Looking into persuing paralegal degree.. lots of questions

Ok, so im looking to start in A community college for a degree in Paralegal studies and i have a few questions. Is it worth it and does to pay off to only get your associates or should i work more towards my bachelors? Also does anybody know the demand for paralegals in Philadelphia? Please answer me with any input it would be so helpful as going to college is going to be a very hard transition and i want to make sure i know what im in for. Thanks ! Lisa

I think you would be fine with an associates degree. Really large firms may want someone with a bachelor's degree, but that's not a requirement for every employer. Getting your associates is enough.

Check job websites like careerbuilder, monster, or craigslist.org to see a sample of paralegal job listings in philadelphia.

An associates is fine, but be sure to try to find an American Bar Association approved Paralegal Program.

DG in San Diego, California: "An Associate's is fine, but be sure to try to find an American Bar Association approved Paralegal Program."

Seconded on the ABA paralegal program. An Associate's is fine but a Bachelor's is better. You won't short yourself on any opportunity if you have a Bachelor's.

how much money do i need to pay so i can go into a college where i could learn about criminal justice

Criminal justice is not paralegal. Look for colleges that offer criminal justice programs and ask how much they cost.

If you are a paralegal working in Minnesota, and you would like to work in New York, are you able to just pack up your stuff and move to NY? or, are you going to need to take another bar exam for NY?

Paralegals do not take a Bar Exam, that is only for law school graduates who wish to become a licensed attorney in order to practice law. Some states may have a certification exam requirement; you should check the State's Bar Association website for the rules, if any, governing Paralegals.

What is commercial and federal litigation? How do you study for it? If you did study for it, what would you do?

Are there any paralegal trainee jobs in Tampa, Florida or surrounding area that will help me to get into the legal field and train me to become a paralegal?

Jesse in Saint Paul, Minnesota said: What is commercial and federal litigation? How do you study for it? If you did study for it, what would you do?

Simply put, litigation is legal process used to resolve disputes. Commercial litigation is a branch of litigation in which parties use the legal process to resolve dispute involving business matters. I would think of federal litigation as being matters in which the federal court system is used to resolve them.

I think the best way to study litigation is to go to paralegal school. Along with studying litigation one studies other subjects and and earns a paralegal certificate. At that point, if you want to be a litigation paralegal, you can apply to law firms that specialize in litigation.

Heather in Tampa, Florida said: Are there any paralegal trainee jobs in Tampa, Florida or surrounding area that will help me to get into the legal field and train me to become a paralegal?

Look in your local classifieds and job boards for "entry level" paralegal openings. Not many firms will hire neophytes without prior legal experience and/or education and train them. Your best bet to gain entry in the wonderful world of law is to earn at least a two-year college degree and a paralegal certificate and then apply.

You may want to consider an excellent school, the Washington Online Learning Institute www.WOLI.com. I went there and it was really a great experience. I got a certificate from them and shortly afterward a couple of job offers. They are regionally accredited which is what you want to look for.

Heather in Tampa, Florida said: Are there any paralegal trainee jobs in Tampa, Florida or surrounding area that will help me to get into the legal field and train me to become a paralegal?

Hello Heather in Tampa, FL-

I lived in Miami when the economy was doing well. I am pretty sure there are more lawyers in Miami than Tampa.

Anywho, the first job is always hard to get for most people. I got mine from a news paper ad. I had an ABA paralegal certificate and a B.A.

I have a B.A. in criminal justice but I dont have a ABA paralegal certificate. I do have some legal experience working in 2 law firms one was big and the other was a small one.

Heather in Tampa, Florida said: I have a B.A. in criminal justice but I dont have a ABA paralegal certificate. I do have some legal experience working in 2 law firms one was big and the other was a small one.

Give it a shot. Your law firm experience may give you an advantage. Criminal defense firms may like your degree.

I second Cindy on the first job being the toughest to get, but, for me, getting my second job was also tough. My quals include an ABA certificate and a B.S.B.A.

Heather in Tampa, Florida said: I have a B.A. in criminal justice but I dont have a ABA paralegal certificate. I do have some legal experience working in 2 law firms one was big and the other was a small one.

