Case Assistant to Receptionist..

I just started working at a litigation firm in October as a Case Assistant. Last Friday I was informed that the Receptionist & I are changing positions. Now I am the Receptionist. This is NOT what I wanted. I don't have tons of experience in the legal field and they told me they made this trade because she has more skill. The strange thing is that I interviewed for the receptionist position and didn't get it. Got a call 3 weeks later and was offered the Case Assistant position so I took it.

They said I would be a Receptionist/Case Assistant but I can tell I will just be a receptionist. I don't know if I should keep working at this law firm or look elsewhere. I didn't get a Paralegal cert. and BA degree to be a receptionist. I am not gaining any real legal experience, my day consist of answering the phone, delivering faxes, answering emails, etc...Nothing legal. I also found out Litigation is not where I want to be. I feel like the longer I stay here as a receptionist, I will have a harder time leaving. I feel like I didn't have much of a say in this decision and kind of feel deceived, since I came in thinking I would be a Case Assistant not a Receptionist. Ugh.

You should have immediately told them that it was unacceptable to be the receptionist. I would look for another job while you work at this one. Dont quit until you find another one.

Nicci in Redmond, Washington said: I just started working at a litigation firm in October as a Case Assistant. Last Friday I was informed that the Receptionist & I are changing positions. Now I am the Receptionist. This is NOT what I wanted. I don't have tons of experience in the legal field and they told me they made this trade because she has more skill. The strange thing is that I interviewed for the receptionist position and didn't get it. Got a call 3 weeks later and was offered the Case Assistant position so I took it.

They said I would be a Receptionist/Case Assistant but I can tell I will just be a receptionist. I don't know if I should keep working at this law firm or look elsewhere. I didn't get a Paralegal cert. and BA degree to be a receptionist. I am not gaining any real legal experience, my day consist of answering the phone, delivering faxes, answering emails, etc...Nothing legal. I also found out Litigation is not where I want to be. I feel like the longer I stay here as a receptionist, I will have a harder time leaving. I feel like I didn't have much of a say in this decision and kind of feel deceived, since I came in thinking I would be a Case Assistant not a Receptionist. Ugh.

The job has been a lot better. I am still doing case assistant work so I'm happy. I talked to one of my supervisors and she understood why I was disappointed. She said I will have the chance to move up once I gain more experience, which I agree with. The pay and benefits are really good at this law firm. I did think about quitting when the change was made at first but I pushed myself to give it more time.

At the same time, I don't think one should stay at a position just to gain experience. It is not healthy to be in a position if you are always stressed out, not gaining anything from the position, which will have an negative effect on your work. I also think if I do have an issue I should speak up more rather than pretend that everything is okay. I have done that for so long and I'm trying hard to stop.

I agree with DLP. Stay for a year, don't complain, and when you do leave, give at the very least a two-week's notice.

I am going through the same thing. I went to school for medical and legal. I started as a case manager in a personal injury law firm and after 5 months they made me a file clerk and number cruncher. I am so angry. It is so hard to take a back seat to other people, especially when you know that your work ethics and skill is more than the other people you work with.

I work for a big law firm, currently I am clasified as a file clerk, and everyone else is a file clerk regardless of the responsibilities, for a year or so my Supervisor has given me a chance to be her assistant more like her right arm person, But! I am still classified as a file clerk therefore I have no authority over any of the other file clerks. I feel it's time for me to have a change of position title, but I don't know what title to refer to? I don't think a lead person or a foreman is a proper position in a law firm. Could you help me with some titles to present to her. Thank you.

Accually I wanted to do away with the File Clerk stigma, I was thinking more in the line of Records Dept. title, because we are the Records Dept. Although I'm not knocking the Senor File Clerk or Lead File Clerk, I'm just saying?

What I didn't care for when it comes to my paralegal education is. When I was almost done with my AA. A paralegal/teacher told the class just because you are taking these classes it doesn't make you a paralegal. She said that you have to get your foot in the door and work your way up. I stayed after class and was worried about that statement ...at that time probably saw the look on my face and said "you won't have a problem". But thats just it you have to work your way up. I went back to school to come out employable at a higher paying job than what I had. A receptionist w/o education can move their way up to a paralegal position. When it was all said and done I wish I would have taken the legal secretary degree come out employable and move my way up from that point. I had gone back to school in my 40's , I didn't have time to work my way up from a receptionist. I worked part time as a legal receptionist while keeping my job for a year. I was offered a paralegal job at another firm , gave up my 15+year job w/ clientele to only be let go 2 months later because the boss hired me w/o looking at my resume. She went off the recommendation and felt bad and told me she felt like she turn my world upside down. Paralegal is a title you earn through experience ,, its not about education like dental hygiene, massage therapist, nurses don't start at the reception desk etc. I wish the paralegal education was more clear about what to expect when you graduate. I expected to be a paralegal upon graduation and to apply for paralegal positions. Thx

I am a recent graduate from Arlington Career Institute. I just finished school September 19th, 2008. I am getting so frustarted with these law firms because the law firms that request expeience of 5 to 10 years I a have learned it in less than a yaer, and I know that I can do the the work, I know that I am experienced in the field and/or the requirements they ask or perfer but yet I still do not get a response due to the amount of years they perfer. I am trying so hard looking for work in my field. I have been walking into law firs giving them my resume selling myself I am so ready to start working. I am very dertermind and too excited.

