Paralegal in California with Acounting/Mortgage Background

Actually I am completing an A.S in Paralegal Studies. I have an accounting (non-degreed) background and I have worked the last 5 years in mortgage, with the last two in compliance as a liaison answering regulatory related questions. I also have a cosmetology license that I earned in my late 20s.

What are my chances, realistically speaking, of even finding a job as a paralegal?

Don't ask questions like that. It sets you up for people giving you all the negative, whether intentional or not. With the way the economy is, who knows what your chances are. You could get a job because you are the cheapest in pay. Or you could not get a job because you don't have the experience.

Keep your options open for all types of jobs using your accounting experience and legal training, whether it be paralegal, legal secretary, legal assistant, administrative, government - or whatever.

It's so hard to say. Are you smart, attractive, good personality, have connections to the legal field? Are you proactive, fearless, outgoing, assertive? Can you tolerate or shrug off bad behavior by your boss? Can you work overtime? Can you read minds? Can you pull miracles out of your tush?

lol okay, okay, I've got the picture. I have worked with attorneys indirectly and I have to consider myself fortunate that I had two superiors that were great "buffers".

Paralegal in Carrollton, Texas said: It's so hard to say. Are you smart, attractive, good personality, have connections to the legal field? Are you proactive, fearless, outgoing, assertive? Can you tolerate or shrug off bad behavior by your boss? Can you work overtime? Can you read minds? Can you pull miracles out of your tush?

Love this comment. Just curious. What is the connection with "smart, attractive, good personality...." to the legal field specifically? Most of the woman in the legal field, lawyers and paralegals, are "plain janes".

Overall, "smart, attractive, good personality" should be assets in most jobs and in life. Again, just curious?

At least around here, paralegal jobs are tight - always have been. Entry jobs have always been rare and tight, and it's probably the same where you are. In the meantime, many firms have laid off staff because of the economy. So, even with your background in accounting, regulatory compliance and mortgage, you would compete with experienced paralegals trying to become reemployed along with new paralegal grads such as yourself.

Frankly, I think you would enjoy cosmetology more than law. You would have real, hands-on opportunities to affect people positively. Paralegal is a support position in which attorneys ultimately get all the credit.

pinkfusion in California said: Actually I am completing an A.S in Paralegal Studies. I have an accounting (non-degreed) background and I have worked the last 5 years in mortgage, with the last two in compliance as a liaison answering regulatory related questions. I also have a cosmetology license that I earned in my late 20s.

What are my chances, realistically speaking, of even finding a job as a paralegal?

Try the Loss Mitigation Departments of banks. Lots of foreclosed property that has to be sold.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said:

Frankly, I think you would enjoy cosmetology more than law. You would have real, hands-on opportunities to affect people positively. Paralegal is a support position in which attorneys ultimately get all the credit.

And remember, your previous job experience means nothing, is discounted in the legal profession. They only consider your legal experience.

kmm in Wilmington, Delaware said: [Y]our previous job experience means nothing, is discounted in the legal profession. They only consider your legal experience.

kmm in Wilmington, Delaware said: Love this comment. Just curious. What is the connection with "smart, attractive, good personality...." to the legal field specifically? Most of the woman in the legal field, lawyers and paralegals, are "plain janes".

Overall, "smart, attractive, good personality" should be assets in most jobs and in life. Again, just curious?

Oh, I would say it's just not the legal field. Those traits help anyone get through a job interview successfully.

just dont do it

[blank

Paralegal in Carrollton, Texas said: It's so hard to say. Are you smart, attractive, good personality, have connections to the legal field? Are you proactive, fearless, outgoing, assertive? Can you tolerate or shrug off bad behavior by your boss? Can you work overtime? Can you read minds? Can you pull miracles out of your tush?

Pull miracles out of your tush!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL!!

Displaced - how come Moderator is by your name a lot? You working for Indeed?

No. I don't work for Indeed.

Paralegal in Carrollton, Texas said: Oh, I would say it's just not the legal field. Those traits help anyone get through a job interview successfully.

Absolutely. Point made more clearly.

Mary inTampa in Tampa, Florida said: Displaced - how come Moderator is by your name a lot? You working for Indeed?

HE is a great Moderator.

Thanks, Cindy! :D