Best Way To Break In?

Hello everybody,

I'm a recent university graduate seeking to become career paralegal. If you had to give a complete newb one piece of advice pertaining to getting your foot in the door, what would it be?

I should also mention that I do not have any experience in the way of internships, nor is my major actually IN paralegal studies (Political Science). I would not be adverse to starting as a legal secretary just to start out.

Thanks,

I worked in the legal industry for more than eleven years. It's a tough industry, in which one must suffer tough people. Lawyers are some of the most difficult people one can work for. A few are okay, but a significant number of them are borderline personalities. They are demanding while being ungrateful. They are hard to please. They can be abrupt, acerbic and just plain rude to their assistants. The stress is unbelievable and the hours one works are unreal. Accordingly, my one piece of advice is to choose another vocation.

In the meantime, if you're still hell-bent on becoming a paralegal, find a paralegal school that offers an American Bar Association-approved program. An ABA paralegal certificate is the highest grade paralegal certificate obtainable. An ABA certificate will leave no doubt as to your schooling.

Your degree and an ABA paralegal certificate would be ample qualifications to seek entry work. But consider that entry paralegal jobs are few and far between, and firms have laid off staff because of the recession. Along with other entry paralegals you would compete with experienced paralegals who are vying for the few openings available.

Finally, don't consider starting out as a legal secretary. You could be hired as a legal secretary, but you may well suffer perception problems if you try to advance to paralegal. Of course you would do a great job and, by rights, merit consideration for a paralegal job. But you would be perceived as a legal secretary and not as a possible paralegal. Going for less than the job you want is bad psychology.

Although legal secretaries in some firms perform paralegal work and have paralegal responsibilities, they are still - legal secretaries. If you are considered and hired for a paralegal job, you won't receive advanced placement, as it were, for your secretarial experience. You would still be regarded as an entry paralegal. You might even have to take a pay cut.

See if you can get a receptionist of file clerk gig. Maybe get an ABA approved paralegal certificate. Network with friends who might be able to hook you up with attorneys.

I don't think you will be able to start as a legal secretary or paralegal, unless it's a little bitty office and you are the receptionist AND secretary AND paralegal.

There are just so few legal support jobs now, but you are in luck in that you are entry level and are probably willing to take an $8/hour job just to get into the field.

Those of us with experience expecting $20-30/hour are out of luck. Not many of these types of jobs available now.

My first job was in a sole-practioner law office. It was the best experience. Pay was $11/hour - no benefits.

Great job. No stress really. AFter that, the jobs were stressful- some more than others.

P.S. - The position referenced above was advertised in the local newspaper. (not the legal newspaper)

While looking for a job, I suggest using the unemployment resource center. Why? copying and faxes are ***free***. Additionally, they pay for the postage and get your mail out daily.

The Cover Letter- this is a copy/past from a recent article:

News reporters know ****most people only read three paragraphs, so they lead with the most important information.
You should, too. ***

Start with a relevant professional accomplishment, said Sherry Mirshahi, a resume writer and interview consultant with Interview Roadmap.

"The accomplishment should be aligned with at least one of the qualifications the employer seeks," she said. "This encourages the reader to continue reading and automatically positions you as an expert."

Keep It Employer-Focused AND

Talk about how the job fits your goals in the interview. Use the cover letter to show how you can help the employer meet her goals, said Alison Farrin, hiring manager and owner of Innovative Pension.

Make sure your cover letter shows that:

You've looked at the company website and know what they do.
You can help cut costs or increase profits. N/A

****You have something that makes you special and will make the company special.***

Point, draft a good cover letter for your resume.

Kmn,

I am also considering a career change as a paralegal. My previous
background was in customer service and relationship management. What is your take? Is it really worth it?

stevbo in New Castle, Delaware said: I am also considering a career change as a paralegal. My previous background was in customer service and relationship management. What is your take? Is it really worth it?

No, it really isn't worth it.

I worked in law for more than eleven years. Law is a tough industry. Your customer service and relationship management will help you with clients, but your supervisors will be lawyers. Lawyers are among the most difficult, most confrontational, ungracious and ungrateful people walking the earth. Your people skills probably won't be enough to overcome these individuals.

You'll work long hours and long days, including some weekends and holidays. You'll be stressed. You'll will have many critical deadlines to meet. At times you'll be expected to pull rabbits out of your hat. Unfortunately, Principles of Magic is not in the paralegal school syllabus.

