Work at Home Paralegal Opportunities?

I am a paralegal. I am also about to graduate from an ABA approved paralegal program. There is no such thing as mandatory certification (yet), nor is it mandatory to have a paralegal degree; however, it is an employer's market and an education is never a bad idea.

The current economy might be in your favor. Clients are not paying and, consequently, attorneys are having a hard time paying staff. Be prepared to make less per hour than you are accustomed to. Also, be ready to accept secretarial work. True paralegal work will be difficult without access to a law library, unless you plan to afford an online legal service such as Lexis Nexis or Westlaw. I spend quite a lot of time researching statutes and caselaw, then analyzing, and reporting my findings to my employer. It is impossible to do the research required to win using general internet research tools like Google.

That said, there are many jobs you can do: calendaring, document research and analysis, client and business correspondence, record requests, legal writing, etc. Records management really needs to be done in house, and court filing does require trips to the courthouse from time to time...unless you can fax file everything (which really depends on the area of law, and the jurisdiction.) I deal with courts that require fax filing, and courts that require trips to the courthouse. I consider the trips to the courthouse fun most of the time.

Above all else, be sure of requirements in your area regarding UPL. In my jurisdiction, paralegals must work under the supervision of an attorney. In other words, no independent writing, signing, filing, or representation. There are several court systems nationwide that allow paralegals to complete these types of jobs with limitations. Offhand, I can't tell you which states are more lenient.

Good luck!!! I've considered the same; t'would be a dream job really. =)

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Your statements are misleading and short sighted, especially your statement about "unnecessary piece of paper." Your CEU class made up for not having a paralegal certificate. Few opportunities are available for wannabe paralegals without some form of training. Moreover, many firms won't hire paralegals without the "piece of paper" and/or a college degree, in particular those firms that **require** either or both for hire.

This is true in the current economy. I think many recall a time, in the not so distant past, when a degree was unnecessary. Today, with so many recent layoffs, law firms can choose from the cream of the crop and pay what they want to pay. If you don't have 5 years minimum law office experience, you have very little chance without the degree. That's not to say there aren't jobs out there. One thing is certain, a degree is never a bad idea. A very wise person once told me, "four years from now, you are going to be four years older; you can be four years older without a degree, or four years older with a degree." Not rocket science. I say to anyone who is asking the question...get the degree; it certainly won't hurt! A bit of a digression from the original question but relevant just the same.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: Your statements are misleading and short sighted, especially your statement about "unnecessary piece of paper." Your CEU class made up for not having a paralegal certificate. Few opportunities are available for wannabe paralegals without some form of training. Moreover, many firms won't hire paralegals without the "piece of paper" and/or a college degree, in particular those firms that **require** either or both for hire.

I am not saying that you can have any job you want, nor am I saying don't get the education if you can. I am saying that you should not let lack of a degree or availability of a good program keep you from trying. It may be an obstacle, but certainly not an insurmountable one. Perhaps my reply was not shortsighted. Perhaps it was your analysis of my reply that needed a bit more thought.

Certification and a certificate from an ABA approved paralegal program are two different things. There are only two certifications: NALA's CLE and the NFPA's PACE. A paralegal certificate (given upon graduation from an ABA approved paralegal program), typically coincides with an Associate or Bachelor's degree, and is not certification. Currently, there is not a nationally required paralegal certification. In fact, state to state, certification is not mandatory. CLE and PACE certification require intense study, followed by an exam much like the Bar exam for attorneys. An individual must meet certain requirements to apply and sit for each exam. These requirements include experience, and/or education. It's a big deal.

When a paralegal passes the PACE exam, he or she earns the RP (Registered Paralegal) designation; passing the CLA earns the right to use the CLA (Certified Legal Assistant) or CP (Certified Paralegal). BTW, to date I have not taken either exam. I have met all requirements for the CLA except graduation, which will happen this spring. Certification takes time, and a lot of work. I believe the experience requirement for PACE is higher; however, I'm told the exam for the CLA is more difficult than PACE. This is hearsay, and probably depends on the person taking the exam.

Anything worth having generally takes time and commitment. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. =)

The "unnecessary piece of paper" remark I made was not meant in any sort of snide manner. The comment simply means that it is not necessary to have a piece of paper in order do the job a paralegal does. It is not meant to disparage anyone who has the paper, or to say that they have wasted their time, money, or efforts to obtain it. The comment simply means that if you can do the job, the piece of paper is not necessary. I really think that you are trying to read more into it than what it was.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: One point to consider regarding CLA, etc. is local requirements. Around here, firms apparently don't care if one has a CLA. I recall seeing maybe two or three ads max in the past four years that required CLA. I don't have CLA or RP. In other parts of the country, CLA, RP, etc. appear to be important.

