Is anyone a paralegal?

[sasvermont]

I worked in law firms for over 30 years - oh my. I was the "office manager" as I watched paralegals go through the daily grind. Many of them ended up going to law school to become lawyers. The money was much better being a lawyer - and a bit more limelight was in store.

Each firm decides how they want to use their paralegals. Regardless, it is an interesting job for sure - long hours - piles of papers - never ending client contact - lots of grunt work - some are borderline private investigators - some are glorified secretaries - some are practicing law for the most part. I have seen them cry, take more and more medications, last years at the job, last days at the job, you name it. I think the average was about five years.

The one thing I did notice at every place was that a lot was expected of them. The lawyers didn't care if the PL was busy working on another matter, or for another attorney, they had to drop whatever it was they were doing, and work on the immediate problem. Piles and piles of work on the desk was the usual.

If you like stress, then the paralegal field is for you.

Lawyers come in every shape and form, just like other professionals. I did run into a few that were fun, kind, considerate and reasonable. I also ran into a bunch of self-centered creeps - rude would be a kind way of describing some of them. They don't have the market cornered. I understand many surgeons have personality disorders too.

Yes, they usually pay good money - I call it combat pay.

If you have a firm in mind - or have an "in" with a certain firm you are familiar with, then by all means, go for it. It is tough to get hired with no experience and that is why, I think many paralegals start out as secretaries, learn the work and/or go to paralegal school. I think of it as a thankless position, as you do SO much of the work and get SO little credit. There is usually pressure put on you to work in excess of 40 hours and bill, bill, bill or at least re-coop (credit for work performed) your salary!

It would not be uncommon for you to have to stay late or come in on a weekend to get a case ready for court - while the attorney is at the gym or taking his/her kid to a soccer game.

Many of the lawyers think their lives are MUCH more important than any other's, including their partners and fellow attorneys.

Oh well.

[moosmom]

Sallyanne,

I couldn't have put it better, girl!

[RedHedd]

I'm a paralegal and LOVE what I do. It's a very varied job which keeps it interesting - it's NEVER boring. Hours can be long and it can take a while to find your niche and attorneys that you can work with. I've been with my current firm for 18 years with the same attorney.

Sometimes it IS a glorified secretrarial job, but I kinda like that. I know I don't want to be an attorney - I've been in the legal biz for almost 30 years.

In this economy there are paralegal jobs out there, although a lot of firms are imploding and laying off. Just get your foot in the door - that's how I started as a file clerk oh-so-many years ago. The pay is good. Feel free to PM me with questions.