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Paralegal

Emilia0101Emilia0101
in Working Moms

I have my BS in criminal justice and since graduating I have bounced around a little in the field (victim advocate/juvenile case manager). While I have loved my positions working the 24/7/365 rotation was pretty draining and with my husband's current position we can't both keep those hours. I am looking at possibly completing my paralegal certificate to market myself a little better for a standard 9-5 job until DD gets a little older.

 Any advice or people currently in the paralegal field that may be willing to offer a word of advice on job prospects?

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Re: Paralegal

  • annaprettymanannaprettyman
    Go for it! I'm an attorney and worked as a paralegal before law school. I would say paralegals in my area are in good demand. Many smaller firms can take you on rather than affording the expense of another associate. I'm a solo practioner and just hired a wonderful paralegal. Here are my tips: Start getting experience right away. You already know a lot by working in the field. Look for internships while you get your certification. Market yourself as an independent contractor. Many firms may not be able to hire a PT or FT paralegal, but still need important admin work. Offer to work on a project by project basis or go into an office a few hours each week to lend a hand. You may land a permanent position that way. Be open to many practice areas. Unless you have great experience in one area, focus on gaining good paralegal basic experience now verses a certain practice area. Your skills will be transferrable. You can be choosy on a practice area later. Best wishes!
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  • bearfootzbearfootz member
    Like any job, it all depends where you end up. My sis told me it's like being a glorified secretary.  Ok, sometimes I do feel like that.  But most of the time I've been in a role with more autonomy.  Depending on where you're at, I think the paralegal/legal secretary terms get interchanged and if it's a small firm you might end up being both in one.  That said, I think there are great opportunities for paralegals, especially in corporate settings.  There are also a number of part time opportunities out there.  It does sound like you have some great experience to fall back on as well.

    *Siggy Warning*

    About me  2007: Started TTC. 2008: OB prescribed clomid, went to RE and was Dx with PCOS. 2009: IUI #1 w/follitsim and trigger = BFP. B/G Twins born at 33 weeks. 2012: TTC #3, Round 2 of Letrozole w/TI = BFP, missed m/c at 8 1/2 wks. Currently on the bench as we make plans for a new home. Anxious to start TTC #3 within the next year!

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  • Emilia0101Emilia0101
    Thanks ladies! I am planning on completing the program. I found one I really like online today and have started the process to enroll. While I love the criminal justice field, I think paralegal will be a nice transition into another aspect of the law.
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