Finally, paralegal jobs are hard to get. You would be an entry level paralegal competing for the rare and few entry paralegal jobs. Not only will you compete with other new paralegals, you'll compete with excellent, experienced people law firms have shed because of the recession.

No! Not worth it!! Next to impossible to find the first job with no experience.

There are 20 experienced applicants for every open job right now.

Major layoffs at the bigger firms have put a lot of legal support people out there searching for a new job. Firms know this and have lowered salaries because they can.

I respectfully disagree with DLP. My legal career began with a BA in Poli. Sci., 5.5 years of customer service/operator work experience, and a 2-attorney firm that hired me as a Legal Secretary. It became readily apparent that I would not remain a secretary forever as my initiative and thirst for knowledge saw me taking on more tasks and responsibilities. Within 6 months I was drafting full estate planning packages, real estate documents, and handling minor discovery. I eventually went back to school and earned by Paralegal BA, which I completed after being at that firm 5 years. 3 months after getting my Paralegal BA, I took a job as a litigation paralegal at one of the larger and most prestigious firms in town. I soon realized the value of the mentoring and training I received in my 5 years at the solo firm and became a valuable member of our litigation dept. I am now the senior paralegal here, working on my Paralegal Masters' degree, and serve as an officer on the board of the local paralegal association.

DLP's comments are simply his viewpoint... they do not apply to all people, all the time, in all situations. The Paralegal profession is what you make it; if you're willing to put in the time, effort, hard work, and personal dedication both in and outside the office.

Best of Luck!

My "viewpoints" are based on stark, harsh reality, Jane.

I've set forth reality in my post, above, but I'll explain it once more. Law is a tough industry. It is tough to break into. Getting the first paralegal job is tough. Jane has recommended starting as a legal secretary. I submit legal secretary is no guaranteed pathway to paralegal. The film industry has a word for that: typecast.

The hours are tough. The workload is tough. The environment grinds you. Some attorneys are okay, but most of the ones I've met are tough. They expect everything of you, which is fine; that's why you're there. But they rarely say two words: "thank" and "you."

Finally, Jane, the paralegal profession is not what you make it. It is what it makes you. One can put in all the time, effort, hard work and dedication. No one was more conscientious and dedicated to work than me. It got me nowhere. That is reality, Jane. Believe it.

DLP,

Your viewpoints are YOUR reality, nothing more. I know many other paralegals who have different experiences/stories; your reality does not invalidate the reality of their experiences/stories in which they have thriving, successful, happy legal careers with attorney-bosses that are not abusive and actually value and appreciate their work and show it.

I've been monitoring these forums for over a year now and it seems that the regulars are mostly a minor few that have had bad experiences for various reasons and congregate here to do nothing but whine, complain, and trash the profession as a whole. Like any profession, the legal field does have its good and bad, but it is NOT all bad as you and others here would have one believe.

Further, I know more paralegals that began as secretaries and worked their way up, than I do those who got a degree first and then broke into the field. The Paralegal profession grew out of the legal secretaries... as secretaries became more experienced and took on more substantive work, they began to organize and develop paralegal education programs and the various certification programs. The advent of degreed entry-level paralegals is still relatively new in the paralegal profession, and quite frankly, there are still enough 'old school' attorneys who look at overall law firm experience more than they do a degree. The prospective candidate with law firm work experience and a degree in any field will more likely win out over the candidate with a 2 or 4 year paralegal degree and no experience.

Lastly, there is something to be said for starting out at the bottom and working your way up; the most successful people have taken this path. I know a lot of prima donas who have the attitude of anything less than 'paralegal' is beneath them, and they certainly haven't gotten very far.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: Your viewpoints are YOUR reality, nothing more.

Not true, Jane. Others here have experienced similar realities - some worse than mine. And they haven't been shy about expressing them.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: I know many other paralegals who have different experiences/stories; your reality does not invalidate the reality of their experiences/stories in which they have thriving, successful, happy legal careers with attorney-bosses that are not abusive and actually value and appreciate their work and show it.

Besides you, then, where are they? Why don't they post? These are open discussions. All viewpoints are welcome, and wanted.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: I've been monitoring these forums for over a year now and it seems that the regulars are mostly a minor few that have had bad experiences for various reasons and congregate here to do nothing but whine, complain, and trash the profession as a whole.