Heather, Tampa - So, how did you like working in the law firms.

If you have a criminal justice B.A.- I do not suggest spending the money for a paralegal certificate. Teh economy is too bad - and they are only going to use those with experience.

To the contrary, in this economy law firms are looking to hire paralegals with certificates from regionally accredited schools, at least according to Legal Assistant Today magazine. There is still a rising need for paralegals as job opportunities increase all the time. A certificate from a regionally accredited school would be a very wise investment in the future.

Thank you Barb for spending a positive response.

I meant to say thank you Barb for sending a positive response.

kmm in Wilmington, Delaware said: If you have a criminal justice B.A.- I do not suggest spending the money for a paralegal certificate. The economy is too bad - and they are only going to use those with experience.

I stand by my comment that Heather should give it a shot. I think her law office experience will give her an advantage. And I agree with you, Cindy. Her criminal justice degree together with her experience trumps any need for a paralegal certificate - and I generally preach that wannabes obtain the certificate.

Best of luck with your efforts, Heather. Start applying.

Well thank you for the positive advice. I do appreciate it.

BarbN said: To the contrary, in this economy law firms are looking to hire paralegals with certificates from regionally accredited schools, at least according to Legal Assistant Today magazine. There is still a rising need for paralegals as job opportunities increase all the time. A certificate from a regionally accredited school would be a very wise investment in the future.

Hello Barbn - So, you got your information and stats from "Legal Assistant Today". Well, for whatever it is worth - the real world is always different than what the magazine says.

Just curious - Are you a Paralegal BarbN???

To Healther - look in the Tampa Sunday newspaper for Paralegal jobs. ALso "The Dialy Business Review", a legal newspaper, has classified in back for all legal positions - that is where you get your information on the real world.
Thank you.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said:

"Give it a shot. Your law firm experience may give you an advantage. Criminal defense firms may like your degree."

I concur with DLP.

Yes, I am a certified paralegal and I love it! Sure, there are challenges and sometimes work is not where I want to be, but overall it is a far superior work and lifestyle to what I was doing before working in an insurance office. The law is SO much more interesting to me at least than other types of work people like me have experienced. In case anyone is interested, I got my Certification from Washington Online Learning Institute (www.WOLI.com). I was recommended to that school by a career counselor and it was the best advice I received during the whole long period when I was casting about looking for a change in career. I would recommend WOLI to anyone interested in a paralegal career. I took paralegal because it sounded interesting and I thought it would pay more, and I was right on both counts. But you definitely do need certification from a good school (regionally accredited) to get a good job.

BarbN: "There is still a rising need for paralegals as job opportunities increase all the time...."

I don't buy it. I like to know the recency of your magazine's information source. At least around here, the number of paralegal openings has fallen over the past two years. I suspect your magazine's information is behind real-time currency.

"A certificate from a regionally accredited school would be a very wise investment in the future."

I would still go with an ABA certificate, if possible.

Once more, a paralegal certificate is a valuable credential. It documents that you've received at least an introduction to law, and that's important to get you stated. Otherwise, the certificate's true function is to get you an interview for your first job, from which you gain experience and OJT. You really gain the knowledge you need and how to be a paralegal on the job. Experience and skills gained from OJT will (or should) get you interviews for subsequent jobs.

In Heather's case, she has prior firm experience. Her degree program has given her an introduction to law. I think her firm experience would get her interviews.

I'm still confused. If you have a Certified Paralegal degree from a MN school and you work in Minnesota, if you want to move to NY and be a Paralegal....Do you need to take another test for NY rules? I undersatnd that you don't take the Bar exam but do you need to take something else? OR, can I just pack up my stuff and move with my MN certified paralegal degree and live in NY and get a job?

Jesse in Saint Paul, Minnesota said: I'm still confused. If you have a Certified Paralegal degree from a MN school and you work in Minnesota, if you want to move to NY and be a Paralegal....Do you need to take another test for NY rules? I undersatnd that you don't take the Bar exam but do you need to take something else? OR, can I just pack up my stuff and move with my MN certified paralegal degree and live in NY and get a job?

