I only need to prove to my boss that I am a capable employee.

Frankly- the "uppity" co-workers are just a pain to work with.

I find that yes, there are some "uppity" people in the legal field. But it is not because they have the title "paralegal" - they would be that way if they were in any field. There are "uppity" receptionists, there are "uppity" sales clerks, etc. I guess what I don't like to see is one paralegal vs. another, and deciding that one is "less than" because of education, or someone is "better than" because of education. Aren't we all equal as individuals in the end? And I'm not sure why anyone would need to prove their superiority to anyone. However, I guess some people feel the need to do that, even those such as attorneys.

kmm in Wilmington, Delaware said: Some paralegals are uppity by nature- because they have the title "paralegal" (with a 4-yr degree or not). It is a personality trait/flaw of that individual.

Yeah. Especially some of the ones in uppity firms. Some of those individuals are the ones encountered at paralegal association meetings and/or those who push for paralegal licensing.

kmm in Wilmington, Delaware said: AS for me, my degree is from a prestigious private university, Boston University. No paralegal is going to effect my self-esteem, becasue I went to a "prestigious" college- I already know I am ahead of the pack. I do not feel the need to prove my superiority. I am intellegent, bright, and graduated from a "named" college.

I didn't go to a "named" college. It doesn't affect my self-esteem. Not in the least. I'm grateful enough that I received a college education.

kmm in Wilmington, Delaware said: I only need to prove to my boss that I am a capable employee.

Because the boss is the ultimate judge of one's knowledge, skills and abilities.

kmm in Wilmington, Delaware said: Frankly- the "uppity" co-workers are just a pain to work with.

They are. Indeed (as it were).

Working Paralegal in Austin Texas in Austin, Texas said: I find that yes, there are some "uppity" people in the legal field. But it is not because they have the title "paralegal" - they would be that way if they were in any field. There are "uppity" receptionists, there are "uppity" sales clerks, etc. I guess what I don't like to see is one paralegal vs. another, and deciding that one is "less than" because of education, or someone is "better than" because of education. Aren't we all equal as individuals in the end? And I'm not sure why anyone would need to prove their superiority to anyone. However, I guess some people feel the need to do that, even those such as attorneys.

Because people are people, and everyone has different personalities. Some feel they have to prove their superiority- it is a personality trait or flaw or both.

When we are in the workplace, (1) please the boss, (2) get along with the co-workers. Period.

"Aren't we all equal as individuals in the end?"

Actually, no. Some are better employees and better paralegals than others because they care more about their work, produce better work product, take the initiative to continue to educate themselves about the profession and the areas of law they are working in, and generally are more resourceful, knowledgeable, and helpful than others.

A college degree, whether from a 'named' university or not, does not guarantee those qualities. There are many who carry degrees who feel that credential alone should prove their worth. It doesn't, it just means one is capable of earning a college degree. Earning a degree and being a good employee/paralegal are 2 different things. No matter the education credential, you still have to prove your worth.

The idea that one is as good as the next just 'because' is what leads us down the path to mediocrity and disintegration.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: Some are better employees and better paralegals than others because they care more about their work, produce better work product, take the initiative to continue to educate themselves about the profession and the areas of law they are working in, and generally are more resourceful, knowledgeable, and helpful than others.

You forget work ethic, Jane. Among other things, a good employee is a good worker, professional and loyal. Law requires a superior work ethic. Sometimes that work ethic comes at great personal sacrifice. However, more often than not, so many attorneys neither recognize nor appreciate that sacrifice and work ethic. They only want their work slapped on their desks. Otherwise, they just don't give a damn.

A good employee puts in the hours. A good employee serves his/her boss. A good employee does whatever is necessary, even at personal sacrifice, to produce the work, accurately and on time.

On a Monday my attorney and I had a disagreement. On Tuesday my wife had to go to the ER. I couldn't take her. I thought I better stay at work lest I suffer backlash from the previous day's disagreement. So my elderly mother took her. My wife was admitted to the hospital.

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Continued...

My wife was discharged the next day. As she was being discharged, I got sick. I had the same illness several times before and it would pass in a couple of days. I couldn't stay out. I had to work because the attorney was leaving town the next Friday. He liked to finish a month's worth of work in a week and clear his desk before going on vacation. I had planned to work all weekend to keep up.

I was sick but I worked Thursday. Friday morning came and I still was sick. I hauled my sorry sick ass out of bed and into the shower. I passed out twice in the shower. My wife, who still was sick, somehow pulled me out of the shower and called 911. I landed in the hospital. I was there for two and a half days.

I stayed home on Monday and Tuesday. I returned on Wednesday and worked twelve hours straight. On Thursday I worked eighteen hours straight. My day ended at about 11:30 p.m. with me hauling a big box of docs something like fifteen miles to the 24-hour post office. They had to be mailed that day to meet a deadline or else.

I thought the attorney and I worked well together that day (we actually always worked well together). I thought we eradicated the disagreement we had that day. I was wrong.

A coworker told me she would have stayed home. Not to sound sanctimonious, but I was raised with a different work ethic. Ill or not, I would always haul my butt to the office and work if I could. The attorney gratuitously gave me an extra personal day for my efforts. He never called me at the hospital or at home during my illness.