Once again, Jane, open discussions. But there is one thing I've found interesting about you, Jane. Aside from posting your legal secretary-to-paralegal story, which is positive, you refer posters to your legal assistant listserve. Except for your advancement, you never offer personal stories. Others, including me, have. I submit real, concrete experiences carry more weight than platitudes you offer.

You also have also stated you are an officer of your paralegal association. So I would submit you have a conflict of interest. You may be pushing an agenda and your opinions are less than objective. In the meantime, everything I post is true, authentic and objective. And, fortunately for you, you apparently have worked only for decent attorneys. There are a few. But I submit you view this job through rose-colored glasses. Not clear ones.

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Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: The advent of degreed entry-level paralegals is still relatively new in the paralegal profession, and quite frankly, there are still enough 'old school' attorneys who look at overall law firm experience more than they do a degree. The prospective candidate with law firm work experience and a degree in any field will more likely win out over the candidate with a 2 or 4 year paralegal degree and no experience.

Can you say that for EVERY such person, Jane? You can't and you know you can't. Beware of absolutes. Once again, Jane, perception and typecasting.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: Lastly, there is something to be said for starting out at the bottom and working your way up; the most successful people have taken this path. I know a lot of prima [donnas] who have the attitude of anything less than 'paralegal' is beneath them, and they certainly haven't gotten very far.

Your attitude is typical of some legal secretaries I've met. So many of them resent certificated paralegals. I've never really understood why. And define "very far," Jane. I was never a legal secretary. I worked in the industry for more than eleven years. I had a stable employment record. I either volunteered for more responsibilities or they were assigned. Attorneys liked my work. I was a mid life career changer and I was successful.

1. The LAT Listserve is not 'my' listserve. Legal Assistant Today (LAT) is the premiere paralegal industry trade magazine. As part of their services, they offer a free listserve that anyone can join to network, ask questions, get advice, etc., from other legal staff around the country. I recommend it here from time to time as a counter-point to all the negativity that visitors encounter on this forum. Besides myself, I have yet to encounter a regular poster on this forum who offers a positive viewpoint or even more a objective viewpoint about the legal profession. Also notable, is most of the regulars here no longer work in the legal profession. I think individuals looking into the paralegal
profession should get a balanced perspective - and hearing from career paralegals who are still going strong is a good viewpoint from the negativity on this forum.

2. Internet forums like this generally tend to attract the disenchanted, but vocal, few who seem to make it their mission to complain the longest and loudest to 'warn others away'. It's like the saying in customer service, the 90% of satisfied customers, you never hear from again, they're happy and go on with their lives. But that unhappy 10% will make you miserable because they're unhappy and want everyone else to know about it too.

3. I have no agenda or motive here other than to be a counter-point voice to all the negativity visitors encounter when coming here to inquire about the legal profession. The horror stories here are the stories of the tellers, they do not speak for every person in the legal profession. As for "Can you say that for EVERY such person, Jane? You can't and you know you can't. Beware of absolutes. Once again, Jane, perception and typecasting." - You submit your own stories and view point as absolute truths and they are not; you do your own fairshare of perception and typecasting.

Giving your viewpoint is one thing, but saying it applies entirely and absolutely to every person and the entire legal profession is false and wrong.

4. I don't resent certified paralegals. If you've listened to my stories, you know I have both a Paralegal BA, another BA and am working on my MPS degree. Clearly, more than enough education to hold my own with other paralegals from varying education, certification, and work experience backgrounds.

5. As for 'very far' - the paralegals I admire and look up to are the ones who contribute both within and without their firm, whether it be in their local, state, or national paralegal organizations or just general community organizations. They are known to be leaders in their firms and can be called on by colleagues, both in and outside their firm, to share knowledge, resources, etc. Their bosses want to hold on to them as valuable employees and if they do look for opportunities elsewhere they get glowing recommendations and make great impressions at their new firm. They're willing to mentor newbies to the field and share wisdom and guidance to develop quality colleagues and help them avoid the pitfalls of their early years. They speak at seminars, teach courses, present at conferences, etc.

Basically, their good reputations, work ethic, and overall positive attitude precede them in the community.

6. The prima donas I was referring to have the general attitude they should start out and only be a paralegal and only do what they perceive to be paralegal tasks. Anything else is beneath them, they shouldn't have to know anything outside of 'paralegal'. These individuals limit themselves, their usefulness, and become known for being difficult and not team players. Attorneys may put up with them, but they don't engender the same level of professional respect from attorneys or their colleagues they might have otherwise.