It depends on the state. Each state has its own paralegal regulations. I've never heard of any state that requires a state-mandated or state-given exam for one to work as a paralegal legally.

How much money could you earn with a certified paralegal degree? How many types of law are there? How do you know which one to study?

Your state's department of labor website should have pay information for all occupations. You can also research paralegal pay on the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics website. You can also view paralegal ads in your local classifieds and on the major job boards. Bear in mind that ads generally advertise for experienced paralegal. Entry-level pay will be much lower.

There are many, many legal specialties, but one doesn't study a specific specialty in paralegal school. A good paralegal program will touch on the major areas of law. Unless one knows ahead of time which speciality to enter, one usually decides after learning something about all of them. Also, one's first legal job sometimes determines the specialty one will pursue.

Your state's department of labor website should have pay information for all occupations. You can also research paralegal pay on the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics website. You can view paralegal ads in your local classifieds, and on major and local job boards. Bear in mind that ads generally advertise for experienced paralegals. Entry-level pay will be much lower.

There are many, many legal specialties, but one doesn't study a specific specialty in paralegal school. A good paralegal program will touch on the major areas of law. Unless one knows ahead of time which speciality to enter, one usually decides after learning something about all of them. Also, one's first legal job sometimes determines the specialty one will pursue.

I agree with Joel re not paying an arm and a leg for a paralegal credential.

The lament I hear over and over again from new paralegal graduates (I'm a 15+ year veteran) is that they simply cannot break into the field and they want to know how I did it.

I'd like to hear from the experienced paralegals how each of you broke into the field. Was you hired directly into a paralegal position?

In the meantime, when you have a sec, visit:

www.legaledpro.com

To Jesse:
I remember looking into paralegal studies before choosing to go to law school instead. From what I remember, the pay was better for people with a B.A. in paralegal studies (or folks that coupled up a useful B.A ((for example, mine was in accounting)) with a paralegal certificate.

Programs should probobly be ABA accredited. I was thinking about Inver Hills (MN) when looking into it and remember that they had web classes (which are nice if you need to work).

Best of luck to you,
NP

Leslie Sansone Williams in Port Orange, Florida: "I agree...re not paying an arm and a leg for a paralegal credential."

There are some people, or it may be one or two persons posting under multiple screennames, on another Indeed forum who are shilling a Master's in Paralegal Studies program at George Washington University. The program costs something like $27K. Paying $27K for such credential is ridiculous, especially when a two-year degree and a paralegal certificate are minimum credentials. A four-year degree in anything and, preferably, an ABA paralegal certificate are ample credentials.

"I'd like to hear from the experienced paralegals how each of you broke into the field. Were you hired directly into a paralegal position?"

I was hired directly into my entry paralegal position. Like many people, I wasn't getting anywhere. I saw an ad in the paper where a firm was looking for an "assistant" to a busy attorney. I thought that, after all, isn't a paralegal an assistant to attorneys. So I faxed my resume and cover letter.

The firm called me. As it turned out, the firm was looking for an assistant to that attorney, but not a legal assistant or similar nonlawyer. But I was in the right place at the right time. The firm was also hiring paralegals. The firm historically hired entry paralegals and trained them; the shareholder was a great believer in training. Even better, I had wanted to work for that firm all along.

It was a process to get the job, which was true with most things involving the shareholder, but I got on with that firm. I was hired initially on contract, but someone left after I had been there a month. I was offered and I accepted (at a pay cut from what I was paid on contract) her position.

I was hired four months after I graduated from paralegal school. I knew of people at my school who were my age who were still looking six months after they graduated. To this day I consider myself fortunate to have been hired so quickly.

Displaced,

Thanks for your response.

You were definitely in the "right place at the right time". I've often counseled new paralegal grads that this type of entry into the field (your scenario) is completely possible.

Another way to break in is to work for a sole practitioner although the downside is that very often they do not offer benefits. This scenario also requires that one be a complete multi-tasker as the duties will be varied (that's an understatement!)

I began as a receptionist/legal secretary - also shopped for the groceries. I changed jobs frequently in order to not only raise my salary but to get the experience I wanted.

