Is it possible to secure a job as a paralegal with a dual-degree in English and French?

I will be graduating in three months with two undergraduate degrees, one in French and the other in English. During the past two years, I have worked at a local company doing translation work and the like. Within the next five years, I would like to apply to law school. Unfortunately, my financial situation won't allow me to attend immediately, so I would like to gain some experience in the legal field while paying off some of my loans. Would I be able to get a job as a paralegal? Thanks for your input.

gettingby

Not where I live, which has MANY law firms within 30 minutes. The firms here are adamant-they want at least 2 years of experience in a law firm and many are now asking for an ABA-approved education. I have a BA in a liberal arts field, high honors and high-level office experience. I am in a program that allows those with a BA to get an ABA-approved certificate. It will take me 2 years. The shortest it would probably take would be 18 months. I have seen shorter programs, but from talking with people in the field, the firms do not look as favorably upon those.

You may get lucky and find a firm who will train, but that is probably a long shot. I am looking for entry-level jobs so that I can gain experience while I am in school. My professor has advised us to do this, having admitted that no experience=no job. There are several people in my class who have BAs and like me, need the certificate. There are also several who have no degrees, but through experience have become paralegals. They want the Associates degree (my school offers both) so they can have more job opportunities.

You could try sending your resume and see what happens. The problem is that the job of a paralegal is not entry-level, so the chances of finding someone to hire you are very slim. I have seen a few ads that were willing to train, but they were paying a very low salary and they still preferred legal experience.

[BUMP] Coming July '09

Not without a little entry level law office experience (i.e. legal secretary, clerk or receptionist). Look at ads in your area for paralegals and see what the requirements are. You will most likely find that they want you to have a paralegal degree and/or a few years of law office experience. Your BA is great, but without any paralegal background or even law office background you will not qualify for a paralegal position. Start off as a legal secretary, it will give you valuable insight and knowledge and after a year or so you should be able to start looking for paralegal employment.

Good luck to you!

B.A. CREATURE

Of course since your interested in law so you already know this right? You must be certified there are additional classes. most Community Colleges offer a short program for this.

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