My comment about starting at the bottom and working your way up applies to any profession, not just legal.

7. Nothing requires me to share every anecdotal story about my legal career. Sharing my basic story, offering general advice, and directing to other resources is enough for me.

Lastly, you have your own agenda here as well, to vent your personal bitterness here for all the world to see and portray the legal profession as negatively as possible to warn others away. That's your reality, that's your perception and viewpoint, but there are plenty of others as well. I'm one of them.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: Legal Assistant Today (LAT) is the premiere paralegal industry trade magazine....

...and, hence, has an agenda. To promote paralegal. So don't expect much objectivity from that publication, or its/your listserve, Jane. [QUOTE [who="Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida"]Also notable, is most of the regulars here no longer work in the legal profession.....Red herring, Jane. It doesn't matter when they worked in the industry or if they still work in it. The work environment doesn't change. One person who had posted here has been a paralegal, legal secretary and a law office manager. She has nearly thirty years of experience in the industry. She posts similar stories as some other posters here.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: Internet forums like this generally tend to attract the disenchanted, but vocal, few who seem to make it their mission to complain the longest and loudest to 'warn others away'.

Or, perhaps, they're telling the truth.[who="Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida"]I have no agenda or motive here other than to be a counter-point voice to all the negativity visitors encounter when coming here to inquire about the legal profession. The horror stories here are the stories of the tellers, they do not speak for every person in the legal profession. The people who have posted here are from all parts of the country and all walks of life. Yet, their stories echo the same themes. I submit their stories are a good representative cross-section.

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Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: Legal Assistant Today (LAT) is the premiere paralegal industry trade magazine....

...and, hence, has an agenda. To promote paralegal. So don't expect much objectivity from that publication, or its/your listserve, Jane.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: Also notable, is most of the regulars here no longer work in the legal profession.....

Red herring, Jane. It doesn't matter when they worked in the industry or if they still work in it. The work environment doesn't change. One person who had posted here has been a paralegal, legal secretary and a law office manager. She has nearly thirty years of experience in the industry. She has been recognized as as national Paralegal Superstar. She posts similar stories as some other posters here.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: Internet forums like this generally tend to attract the disenchanted, but vocal, few who seem to make it their mission to complain the longest and loudest to 'warn others away'.

Or, perhaps, they're telling the truth.[who="Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida"]I have no agenda or motive here other than to be a counter-point voice to all the negativity visitors encounter when coming here to inquire about the legal profession. The horror stories here are the stories of the tellers, they do not speak for every person in the legal profession. The people who have posted here are from all parts of the country and all walks of life. Yet, their stories echo the same themes. I submit their stories are a good representative cross-section of this vocation.

Continued.....

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: Legal Assistant Today (LAT) is the premiere paralegal industry trade magazine....

...and, hence, has an agenda. To promote paralegal. So don't expect much objectivity from that publication, or its/your listserve, Jane.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: Also notable, is most of the regulars here no longer work in the legal profession.....

Red herring, Jane. It doesn't matter when they worked in the industry or if they still work in it. The work environment doesn't change. One person who had posted here has been a paralegal, legal secretary and a law office manager. She has nearly thirty years of experience in the industry. She has been recognized as as national Paralegal Superstar. She posts similar stories as some other posters here.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: Internet forums like this generally tend to attract the disenchanted, but vocal, few who seem to make it their mission to complain the longest and loudest to 'warn others away'.

Or, perhaps, they're telling the truth.[who="Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida"]I have no agenda or motive here other than to be a counter-point voice to all the negativity visitors encounter when coming here to inquire about the legal profession. The horror stories here are the stories of the tellers, they do not speak for every person in the legal profession.The people who have posted here are from all parts of the country and all walks of life. Yet, their stories echo the same themes. I submit their stories are a good representative cross-section of this vocation.

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Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: I don't resent certified paralegals. If you've listened to my stories, you know I have both a Paralegal BA, another BA and am working on my MPS degree. Clearly, more than enough education to hold my own with other paralegals from varying education, certification, and work experience backgrounds.