What am I doing wrong?

PM in Vancouver, Washington said: What I didn't care for when it comes to my paralegal education is. When I was almost done with my AA. A paralegal/teacher told the class just because you are taking these classes it doesn't make you a paralegal. She said that you have to get your foot in the door and work your way up. I stayed after class and was worried about that statement ... Thx

I didn't notice your post until just now, so in case you're still reading...

I received my paralegal cert from UCLA in Dec. 2000. That October, I took a job at a civil lit firm as a word processor that paid $18/hr because paralegal jobs were starting at about $12 an hour at the time (keep in mind, this is Los Angeles), and I was making $14/hr at the job I left. I never did work as a paralegal. I continuted on as a floater, then as a legal secretary. After 5 years, I was so burnt out on law, attorneys, and just the entire industry in general that I quit and moved back to my hometown so that I could go to school full time. Cost of living is cheaper here, and I now work 20 hours a week as a file clerk and carry 12 units. I'll never hop for attys again.

So whatever happened? Did you find a job?

NO I HAVE NOT YET FOUND A JOB YET BUT I HAVE TO LOOK AT IT AS THO I AM STILL FRESH I JUST FINISHED COLLEGE SEPTEMBER 19,2008 I HAVE BEEN LOOKING SOOOOOOO HARD THO HOPEFULLY WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT GOD WILL BLESS ME WITH THE GREAT JOB AND THE GREAT CAREER I PRAY FOR EVERYDAY AND WORKED SO HARD TO GET.

Thanks for the advice I will be sure to take it and run with it I need all the advice I can get Thank you soooo much I appreciate it soooo much you were truly a help.

Nicci in Redmond, Washington said: The job has been a lot better. I am still doing case assistant work so I'm happy. I talked to one of my supervisors and she understood why I was disappointed. She said I will have the chance to move up once I gain more experience, which I agree with. The pay and benefits are really good at this law firm. I did think about quitting when the change was made at first but I pushed myself to give it more time.

At the same time, I don't think one should stay at a position just to gain experience. It is not healthy to be in a position if you are always stressed out, not gaining anything from the position, which will have an negative effect on your work. I also think if I do have an issue I should speak up more rather than pretend that everything is okay. I have done that for so long and I'm trying hard to stop.

the pay and benefits are really good at this firm. Stay, stay, stay and pay your dues- it takes time to move up. As to stress - your body will tell you when yu have had enough. Go to the gym after work. It will save you. Most legal jobs are stressful. Do not bring up issue or you will become the issue. Be agreeable and do the job their way.

Cindy in Fresno, California said: I am going through the same thing. I went to school for medical and legal. I started as a case manager in a personal injury law firm and after 5 months they made me a file clerk and number cruncher. I am so angry. It is so hard to take a back seat to other people, especially when you know that your work ethics and skill is more than the other people you work with.

Oh I hear you on taking the back-seat - yours being removed from case manager position to file clerk. I interviewed for a position,after I had paralegal experience, and learned that I would be the assistant to the paralegal. Besides the distance issue- I could not swallow that position.

Today, if you have a job, even the file clerk job, hold onto it- you cannot afford to be without a job in this ecomony.

Timiria Broadus in Fort Worth, Texas said: NO I HAVE NOT YET FOUND A JOB YET BUT I HAVE TO LOOK AT IT AS THO I AM STILL FRESH I JUST FINISHED COLLEGE SEPTEMBER 19,2008 I HAVE BEEN LOOKING SOOOOOOO HARD THO HOPEFULLY WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT GOD WILL BLESS ME WITH THE GREAT JOB AND THE GREAT CAREER I PRAY FOR EVERYDAY AND WORKED SO HARD TO GET.

Keep that 20 hour/ week job till you land full-time. Try hand-delivering your resumes. Act like you belong in the building and introduce yourself to the receptionist and ask if she would take your resume to the HR department. Mark "HAND-DELIEVERED" on cover letter. I got jobs that way. Yeap- hit the streets.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: You're welcome. But be forewarned you will need G-d's help after you actually start working in law. Law is a tough business in and of itself, and attorneys can be very tough on their legal assistants.

so true - lol

one legal secretary - who only had so many more years to put in before retirement - would pray out loud to herself- Dear God, please help me make it through one more day.

Nicci in Redmond, Washington said: The job has been a lot better. I am still doing case assistant work so I'm happy. ..... The pay and benefits are really good at this law firm.

