I am a teacher looking to switch careers. I want to become a paralegal and need to know what I have to do.?

kapn

You really need to think about that.......there are no short cuts......you will get a serious cut in pay.......you will loose your tenure.........the summers off are over........you will go into debt to secure your qualifications as a paralegal..........jobs are extremely scarce........you will starve...........you will never be able to retire after 30 and out........not a good move...........sorry........truth hurts....anyone can be a paralegal........only special persons can become a teacher.....

gettingby

Be very careful if you switch. Almost all law firms require experience in order to be a paralegal-the degree/cert is not enough. You usually need to start in an entry-level job, so you will have a salary cut. There are BA programs; I am in one now. I have a BA with honors, great work experience and I am trying to find an entry-level job. The firms will here will not even look at my resume without at least 2 years of experience. If you do get super lucky and one offers to train, they will not pay well because there is a lot involved. There are people in my classes with no degrees who are paralegals; they got their jobs by working their way up. They are working on their Associate's degrees.

You really do not want a short program, because employers do not take them as seriously. Employers want ABA-approved schools. Online/distance/technical schools-don't bother. I am in a community college. My classes are the same as in the Associate's program, but since I have the general ed credits from my BA, I am earning a certificate. This requires 30 credits plus an internship. Most, if not all, ABA-approved schools require the internship. Mine is for a semester. The professor has encouraged us to start looking for jobs now, and hopefully, they will provide the internship and a job.This is the closest she has come to admitting that you need experience. The problem I am having is that I have interviewed for several entry jobs and have been told I am overqualified. One hired a person with law experience. So, it is proving frustrating. I just started, so I have time.

The earliest time in which my program could be completed would be 18 months. That would be tough. The classes are in order and not always offered each semester. Plus, they involve A LOT of research and field work. I know someone who went to an approved school that was only for about 6 months; she has a BA and earned a certificate. She cannot find work. I think the program was too short in the eyes of employers. I cannot imagine learning all of this in that little bit of time.

I would do your research before you switch. Your best bet would be to find a job first and then start school. I wish I had done this. Frankly, if I spend 2 years plus a semester and cannot find a job, I am not going to be happy. My BA is not attracting jobs. This certificate will, but the experience comes first.

[BUMP] Coming July '09

You already have a BA? If so, you do not need to go back to complete another degree. A paralegal certificate from an ABA (American Bar Association) accredited school should be sufficient. Follow this link to find AVA accredited schools in your area: http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals/directory/

However, you do need to know that even with you BA and a certificate, you will probably not be hired on immediately as a paralegal. If you want to get out of teaching soon, try finding employment at a law firm while you complete your certificate. This way you will have some legal experience to back up your education.

Good luck! E-mail me if you have any more questions.

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