I ended up as senior paralegal for a very good firm specializing in automobile dealer franchise law. Yes, lots of politics, lots of quirky folks, however, I found the same atmosphere when I worked for a large corporation many moons ago in NJ. Big egos can cause people to do strange things!

Hope to hear from some more re how you broke into the paralegal field!

I have heard some people say that getting a BA degree in anything (Exp. Accounting) and then getting your certificate is a good idea (if you want to be a Paralegal). Now I’m in college and in progress to receive my AAS Certified Paralegal degree, and was thinking of going for my BA Paralegal degree. Is this a good plan? I’m currently working for a process serving company as an account representative and once finished with college I will have 3 years experience here and my AAS degree, why type of luck will I have after I graduate job wise? What is everyone’s opinion on my plan and my future for jobs? Is that a good plan?

From above...
(Im working for a LEGAL process service company)

Jesse, do you enjoy working for a legal process service company? I have thought about working for a process service company here in Tampa.

Jesse, from an HR perspective, three years is good. If you are thinking about a B.A., I would strongly reccomend getting it in something like accounting, finance, or computer science (if you really love math).

This would open up more practice areas for you and really, there is not that much more you could learn from a B.A. in paralegal studies. A B.A./B.S. is a good idea because if you ever burn out on being a paralegal, you could go to law school.

That's more or less what I decieded to do after one internship in the field.

Best of luck

Jesse in Saint Paul, Minnesota: "I have heard some people say that getting a BA degree in anything (Exp. Accounting) and then getting your certificate is a good idea (if you want to be a Paralegal). Now I am in college and in progress to receive my AAS Certified Paralegal degree, and was thinking of going for my BA Paralegal degree. Is this a good plan?"

A B.A. in Paralegal would be redundant. Get a four-year degree in something else. I have a B.S.B.A. with an accounting major. I never used my accounting background until I got in law. At that point my accounting training was valuable.

"I am currently working for a process serving company as an account representative and once finished with college I will have 3 years experience here and my AAS degree, why type of luck will I have after I graduate job wise?"

I recall a student in my paralegal school who was a process server. Even with that experience you would still be an entry paralegal, but IMO process serving may catch a hiring manager's interest and propel you past the receptionist. It would certainly give you something to talk about at interviews, especially if you say that process serving spurred your interest in becoming a paralegal.

Heather Whitlow in Tampa, Florida said: Jesse, do you enjoy working for a legal process service company? I have thought about working for a process service company here in Tampa.

Yes. I do enjoy working for this process serving company, it's very busy, need to be very organized, and your on the phone all the time meeting tons of different people from around the us.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Jesse in Saint Paul, Minnesota: "I have heard some people say that getting a BA degree in anything (Exp. Accounting) and then getting your certificate is a good idea (if you want to be a Paralegal). Now I am in college and in progress to receive my AAS Certified Paralegal degree, and was thinking of going for my BA Paralegal degree. Is this a good plan?"

A B.A. in Paralegal would be redundant. Get a four-year degree in something else. I have a B.S.B.A. with an accounting major. I never used my accounting background until I got in law. At that point my accounting training was valuable.

"I am currently working for a process serving company as an account representative and once finished with college I will have 3 years experience here and my AAS degree, why type of luck will I have after I graduate job wise?"

I recall a student in my paralegal school who was a process server. Even with that experience you would still be an entry paralegal, but IMO process serving may catch a hiring manager's interest and propel you past the receptionist. It would certainly give you something to talk about at interviews, especially if you say that process serving spurred your interest in becoming a paralegal.

Thank you for your interest in my question. Now here's another question from me, I'm already enrolled in college to receive my AAS degree as a paralegal, quit? Also, what if I'm horrible at math, would there be any other type of BA to excel in? I really appreciate your comments! Thanks again for your opinion and input.

Another quick question, Im sorry! But what is the big deal with accounting and law? Why a B.A in accounting?

Jesse in Saint Paul, Minnesota: "Thank you for your interest in my question. Now here's another question from me, I'm already enrolled in college to receive my AAS degree as a paralegal, quit?"