My former coworker, a woman with 30 years' exp as a legal secretary (plus a BA from a univ in MN) has her CLA (I don't recall what specialty), and she told me it was a waste of time because firms could care less. According to her, having the CLA designation doesn't give an applicant her an edge over someone else who doesn't have it, nor does it command a higher salary. I am inclined to believe her because I had no other acquaintances/coworkers who had their CLA. I think it would have been more common if it meant you made a little more money. Firms want the exp.

I am sorry if it came off to you that way. It certainly wasn't intended that way. And yes, lack of a degree or certification may cut someone out of specific opportunities, but there are plenty of others that are open without it. I don't really see the harm in an optimistic approach for those of us who don't have program availability or funds to go the certification/degree route. I've done well with it, and I know many others who have done well with this approach as well. I am not in any way trying to come off as snide, rude, shrill or otherwise. To the contrary, I get the feeling that you are being defensive and adversarial about the issue, when I was simply attempting to make the statement that once your foot is in the door, your work product should allow you to advance as opposed to the piece of paper you may or may not have, that the law rarely requires. If you have it, congratulations, and more power to you. If you do not, don't let it stop you. If one door is closed in your face, knock on another. :-)

Okay, DLP. Despite the fact that I have apologized if what I said came off the wrong way, and clarified what I meant, including a comment to show a positive attitude, you continue to act as if I was being derogatory in some way. I am sorry you feel the need to be so defensive. Obviously your certification is a source of pride for you, and rightly so. You likely worked very hard to get it. Once more, that is WONDERFUL for those who can and choose to do so. For those who CANNOT or choose not to do so, however, please know that IT IS VERY POSSIBLE TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL AND FINANCIALLY LUCRATIVE CAREER AS A PARALEGAL WITHOUT ANY CERTIFICATION OR DEGREE. Is it easy? No. However, it is certainly possible, and in many areas of the country, the lack of certification is little more than a speed bump. In other areas of the country and at many big-name firms, the certificate is a necessity just to get in the door. DLP is correct about that. However, I feel it is important for everyone to understand that it is not a necessity to have these credentials in order to break into the field or even be successful and top notch. Will it present hurdles in specific and even in many instances? Yes. Are there other opportunities? Yes. Few paralegals in my region are certified. There are many who took a CEU course, but again, this is not a certification or a degree. Further, there are many more who have not taken anything, but started as a legal secretary and had the drive to learn as they went along, and got moved up to paralegal.

This is probably my last post in this forum. The moderator seems to think that someone that says it is possible to do it a different way than he/she did it is a threat in some way to the greater order of the universe. I don't believe in telling people that my way is the only way or even the best way, and I don't think others should do so either. Anyone reading this post and wanting to become a paralegal, the number one thing to get you in the door to MANY

firms is a good resume with no errors. Once you are there, if you have the knowledge and skills you need or seem very trainable, you can sell yourself at the interview. Good luck to you all.

And I stand by mine that I agree with you, opportunities are limited but still disagree and state they are there. Though "the piece of paper" is definitely an asset, it is not the only way.

The firms where I worked did not require a certificate. Experience meant more. A 4 year degree meant more. Connections meant more. If you didn't have any of the above then you needed a paralegal certificate.

I graduated from an approved paralegal program from Kaplan University with a Bachelors Degree- it was not ABA approved and the experience and education I received was pheneomenal regardless of the rumors that have been going around about the college.I also landed a paralegal position before I graduated and the firm did not require a certificate. I do know however, that I would not have landed the job had I not been in the program. I also recently was offered and accepted another higher paying position in a higher profile firm. My new firm requires a minimum of a certificate with the eligibility of being Florida Bar Recognized aka Florida Bar Registered Paralegal. In Florida, if you attend an "ABA" approved program you need 1 less year experience to be eligible for the Florida Bar Recognition- thats pretty much all of it's benefits.

Considering, the salary is within the same limits regardless of your 1-3 years experience in this state, paying the extra money for the ABA approved program- doesn't really make sense as your salary will not be any higher despite the "ABA" brand on your certification/diploma.

In my experience although the ABA "approved schools" may look more enticing-- the benefits are minimal unless you apply to a firm that requires it and compensates you for the accredation- most of them do not. Otherwise, as long as you attend a program approved by the US Department of Education and work on obtaining your experience, in my experience you are fine.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: I've heard of a few paralegals who work at home, but I understand they initially established themselves on-site in their law firms.

Be sure you complete an ABA-approved paralegal program. You probably know that an ABA certificate is the highest grade paralegal certificate obtainable. An ABA certificate will open the door to all paralegal jobs which require certificates. You may have fewer opportunities without an ABA certificate.

I think your legal secretarial experience will also open doors, but some firms may try to shove you into those jobs and not give you a real chance to be a paralegal without secretarial responsibilities.

Best of luck with your plans.

I have just graduated from a community college and have earned an Associate Degree in Paralegal Management. This course is ABA approved. I am finding that although I have the degree, I am not even getting interviews because I do not have atleast 2 years experience. I also became a notary public thinking that that would be a plus. I was a very good student and graduated with honors.