With that remark you come off as defensive about your education, Jane. I think you harbor resentment toward certified paralegals because they, as I, got their paralegal jobs without prior experience. I don't think you like that.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: As for 'very far' - the paralegals I admire and look up to are the ones who contribute both within and without their firm, whether it be in their local, state, or national paralegal organizations or just general community organizations. They are known to be leaders in their firms and can be called on by colleagues, both in and outside their firm, to share knowledge, resources, etc. Their bosses want to hold on to them as valuable employees and if they do look for opportunities elsewhere they get glowing recommendations and make great impressions at their new firm. They're willing to mentor newbies to the field and share wisdom and guidance to develop quality colleagues and help them avoid the pitfalls of their early years. They speak at seminars, teach courses, present at conferences, etc.

In other words, Jane, to have your respect one must involve himself/herself in outside paralegal activities? Apparently you don’t respect paralegals who work hard for a living and have no time for outside paralegal activities. You have a narrow viewpoint of these folks. Very sad.

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Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: The prima donas I was referring to have the general attitude they should start out and only be a paralegal and only do what they perceive to be paralegal tasks. Anything else is beneath them, they shouldn't have to know anything outside of 'paralegal'….

It’s spelled “donna,” Jane. From that standpoint, I agree with you. Our firm hired a paralegal who had operated A/V equipment in court and sat second chair to the attorney in her last job. She told the attorney who hired her she would be willing to perform the usual mundane tasks, such as scheduling, etc. and work with clients. After she was hired she resisted those tasks. She resigned six weeks later, short of being fired.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: Nothing requires me to share every anecdotal story about my legal career. Sharing my basic story, offering general advice, and directing to other resources is enough for me.

Whatever, Jane. No one is forcing you to post stories. But IMO actual experiences that back one's assertions speak louder than mere platitudes.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: Lastly, you have your own agenda here as well, to vent your personal bitterness here for all the world to see and portray the legal profession as negatively as possible to warn others away.....

Your damn straight, Jane. No one should suffer the abuse and lousy treatment so many lawyers and law firms mete out to loyal, hardworking assistants.

I always enjoy your posts, Jane. Thank you.

You're damn straight, Jane. No one should suffer the abuse and lousy treatment so many lawyers and law firms mete out to loyal, hardworking assistants.

I stand by my remarks and advice.

"With that remark you come off as defensive about your education, Jane. I think you harbor resentment toward certified paralegals because they, as I, got their paralegal jobs without prior experience. I don't think you like that."

I harbor no resentment at all, and certainly don't appreciate you attributing motives to me that I don't have. ABA certification has little to no significance in my neck of the woods, so this is just a non-issue. Paralegals who have earned their CLA or RP certifications are acknowledged as having an extra 'weightier' credential, if you will, than those without. They don't call the CLA exam the 'mini-bar exam' for nothing.

I already had a college degree when I got my first non-paralegal job at a law firm without prior experience - within 6 months I was doing substantive work and I developed my skills and carried the title of 'Paralegal' long before I completed my degree. I know a number of paralegals in my area who have non-paralegal college degrees and got hired at law firms, worked their way into paralegal jobs and then went and got their paralegal degree or CLA certification; similar to me - this does happen with some frequency.

I do have a problem with those who think certain things are beneath them because they merely carry a title or a degree. I am a well educated Paralegal, but nothing is beneath me to do.. my attitude is I'll do whatever it takes to move the project and our team forward, even if it's general clerical tasks that someone else just can't get to when they need to be taken care of.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: I already had a college degree when I got my first non-paralegal job at a law firm without prior experience - within 6 months I was doing substantive work and I developed my skills and carried the title of 'Paralegal' long before I completed my degree.....

So it appears you became a paralegal in your first firm. That's great. You were fortunate. But I maintain my position that straight legal secretary experience DOES NOT GUARANTEE advancement to paralegal.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: I do have a problem with those who think certain things are beneath them because they merely carry a title or a degree. I am a well educated Paralegal, but nothing is beneath me to do.. my attitude is I'll do whatever it takes to move the project and our team forward, even if it's general clerical tasks that someone else just can't get to when they need to be taken care of.

Of course. Except for that one individual I wrote about, above, I and every other paralegal I've worked with were happy to support ourselves, run the copier, organize mail projects, run the postage meter, prepare notebooks, etc. I dropped mail at the post office mail drop every evening. No skin off my nose; the post office was on my way home.