I agree with you, Jane, that one must prove his/her worth, no matter how many college degrees one has collected.

I didn't forget work ethic, I figured that was implied in 'care more about their work' and the rest of what I said. You do like to nit pick if things aren't stated as you think they should be.

You were unclear about work ethic, Jane.

Somehow, Jane, from "monitoring" your posts during the past year I gather your legal career has been nothing but smooth sailing. Once again, that's great if it has. But please consider that some people, no matter if they:

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: ....care more about their work, produce better work product, take the initiative to continue to educate themselves about the profession and the areas of law they are working in, and generally are more resourceful, knowledgeable, and helpful than others.

....still deal with abusive work environments, and unreasonable and ungrateful attorneys. In other words, they don't have legal careers that haven't been as smooth as yours or otherwise comport with your example. I submit such people and such careers are far more common that you may know, believe, or have experienced.

In other words, they haven't had legal careers as smooth as yours or have otherwise comported with your example or ideal.

(corrected)

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: "Aren't we all equal as individuals in the end?"

...Earning a degree and being a good employee/paralegal are 2 different things. No matter the education credential, you still have to prove your worth.

The idea that one is as good as the next just 'because' is what leads us down the path to mediocrity and disintegration.

Well Jane - I think that a paralegal who has been on the job for 3 months, and now knows the job well, as in very well, and is not having documents returned by attorney for mistakes, knows what he/she is doing. If you can do the job with no "incompetent" problems coming from the boss, then you have proved yourself to be a good employee, a worthy employee. BUT- that just is not good enough for some attorneys.

And taking more paralegal courses, or being a a participating memeber in a paralegal association, is not going to help you with a boss who is never going to be satisfied - and said boss is just going to pour on the pressure for more, more, more.

Working Paralegal in Austin Texas in Austin, Texas said: ..... I guess what I don't like to see is one paralegal vs. another, and deciding that one is "less than" because of education, or someone is "better than" because of education. Aren't we all equal as individuals in the end? And I'm not sure why anyone would need to prove their superiority to anyone. However, I guess some people feel the need to do that, even those such as attorneys.

I agree with the paralegal vs paralegal comment. At one small firm I worked, the other paralegal only had a 4 year degree. He had picked up on the job very well. I give him high 5's. However, he would try to give me (4 yr degee +para cert + 8 yrs experience) a hard time whenever he could. I just ignored it for the most part.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Continued...

My wife was discharged the next day. As she was being discharged, I got sick. I had the same illness several times before and it would pass in a couple of days. I couldn't stay out. I had to work because the attorney was leaving town the next Friday. He liked to finish a month's worth of work in a week and clear his desk before going on vacation. I had planned to work all weekend to keep up.

I was sick but I worked Thursday. Friday morning came and I still was sick. I hauled my sorry sick ass out of bed and into the shower. I passed out twice in the shower. My wife, who still was sick, somehow pulled me out of the shower and called 911. I landed in the hospital. I was there for two and a half days.

I stayed home on Monday and Tuesday. I returned on Wednesday and worked twelve hours straight. On Thursday I worked eighteen hours straight. My day ended at about 11:30 p.m. with me hauling a big box of docs something like fifteen miles to the 24-hour post office. They had to be mailed that day to meet a deadline or else.

I thought the attorney and I worked well together that day (we actually always worked well together). I thought we eradicated the disagreement we had that day. I was wrong.

A coworker told me she would have stayed home. Not to sound sanctimonious, but I was raised with a different work ethic. Ill or not, I would always haul my butt to the office and work if I could. The attorney gratuitously gave me an extra personal day for my efforts. He never called me at the hospital or at home during my illness.

I agree with you, Jane, that one must prove his/her worth, no matter how many college degrees one has collected.

WOW- and then he terminates your employment eventually.

SOme boses - in any field- are just ungrateful as heck for a dependable, reliable employee who get the work done right and does not make waves.

I RESENT the bosses who treatd me badly, and stressed me out to no end- for no good reason or purpose, other than that they could.

Because- ultimately- all bosses control our futures to a huge extent- as they control the paycheck.

FOr any Paralegal who has had smooth sailing, with only the normal ups and downs of the work world, or a rough week on a deadline- you are the lucky ones. Enjoy.

ANd that does not make you a better paralegal than the rest of us. We were and are good employee(s), with all the word "good" implies.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: I didn't forget work ethic, I figured that was implied in 'care more about their work' and the rest of what I said. You do like to nit pick if things aren't stated as you think they should be.

Actually, you come across that your participating membership in the Paralegal Association, and taking your continuing education courses somehow makes you a better paralegal than others.

You are not. You have been fortunate in your jobs.

IF there is no monetary benefit to being involved with paralegal assocation or taking more courses- I sure am not going to do it. I have better things to do with my life than extra-curricular para activties.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: I didn't forget work ethic, I figured that was implied in 'care more about their work' and the rest of what I said. You do like to nit pick if things aren't stated as you think they should be.