Why?

"Also, what if I'm horrible at math, would there be any other type of BA to excel in?"

Best answer I can give is a program that is not math-intensive. That would best be determined by your aptitude and interest.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Jesse in Saint Paul, Minnesota: "Thank you for your interest in my question. Now here's another question from me, I'm already enrolled in college to receive my AAS degree as a paralegal, quit?"

Why?

"Also, what if I'm horrible at math, would there be any other type of BA to excel in?"

Best answer I can give is a program that is not math-intensive. That would best be determined by your aptitude and interest.

Why? Should I get an AAS as a paralegal AND a B.A in accounting?

Jesse in Saint Paul, Minnesota said: But what is the big deal with accounting and law? Why a B.A in accounting?

Actually, Jesse, accounting is not a B.A. but a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree.

I majored in accounting but went into other careers that didn't use accounting. Several years later, when I went into law, because I had an accounting background I understood immediately the concepts of estate inventories and accountings. I also prepared a few trust tax returns and accounting helped me with those. As a PI paralegal, I picked up distribution schedule preparation immediately because it was nothing more than accounting.

Jesse in Saint Paul, Minnesota said: Why? Should I get an AAS as a paralegal AND a B.A in accounting?

Whoa, Jesse! My suggestion is that you finish your Associate's program and then obtain a four-year degree. Your major doesn't really matter. Accounting is one choice; I had earned an accounting degree many years before I opted for law. But, again, your interests and aptitude should dictate your choice. In other words, e.g., if you like English Literature, major in that subject.

In any event, I would strongly recommend that you take as many English writing courses as possible in college. Good English writing skills are vital to paralegals. You'll see what I mean when you are assigned your memorandum of law project in your Legal Research and Writing class in paralegal school.

I guess it just sounds like a lot for wanting to be a Paralegal. I do want to excel with my career in everyway possible and will do whatever it takes to become an excellent Paralegal. What's the push for completing a four year degree in something other than a paralegal, only because when I finish an accounting degree for example it will make my paralegal job easier? What happened to study to become a paralegal, and become a paralegal? I'm sorry for all the questions, this stuff is new to me.

Jesse,

What are the law firms in your area requiring? Is there a paralegal association in your area? If so, join as a student. Watch the ads in the paper or online for your area. This will give you great insight into what law firms in St. Paul are expecting in terms of education.

In my experience, a 2 yr. paralegal degree was perfectly fine. However, I've had other paralegals tell me that in their neck of the woods, it was expected that they have a B.A. I have a 2 yr. degree (not paralegal studies), a paralegal certificate and lots of experience. There have been positive comments made about the fact that I did get a 2 yr. degree (again, not in paralegal studies).

When I first started out, I landed a receptionist/legal secretary job. My technical skills (computer, typing, dictation) were excellent, so I adapted very quickly.

It's important to network with people in your area before you need a job. Join your local association and volunteer for a position on one of the committees. You'll never know how this might positively impact your job search later on.

Leslie
www.legaledpro.com
www.lesliestudios.com

Jesse in Saint Paul, Minnesota: "I guess it just sounds like a lot for wanting to be a Paralegal."

It really isn't when one considers that paralegal is regarded as a professional occupation, and especially considering paralegals do much of the same work done by attorneys.

A four-year college degree is a common professional requirement in any industry, especially considering that many other professional careers require a Master's degree or better. A paralegal certificate is a standard professional credential for that position.

"What's the push for completing a four year degree in something other than a paralegal, only because when I finish an accounting degree for example it will make my paralegal job easier?"

Once again, Jesse, I happened to have an accounting degree when I opted to become a paralegal. I had earned my degree twenty years earlier. My accounting background helped me in my work, but that is strictly me. I'm only writing about my experience.

"What happened to study to become a paralegal, and become a paralegal?"

I don't understand that question, but I have a suggestion. As well asking posters on this thread, why don't you also ask your paralegal school career counselor these questions? Your counselor's answers should give you good input.

I'm 23 years old, pursuing my AAS degree as a paralegal, will graduate at the age of 25. How long and what would I need to do to become a lawyer?