I was happy to drive ten miles downtown in slow Denver rush hour interstate traffic to deliver last-minute settlement memos to hearing panelists. I drove all over town sometimes to fetch last minute medical records. (No, I didn't trust messenger services for things I bore responsibility for delivering, and our investigator-runner was, strangely, always busy when I needed him.)

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The office's day started at 8:30 a.m., but from my second day on I came in at 7:00 a.m. or earlier. Toward the end of my last job I was coming to work at 5:00-5:30 a.m. fairly consistently, leaving at 5:00 p.m. or later, while taking about twenty minutes for lunch - all to keep up with my work, meet deadlines and get things out the door. I sure got a lot of thanks for going the extra mile -not.

I'm pleased to share my experiences. Anyone considering the legal industry needs to know the truth. Legal it is a tough industry full of tough, difficult, unreasonable people, hard work and major stress. And, trust me, my experiences are real and not unique. I submit others in the legal industry have had similar experiences.

I think I am pretty objective about the paralegal profession and I currently work as a paralegal.

I enjoyed my work up until the last few months when there was an attorney change in my group and everything has just gone to pot. It's horrible. It's every bad thing I have ever read from any unhappy current or former paralegal.

Amaing how one person (attorney) can change everything.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: I was happy to drive ten miles downtown in slow Denver rush hour interstate traffic to deliver last-minute settlement memos to hearing panelists. I drove all over town sometimes to fetch last minute medical records. (No, I didn't trust messenger services for things I bore responsibility for delivering, and our investigator-runner was, strangely, always busy when I needed him.)

Forgot to mention the attorney NEVER reimbursed me for fuel. Not once. No, I didn't ask. Just trying to be a good guy, gracious, cooperative and loyal.

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

But IMO actual experiences that back one's assertions speak louder than mere platitudes. Your damn straight, Jane. No one should suffer the abuse and lousy treatment so many lawyers and law firms mete out to loyal, hardworking assistants.

I always enjoy your posts, Jane. Thank you.

Here , here. Do I ever agree. My next to last paralegal SHOULD have been a sweet gig. BUT no- it turns out not. 9-5 hours,no O/T, all the benefits. Then the monkey wrench gets thrown in. The ever demanding micromanaging attorney. HE is is my office 2 x a week- Need more, more...I only work for him in the am as I work for the other partner in the pm. The need more, more attorney finally broke the camel's back. Yeah- I was treated like a workhorse by him- and he was never satisfied. YOu want more Complaints, I will give them to you. So I spend a few days punching out a lot of them. He is happy, for now- Then he is on my case that I have to do the work involved also: Follow up on sevice, enter judments, file execution so we can now legally go after the money. (cont'd)

Bottom line- there is only so much I can do in a day. IF I am punching out Complaints for 3 days in a row, I am not entering judgments etc. NOt possible. AND, we have to keep track of service as there is a deadline procedure in this type of work. JUST too much work, never ending that the attorney wants me to do ALL at once. Not humanly possible. AND, he has no complaints on my work. I am on top of it.

Bottom line- 6 months into this , now, just a nightmare of stress- I snap on another para- AND I am out the door with 3 weeks extra pay. The SNAP was the sign that my body was breaking down big time. HIs expectations were unrealistic and that was just how it was. Yeah- I RESENT that attorney big time. I should have been there for as long as I needed to be there. It was a career breaker for me.

The other Partner was a peach to work for. ONce he was comfortatble that I knew what I was doing, he let me be and just checked in everyone once in a while when I was working on a deadline. I met them all. (cont'd)

(Cont'd)

I had 2 really bad experiences working for In-house counsel. At one corporation,I was re-structured out after 6 months- dropped a bomb on me.

The next In-house para positon, 6 months into it I find that the company is unable to meet payroll on a regualar basis. And My paycheck was short 1 x. FInally, I forced them to fire me- and they will not give me my paycheck (it was pay day that day) AND try to force me to sign a document that I will waive my rights to unemployment. Not signing, leave with no paycheck. Had to GOT TO COURT to get my money, about $3,000 back pay. That took 3 months- and the stress I was under with that going on was too much.

I was too stressed to apply for jobs. Yes I got my money.

SO- my para career was one nightmare after another.

When you need a job and you get an offer, you take the job. Teh absolute unforeseeable happened to me. It was one rolling nightmare after another.

For me- my para career- filled with high drama, highly unusual situations and they HAPPENED TO ME. ANd I never had a complaint about my work. ANd I do not make trouble in the work place. I was just doing the job I was hired for and doing it correctly.