What- do we have to file a Motion for Clarificaton? Para(s) are trained to be specific. (sarcasm added) (not trying to offend)

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Yeah. Especially some of the ones in uppity firms. Some of those individuals are the ones encountered at paralegal association meetings and/or those who push for paralegal licensing. I didn't go to a "named" college. It doesn't affect my self-esteem. Not in the least. I'm grateful enough that I received a college education. Because the boss is the ultimate judge of one's knowledge, skills and abilities. They are. Indeed (as it were).

Indeed, this is excellent commentary. I concur.

kmm in Wilmington, Delaware said: I RESENT the bosses who treatd me badly, and stressed me out to no end- for no good reason or purpose, other than that they could.

Because- ultimately- all bosses control our futures to a huge extent- as they control the paycheck.

FOr any Paralegal who has had smooth sailing, with only the normal ups and downs of the work world, or a rough week on a deadline- you are the lucky ones. Enjoy.

ANd that does not make you a better paralegal than the rest of us. We were and are good employee(s), with all the word "good" implies.

oops- yeah I see the typos. I bad.

kmm in Wilmington, Delaware said: WOW- and then he terminates your employment eventually.

...two years later.

My wife called that individual on the Sunday morning while I was still in the hospital. She reached him in the office. She said that individual was rude to her. That individual had no right to be rude to her. That individual did not ask how I was feeling. I had been working for that individual for more than five years, so we weren't exactly strangers.

I submit, again, that more lawyers than not are just like that individual. Chances are good one will end up working for such individual(s) - and, no, one cannot simply walk out if one needs the job. Toiling for such lawyers overcomes any so-called positive attitude, love for law and love for paralegal.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: ...two years later.

My wife called that individual on the Sunday morning while I was still in the hospital. She reached him in the office. She said that individual was rude to her. That individual had no right to be rude to her. That individual did not ask how I was feeling. I had been working for that individual for more than five years, so we weren't exactly strangers.

I submit, again, that more lawyers than not are just like that individual. Chances are good one will end up working for such individual(s) - and, no, one cannot simply walk out if one needs the job. Toiling for such lawyers overcomes any so-called positive attitude, love for law and love for paralegal.

ONce someone has experienced working for such outrageously thankless attorneys - and they are out there- your love of law and the specifics of the job itself that you liked so much- will not be enough, and it will be washed away by the never ending waves of stress.

Two more semesters and I will be receiving my BA in Paralegal studies from a ABA approved college. I am finding it offensive that people do not think that it is required to have this degree to get a job in our field when many employers require it. Most federal jobs demand a BA degree and with a BA degree in this field the doors open up to a wide range of opportunities. Don't always rely on your experience in our economy any longer because employers are looking for people with degrees in there hands!

paralegal123 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania said: I am finding it offensive that people do not think that it is required to have this degree to get a job in our field when many employers require it.....

That's really the point. One shorts oneself of opportunities without the proper credentials. No amount of whining about not having a degree and/or selling experience will work if the employer **requires** the degree.

"I am finding it offensive that people do not think that it is required to have this degree to get a job in our field when many employers require it."

The degree teaches a lot of theoretical knowledge, minimal practical knowledge. You'll find once you get your first paralegal job, that your schooling didn't teach you *how* to be a paralegal, *how* to work in law. The complaints you're likely to hear come from veteran paralegals who started as file clerks or secretaries, learned everything hands on and worked their way up. I have immense respect for those paralegals because they did learn things the hard day; they have experience that we can only begin to wish to have.

And, for the record, it is *not* required to have a degree to be a paralegal. California is the only state that has mandatory requirements to work as a paralegal. The only 'requirements' are those self-imposed by individual employers. Many employers do require degrees, but not all, I wouldn't even say most. And I still maintain that the seasoned paralegal with a ton of work experience will win out over the newbie paralegal with a degree. Employers value experience above all else.

There is nothing I do in my paralegal job that requires having a college degree. I have one, but it serves no use in my job.

On the other hand, as I wrote, above, but for my degree I could not have been admitted to paralegal school and, eventually, hired. I've used much of the knowledge I gained in college in paralegal work. The education helped me in other ways. I certainly benefited from college when I joined the legal industry.

A pre law can and usually is the required BA degree needed in the law firm to be a paralegal, but you also need the required certifcate

County Research in Stockton, California said: A pre law can and usually is the required BA degree needed in the law firm to be a paralegal, but you also need the required certifcate

Absolutely incorrect about the degree. Any four-year degree is acceptable. I have a B.S.B.A. in Accounting. I worked in the industry for more than eleven years. My paralegal certificate got me through the door.

One more point. Just look at job ads and postings. Ads and postings which specify a degree will only state a degree is required. I've been reading paralegal job ads for fifteen years. I've never seen ONE that required a specific major.

My employees with 4 year degrees are my best employees. They have the comprehension and critical thinking skills I need. They have already proven they can follow direction, and complete a task. I don't care what their degree is in.

As an employer with no college degree in Union City, California said: My employees with 4 year degrees are my best employees. They have the comprehension and critical thinking skills I need. They have already proven they can follow direction, and complete a task. I don't care what their degree is in.

What field are you in? Do you want to reveal where you work?

thankyou