If you are still sitting at the front desk look at the benefits. You never know who is going to walk in the door. Could be your dream husband. So, dress nice while sitting at the front desk.

Hi i'm spanish speaker,my second language is english ,spelling, grammar is hard for me .But I took a cetified paralegal program in University of Miami.I got the certificate. I feel that was to much information for only 4 months clases ;plus that everybody who's hireing ask for key board speed,work,excel,etc.
I'm not sure if should continue persuing this profession o estar standing something else. I have a lot disanvantage I'm almost 40, the language, I need to improve computer skills. I don't know what todo please give some advice ..........

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Law is an tough industry. It is an industry I don't recommend. One works with extremely difficult people and I'm not referring to clients. Paralegals work for attorneys, who can be extremely demanding while not especially grateful, along with being unreasonably particular, and rude and nasty, to describe a few of their traits. Law requires one to put in many long, stressful and sometimes unpaid hours.

Further, as with other industries, law is in a slowdown. Many firms are laying off people, including attorneys. So there is plenty of competition for very few openings.

That said, I should think your Spanish ability would be an asset, especially in Miami. While I'm sure there are many bilingual paralegals out your way, I would think such abilities would make you at least somewhat competitive. So think about what I've written regarding the legal industry. If you think you can hack the vagaries and demands of a tough industry, consider improving your English abilities and computer skills so you can compete for jobs.

Thank you .I really apreciate it.

I read through this thread and I can help you understand why you might not be promoted. Do you make mistakes? People get "demoted" because they can't do the job. People get "promoted" because they CAN DO the job. I think you need a serious talk with your supervisor about the quality, quantity, and accuracy of your work. Also the legal field is one where you most often have to start out as a receptionist. If you think that is below you, then you better leave the legal field. I've known receptionists who CAN DO the job be promoted to $80,000 jobs as paralegals, law office managers and administrators, but it took 10 to 15 years. One good piece of advice, "Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change."

legalsecretary in Renton, Washington said: I read through this thread and I can help you understand why you might not be promoted. Do you make mistakes? People get "demoted" because they can't do the job. People get "promoted" because they CAN DO the job. I think you need a serious talk with your supervisor about the quality, quantity, and accuracy of your work. Also the legal field is one where you most often have to start out as a receptionist. If you think that is below you, then you better leave the legal field. I've known receptionists who CAN DO the job be promoted to $80,000 jobs as paralegals, law office managers and administrators, but it took 10 to 15 years. One good piece of advice, "Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change."

This is my point exactly. The part where you said " you most often start out as a receptionist." The problem is that the colleges don't tell you that. The paralegal college education is misleading. Paralegal is a position in a law firm you get through experience therefore a person who wants that position should look into legal secretary education becoming employable and go from there or the receptionist route will work too but take longer. If I could do it all over again, I would take the legal secretary education.

So you have your paralegal cert. and in your firm you answer the phones ? Again colleges don't come close to telling you will be answering the phones. Are we not in agreement here that when a college advertizes and discribes their education for paralegal that they say things like ... working side by side with lawyers, working on briefs, researching cases, working with the clients. That's my reason for posting here is that I feel the colleges are not truthful about the career "Paralegal" ... I paid for the education and expected what they were selling. I was told later how it really is. The paralegal education does not make you employable as a paralegal... some might even get the title but are still not doing paralegal work. I learned this.. colleges are a business too and are selling their education the best they can.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said:

I write these thoughts because you may not realize that (1) legal jobs are hard to get; (2) entry-level jobs don't always pay well and (3) you will have few opportunities until you gain experience. As with any industry, one has to pay dues before one can gain much bargaining power .[/QUOTE

I agree. Legal jobs are hard to get. Very hard to get. I tried to get a paralegal job back in the early 90s, when there was a recession going on. It was impossible. I could not even get work as a legal secretary. Also, ironically, many law firms will employ people without paralegal certificates, just because that person is a friend or relative. Its not fair, but its life. I think my biggest mistake was not going to nursing school.

PM in Vancouver, Washington said: So you have your paralegal cert. and in your firm you answer the phones ? Again colleges don't come close to telling you will be answering the phones. Are we not in agreement here that when a college advertizes and discribes their education for paralegal that they say things like ... working side by side with lawyers, working on briefs, researching cases, working with the clients. That's my reason for posting here is that I feel the colleges are not truthful about the career "Paralegal" ... I paid for the education and expected what they were selling. I was told later how it really is. The paralegal education does not make you employable as a paralegal... some might even get the title but are still not doing paralegal work. I learned this.. colleges are a business too and are selling their education the best they can.

Colleges are a business. Many of these paralegal schools do deceive people about how easy it is to get a job once they finish. And they aren't the only ones. There are all kinds of trade schools out there who do the same thing.

I think if you have a friend or family member who is an attorney, who will help you get a job, then you have a good start. But don't know have good, solid contacts in the legal field, you may be up against a brick wall.

I am not trying to be negative, just being realistic.