With all this unbelievable high drama situations happening to me as a para- they affected all aspect of my life: my money, my personal life, my family's thoughts of me. My living situation. Everthing was affected. ANd it finally destroyed my life after 10 years as a para.

FIrst job I was there for 1 year 9 mo- It went fine. Got my training to move on. AND I happened to move to nightmares.

This happened, therefore it can. (cont'd)

AS to Paralegal Association membership and being an officer in the Association- BIG firms like that. But certainly not all the para employees of the firms are active participating memebers of the Association. SOMe are just members, and some not at all. ANd they work for the big firms- and they are doing just fine.

Personally, I have no time for these extra- curricular activities. I want a life outside of my job. Being a para was only an ends to a means for me. AND- had I gotten a break from all the high drama and a couple years of some smooth sailing, more or less- my life would be way different.

AND maybe I would have gotten involved had I worked for a BIG FIRM and I saw a benefit to further my success. In my case, it was unnecessary. THE end.

Yes Jane- you have done well in your para career. You can pat yourself on the back. AND,I get the thought pattern that if you can do it- others can to.

BUT not everyones career goes as planned- as the stories are on the forum.

WE have an Experienced IP para- 10Years or so-this para works for a HOt shot big firm in D.C. I just recently read a post of his/hers that posted the IP para had changed jobs due to stress (this para is billable hours position) - Took a PAY CUT, and worked a deal of only 30 hours a week- AND recently he has posted that the stress is building in this position.

Bottom line- as DLP has commented. Eventually the stress grinds you- big time.

Seriously- I think the shelf life of a para is about 10 years. DUE to stress and bad treatment by lawyers.

Speaking of bizarre para tales, tonight I called the police because I came downstairs and saw smoke in the dining room. Homeowner/landlord (a funtional alcholic) is cooking, I check out the oven situation, and put on the ceiling fans and tell her to open the back door. SORRY- smoke like that is dangerous to your health. I go upstairs, come back down in 10 minutes (it is 10pm)and the drunk is asleep, passed out, at the computer, with the food still cooking and the oven still on.

Great- not good at all. SO I call the police (as the CRISIS people suggested to get a paper trail on this head case) AND- she skates throough. Yes, I know she can get drunk in her house.

BUT- the officer said (there were 3) "she can even burn the house down if she wants to." (yeah, great recommendation)

Unbelievable. And off they went, asking her is that rosemary chicken you are cooking (the girl is anesthetized by alcohol)

ANd then asking me if I was an adult and do I feel in danger- therefore just move out (in my head, oh sure officer, I will pack up right now and go>>>>>>)

Nothing they can do- until I leave, she burns the house down, it is discovered that the cause of the fire is her and her homeowners insurance won't pay. PLUS this is a rowhouse- nay- her house up in flames presents no danger to the attached row houses next door.

sigh- what a life.

Yeah- and I blame it on the In-house para position where I get the bomb that I am being terminated (the re-structure)

And the company that could not make payroll- unfortunate Indeed.

OH- and after all the bad luck (my words) landings I had in my para job- due to all the job losses- I was forced to move in with a roomate situation. She owns the house, lives here, and I am the tenant. SHE is an alcholic.

SORRY- of all the places that people rent- I land in with an alcholic - who has caused me so much stress and resulting interference with my life. SORRY- this was another bizarre unknown situation.

SORRY- but from bad landing in jobs to bad landing in a roomate situation (alcoholic who >>>>>>)

The bad landings have continued. It never ends.

stevbo in New Castle, Delaware said: Kmn,

I am also considering a career change as a paralegal. My previous
background was in customer service and relationship management. What is your take? Is it really worth it?

Just know that if you get your para certificate, you will be looking for a job for months, probably end up in a sole-practioner office, get paid $10/hour, no benefits and you will have to stay there for at least 6 months, 1 year is best. AND you will have to stay there till you get a better job offer while you are employed.

Paralegal in Carrollton, Texas said: I think I am pretty objective about the paralegal profession and I currently work as a paralegal.

I enjoyed my work up until the last few months when there was an attorney change in my group and everything has just gone to pot. It's horrible. It's every bad thing I have ever read from any unhappy current or former paralegal.

Amaing how one person (attorney) can change everything.

Henceforth, working in the check-out line at XXXXX store sounds good.