I feel like I wasted my time. 2 years of college later and the only job offer that I have had is working in a restaurant as a cashier for 7.75 hour. I have sent my resume to over 122 jobs and have had only one interview. I had an HR specialist look at my resume and she said that it was one of the better ones that she had seen.

I spoke to a fellow student graduate that said that she is having the same experience and has resorted to applying for data entry and customer service positions.

It seems as if the field is impossible to break into. The experience is invaluable but the degree is not worth the paper that it is written on.

Do you have any ideas. I can not afford to volunteer for free in order to gain any experience.

I can not afford to keep applying for jobs that I never even get interviews for.

Displaced Legal Professional in Denver, Colorado said: I've heard of a few paralegals who work at home, but I understand they initially established themselves on-site in their law firms.

Be sure you complete an ABA-approved paralegal program. You probably know that an ABA certificate is the highest grade paralegal certificate obtainable. An ABA certificate will open the door to all paralegal jobs which require certificates. You may have fewer opportunities without an ABA certificate.

I think your legal secretarial experience will also open doors, but some firms may try to shove you into those jobs and not give you a real chance to be a paralegal without secretarial responsibilities.

Best of luck with your plans.

I graduated from an ABA approved program from a community college. I have an Associate Degree in Paralegal Management. I graduated with honors and I became a notary public. I have applied for 122 jobs and had a human resource specialist check my resume. I am finding that although employers would like to see the paralegal degree what they are most interested in is 2-5 years experience. I have had one interview. I spent 2 years in college this time, and have had one job offer so far. Cashier in a restaurant for 7.75 hr. I feel like my degree is not worth the paper that it is written on. I feel like I wasted my time going to school. Now I am applying for clerical positions that 1/2 the women out there are qualified to work. I can not afford to volunteer in order to gain experience. My school placement center says they have no clerical or paralegal jobs to place. It seems like I wasted my time. It is almost impossible to get your foot in the door. I am thinking about going to get my CDL just to survive. Any advice? I am very discouraged, disappointed, and frustrated.

I have recently completed an on-line Paralegal program, of which there are hundreds, and am researching my options for "Certification." The NALA exam is two-day eight-hour days exam with a 40%-45% pass rate; not sure why it's so low. I purchased the review manual for this exam and the book itself was $155, plus, it's over 900 pages; if that tells you anything. It costs $250 every time you take the exam, even re-takes. Big decision in opting for this exam. The other option is the exam for "Legal Document Preparer," which is the certification as well as a "License" to practice without the supervision of an attorney; great for freelancing as a Paralegal. Here's the catch, there always is one, right? The exam only costs $50 and it's one day, three hours. Legal Document Preparers are "licensed" by the Supreme Court of your state. The actual license costs $650 and you have to be all but perfect, lily-white, and never have made a mistake in your life; the background check and questions on the application for licensure are "thorough" to say the least, and, a fingerprint card is required. After you take the certification exam you wait to see if you are "invited" to apply for the license. The review manual for this certification is reasonable but requires knowledge of the Supreme Court rules that govern LDP's. Personally, I am going for the LDP license so I can work from home and pick and choose my jobs.
Hope you found this helpful.

Did you check on the PACE test?

Here is a good article to read. There was a time I thought CLA was the ONLY good way to go. Today, with today's job market, I would go PACE.

legalcareers.about.com/od/educationandtraining/a/certification_2.htm

In today's economy, don't spend money on school, get student loans, spend money taking tests - unless you are sure they are going to get you somewhere.

Possible paralegal in Yorktown Heights, New York said: I'm a stay at home mom and would like to pursue a paralegal career in the near future. I have a Bachelor's in English and 8 years of legal secretarial experience. I would pursue an on-line paralegal certificate program. I was wondering if there are work at home paralegal opportunities? If so, do people generally get those options after working at a firm and proving themselves? I would like to start working from home and then go to a firm once my kids are bigger. I appreciate any advice. Thank you.

you go girl...just keep your head up high

Possible paralegal in Yorktown Heights, New York said: Thank you for your advice. I will pursue an ABA certificate. I agree that I have to be careful about being thrown back into a pure secretarial role. I'm wondering if I should put off getting the certificate until I'm ready to go outside the home to work or if I should just get the certificate while I have the time to do it.

Thanks again.

just get the certificate while you have a chance because if you put it off you may forget

i love paralegals

Possible paralegal in Yorktown Heights, New York said: Thank you for your advice. I will pursue an ABA certificate. I agree that I have to be careful about being thrown back into a pure secretarial role. I'm wondering if I should put off getting the certificate until I'm ready to go outside the home to work or if I should just get the certificate while I have the time to do it.

Thanks again.

Do it while you have the time. I did and even though the stress was a little much, it was well worth it. I graduate in 3 months. Already doing an Internship with the NY Assembly and cant wait for the degree and a chance to bet on myself and try to run a home based business.