Lawyer vs. Paralegal?

BAL

Lawyers treat secretaries and paralegals like "the help." If you have a good mind and are ambitious, being the "help" has an unattractive future, in my judgment.

I practiced law for 25 years, much tax-related.

I never regretted the decision to practice law, but it was a shock to see the lack of ethics among members of the bar and judiciary. Not to mention the astounding lack of intellgence of judges in general.

redvelvetflames4ever

I am in my last year of law school and will admit I have almost chucked my books and myself out a window wondering what the hell have I gotten myself into. But, this is something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember. It's not easy, but if you sincerely feel this is your calling go for it.

Richard

Between lawyer and paralegal, it would be much better to be a lawyer. Paralegals work under lawyers doing mostly advanced secretary type work.
If you are interested in tax law its best to have an accounting degree, then a law degree, then a one year LLM in tax law. This is what tax law firms look for.
Why I am not happy with the law field is that it really does count which law school you went to, what religion you are and your race. Theses things affect whether you get an interview or not and what field of law you will be allowed to enter. Otherwise your on your own to start your practice, learn that area of law and get clients yourself.

Expert Realtor

As one attorney told me many years ago (when I considered being a paralegal), he said, "Why in the world would you want to do all the work for 1/4 of the pay?"

Not sure if that answers your question.

What I have learned is what TYPE of law you go into, dramatically makes or breaks your ability to secure a living at it.

sparkles

Well , on a personal note BE A LAWYER. You really need the distance and the determination. Grants if you look hard enough.

stephen t

I was suprised about the number of paralegal posts that were having hard time finding a job. I am an attorney and I try to warn everyone about the pitfalls of the profession. More often than not people regret being an attorney. I recently read a study that 3/4 of the attorneys would not do it again, and would not recommend it as a career choice to their children. Obviously, some attorneys are happy. But at least 3 out of 4 are pretty miserable after going down that path, trapped. I am sure they did not enter the profession to be miserable.

Balthazar

I have personnally seen paralegals telling lawyers how to do things...!!! There are too many lawyers now.

VicSEO

The opportunities for a paralegal really depends on the specialty. The most in demand paralegals are those in the litigation field; followed by corporate paralegals who are responsible for maintaining corporate records, articles of incorporation, etc. While the "least" markeable [but the "highest" paid] paralegals are in the field of intellectual property [i.e., patents, trademarks] and immigration law. In conclusion, choose your paralegal courses accordingly, with emphasis on litigation preparation [discovery], docketing/calendaring of incoming pleadings [calendaring] and trial preparation [creating Exhibit tabs, Bajii jury instructions, etc.]. The "pro" side of a litigation paralegal is often "unlimited" overtime which can amount to a high salary range of $65,000 to $75,000 per year, while the "downside," being constantly pressured to meet a monthly client billable quota. And failing to meet that quota, often results in the paralegal's overnight dismissal. It's not a pretty picture. I just want to lay out what really happens in the real world of litigators and their relationship with subordinate paralegals.

Good luck!

Canadian

following politics law and religion have always been hobbies for me. unfortunately for me do to health related issues (nothing major) I am now seeking a second career . a little to old to start law school I have decided to peruse the paralegal field. I know it is a rough go and the LSUC really does have a lot of restriction, I feel I would be a valuable asset to any company that hires me. I used to be a professional procrastinator not any more .... just need to remember keep my nose to the grindstone. does anybody have any other advice for me?

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