What salary can I expect as an entry level paralegal with a four year degree?

[BUMP] Coming July '09

Is your degree in paralegal studies? If not, you will not be qualified to work as a paralegal. If so, congrats! You need to realistic and understand that fresh paralegals do not make big bucks. Your salary will depend on a few things (i.e. size of the law firm, government v. private sector, big v. small city).

Your starting yearly income could be anywhere from $25,000/year ($12.00/hour) to $40,000/year ($19.25/hour). $25k being a small private practice and $40k being a large law firm in a large city.

You can calculate salary based on location and years of experience on one of the many salary websites. Try that to get a more accurate idea.

Andi, HR Specialist

I don't understand why you and other people don't clarify your question with info like what state??? or city, etc.

Also, calling local employment agencies in the city where you want to work, and explaining what your needs are will be your best information.

Also, you might call the legal training centers and ask them what the going rate is.

there are so many variables...

wisegirl74

My best suggestion to you is to live below your means when you get a job, pay off the debt and then get the new vehicle and the appartment. I suggest you to live like a student, the first year you may make 30K-45K but then after you will make more money depending on what city you live in.

Gem

A lot less than you think, and your advisers told you.

I have seen paralegals make anywhere from $22,000 and up.

At this point in your career, the experience is worth more than anything.

Good luck in your search.

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!

waterrosefish

It really depends in which city you'll work. In DC your starting salary (in BigLaw) will be approximately $30k-$35k, in NY $35k-$40k, not including overtime. Some of our legal assistants took up to $60k home per month, but in those months they were working REALLY hard (i.e. several all-nighters, weekends, etc).

Don't fall for the loan consolidation crap in some of the answers. Work hard, pay back your loans. You're on track, dude!

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