Jane Do Girl in Pensacola, Florida said: DLP,

Your viewpoints are YOUR reality, nothing more. ...r.

Jane - REALITY is still reality. IS it not?

kmm in Wilmington, Delaware said: Yes Jane- you have done well in your para career. You can pat yourself on the back.

That needed to be said. To be crystal clear, I have never tried to discount or marginalize Jane's accomplishments. Let her pat herself on her back, if she wants, and compliment herself for her education.

kmm in Wilmington, Delaware said: I get the thought pattern that if you can do it- others can too.

Not always. Moreover,

kmm in Wilmington, Delaware said: [N]ot everyones career goes as planned- as the stories are on the forum.

My wife is a good example. She was a law librarian for many years. She had finally found her dream job - law librarian in a small firm. She loved it. The firm loved her.

One day the admin unexpectedly pulled her into his office. He told her she was being laid off. He did not give a reason. She did not understand it at all. The firm had no other work for her.

Turned out the firm was breaking up. And get this for law firm cruelty, folks - the other employees learned of the breakup en masse. At least that firm treated my wife humanely by terminating her privately.

Unbeknownst to my wife while she worked there, that firm had a sleazy reputation. Its reputation dogged my wife. Of course she looked for another job, but, without a doubt, her association with that firm tainted her. She could not overcome employers' misguided perception she was guilty by association. Once again, my wife was the law librarian - NOT an attorney or paralegal. She had NOTHING to do with that firm's purported shenanigans. She never worked in law in that city again. So, definitely, things didn't go as planned for my wife.

kmm in Wilmington, Delaware said: Seriously- I think the shelf life of a para is about 10 years. DUE to stress and bad treatment by lawyers.

I agree. I beat the odds, by one year. But I persevere.
.

Paralegal in Carrollton, Texas said: I think I am pretty objective about the paralegal profession and I currently work as a paralegal.

I enjoyed my work up until the last few months when there was an attorney change in my group and everything has just gone to pot. It's horrible. It's every bad thing I have ever read from any unhappy current or former paralegal.

Amaing how one person (attorney) can change everything.

Excellent comment Texas paralegal. Your job started out so promising, until a new sheriff comes into town, and now you find yourself living the nighmares posted on the forum. Terrible.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: That needed to be said. To be crystal clear, I have never tried to discount or marginalize Jane's accomplishments. Let her pat herself on her back, if she wants, and compliment herself for her education. Not always. Moreover, My wife is a good example. She was a law librarian for many years. She had finally found her dream job - law librarian in a small firm. She loved it. The firm loved her.

One day the admin unexpectedly pulled her into his office. He told her she was being laid off. He did not give a reason. She did not understand it at all. The firm had no other work for her.

Turned out the firm was breaking up. And get this for law firm cruelty, folks - the other employees learned of the breakup en masse. At least that firm treated my wife humanely by terminating her privately.

Unbeknownst to my wife while she worked there, that firm had a sleazy reputation. Its reputation dogged my wife. Of course she looked for another job, but, without a doubt, her association with that firm tainted her. She could not overcome employers' misguided perception she was guilty by association. Once again, my wife was the law librarian - NOT an attorney or paralegal. She had NOTHING to do with that firm's purported shenanigans. She never worked in law in that city again. So, definitely, things didn't go as planned for my wife.

I agree. I beat the odds, by one year. But I persevere.
.

Excellent true life story. THE worst is being terminated with either some BS reason that makes no sense or no reason.

ANd as with me, there was somthing going on in the background of the company- and I had nothing to do with it, as your wife.

You are befuddled to death as to why you lost your job. It is helpful to eventually find out the real reason, for me (re-structure, for your wife, firm going down in flames.

BUT, it puts no money in your pocket. AND for me, mine was only a 6 month journey (cont'd)

(cont'd)

leaving me with credibilty issues on my resume. Not easy to find a job after that at all.

Same with your wife- guilty by association.

What a world.

After losing way too much money from the 2 In-house corporate para positions, I finally had to cut bait and head back to Delaware.

I will never forget or forgive my parents who told me that I cannot come to their house. Go to a shelter.

Thank goodness a guy friend took me in. He understood the situation and how my famiy interactions can go.

FAMILY's take: She's a loser. Not shelving anymore doe out for a lost cause. Off to the shelter she goes. Let her sink or swim. SO harsh.