Is being a Paralegal a good choice?

Wow. Just wow. I can't speak for Tampa, but I would, again, refer back to my previous post, which speaks for itself.

Believe me, one gets pigeonholed in the legal field. Can you transition from one type of litigation to another? Sure, it's possible, but it is difficult to achieve. Same goes for transitioning from a small law firm to a large one. As far as transitioning from litigation to corporate, real estate or other areas of the legal field, that's possible but it would be EXTREMELY difficult to achieve.

Generally, people who work in litigation stay in litigation as well as in the type of litigation in which they work.

All of this is based on my experience, the experiences of MANY folks in the legal world and reality.

Have a lovely day!

I've been working at a new law firm now for around two months. I went from working in family law to working for a firm that represents real estate developers and homeowners associations. It's been pretty challenging to make the transition, and I still have a lot to learn. Transitioning from one area of law to another is challenging, but it's not impossible. It's definitely worth trying. I really like my new job and although learning new procedures and terms is intimidating, it's doable. I'm personally glad I looked for paralegal jobs in other areas besides family law. I hope to never work in family law again, I've had enough of that. (I do tend to think of the opposing parties in my cases as divorcing husbands and wives, though, is that weird? In multiparty case I just view them all as polygamists. Ha!)

and one more thing, because I know I posted some grousing about how bad it is working for some attorneys - I really like and respect the attorney I am working for now. It's been a very satisfying work experience so far. There is light at the end of the tunnel!

A paralegal assists lawyers in performing their jobs. They help them with a variety of tasks, including preparing for trials, hearings and closings; doing research; and drafting legal documents. Paralegals are sometimes called legal assistants.
People generally undergo associate degrees or bachelor's degrees for paralegal studies. A few employers provide on-the-job training also. Following site has all the information about this career.
www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm

I live in Ontario Canada and here a paralegal is not the same thing as a law clerk or legal assistant. Here paralegals are licensed legal professionals that represent clients in court. We cannot practice in family law (who would want to), civil matters over $25,000 and criminal matters where the sentence is more than 6 months in jail. We also are not permitted to practice real estate or corporate law. We are permitted to act for clients before all the tribunals and boards in the province including human rights matters, employment law, insurance law, and can represent clients in court for any provincial offences matter. There are a growing number of paralegal firms in Ontario and paralegals employ law clerks and legal assistants. I just finished writing my licensing examination and am waiting for the results. I have worked for lawyers and see how stressful it can be. Since I hate family, real estate, and corporate law, being a paralegal is perfect.

Hi Carly - what are the educational requirements to be a paralegal in Ontario and could you tell us something about the curriculum and how long it was?

kmm in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania said: I say, the person intersted in being a paralegal should do the homework and check the paralegal jobs posted in newspapes, etc [direct hires only] and see if said person thinks there are jobs for newbes.

I agree, i am finishing my degree in paralegal-ABA program. I have been faced with the hard realization that every job wants someone "experienced" and in order to get "experienced" ihave to inter/volunteer (work for free) and pray that after 2-4 weeks they like my work and hire me. I don't know about everyone else but I need an income and can't work for free indefinately. What happens if they don't hire me....I start over somewhere else FOR FREE. I'm looking into another venue just not sure what to do or move forward with an Associates of Applied Science / Major in Paralegal. (not wanting to persue law school)

Dear paralegal about to grad, who doesnt have time to intern:
You should grab a volunteer opportunity which requires less hours, such as 10 hours per month, etc. Try the local Legal Aid Society, or Victims Aid at a local courthouse. Try to find a solution, and keep asking questions! You can do it!

I'm about to start school, and reading all these comments kind of scared me. I will be going to school for 13 months, and will cost me twenty thousand dollars. So is paralegal worth that much money and time?

Grant013 in Astoria, New York said: In NYC, you have to have 15 to 20 years experience to make 40 to 50k.

The corporate externship is GOLD! Stop whining, and go meet some people. Don't get stuck by only doing what they ask of you. Do the extra, do the research, present it to your supervisor. Go for the gold! These people are whining about low wages because that's all they've ever attempted! If you want the high salary, you have to provide value, and in the right city. If you really want to do work that matters, go for NYC, but don't stay in one job. Build you resume, and move on! There are many jobs for paralegals, with 5-7 years of experience, making $80k+. The difference? Be a go-getter! People who sit and complain will drag you down, and the ones who are living the life they dreamed of, well, they achieved that life because they tracked it down! They pushed ahead, Red Bull in hand, and a "don't tread on me" attitude. BTW, the only way that attitude works, is if you exude the talent and work ethic to back it up!
Will it be easy? Heck NO! Its like running uphill wearing high-heels in a rainstorm with a 75# pack on your back. But the only way to feel important in your career, is to provide value which is high in demand. You know why attorneys treat their support staff like crap? Because they (just like any other employer) HATES to babysit them. Why would I pay more money to someone that I have to tell to do their job? I would pay double to a person who could act as a catalyst rather than dead weight.
My advice, make the most of your externship, network with people there, create your online presence to post your writing samples, and get yourself out there. There was someone else here who said that its all in the way you sell yourself, and that's 100% correct!

I am currently in the process of transitioning careers. I was considering attending the University of Miami Paralegal program b/c I spent the last 10 years at a job I was unhappy with and I want a career with a steady work schedule and steady paycheck. Im not looking to get rich, but I also dont want to work for min wage either.I think I would enjoy the challenges of the field as well. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Has anyone heard anything good/bad about the UM program? Even though I dont have any experience in the legal field, will I be able to find a job with a certificate? I also want to further my education and obtain my Bachelors degree eventually but I need a steady job so I can finance mu education. I would eventually like to work my way up the corporate ladder, so Im thinking that starting off with a paralegal certificate will not only help me gain experience but maybe I could eventually move up in a law firm. Any suggestions???

Elise in Washington, District of Columbia said: You know why attorneys treat their support staff like crap? Because they (just like any other employer) HATES to babysit them. Why would I pay more money to someone that I have to tell to do their job? I would pay double to a person who could act as a catalyst rather than dead weight.

I rarely do this, but I need to call you out on this quote. There are some managers and bosses out there who are just simply unreasonable, regardless of the quality and time put in by thier staff. This is a typical talking point probably coming from a recruiter, or someone who never experienced working for someone unprofessional and unreasonable before. Not everyone who gets downsized or fired is "dead weight." Anyone who is abusive and mistreats his/her staff is just unprofessional.