Paralegal questions, does anyone know...?

lifecryme

a starting paralegal makes around $40,000+. But over the years you can make up to $80,000+. Depending on whether it's a private firm or a corporation. Private firms pay more but there's also more work. You don't get much help. It's kinda like they give you a task expecting you know how to do well and you do it. You teach yourself and guide yourself and hope it is well done. It's done this way because in a private firm there's less people working a lot of work to be done so the attorney won't have time to teach you anything. You can't really ask for help too much in a private firm either because you'll be bothering others with their work.

I've worked at a private real estate firm as a law clerk during my 3rd-4th college years. Regardless of your position at the firm, it's a lot of work, a lot of hours and with little pay at first.

In order to pursue any type of law you need to have a love for it. If you're doing it for the money it'll break you down. You'll quit your job within a month. If even that much.

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" marketable [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!

Jack

Tough to answer. It depends upon the market and who you know. My wife got a job with no experience in the field. She does have a B.A. in English. Certification is a plus. It's required in some states. Don't know about how tough classes are. My wife thinks they are easy since she is "learning" what she's already doing. On the job training was a plus for her.

Don't let anyone discourage you. You can do it. Hang in there. Also, it's not for everyone. If paralegal is not for you, then that's fine. Be encouraged and prosper. Whatever you do, go for it.

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