New Again Posted September 15, 2009 Posted September 15, 2009 I already have a bachelor's degree and a master's degree...but there are pretty much no jobs in my industry right now, so I'm toying with the idea of waitressing/bartending and getting some kind of certificate (maybe paralegal), but I don't know much about this, or how helpful it would be. I've obviously been looking online and making some phone calls, but of course everyone is really focused on marketing their program and so I'm finding it hard to cut through the bs and decide if this would actually help me get a paralegal job. Does anyone know anything about this? The reason I ask is that I know that getting other certificates (such as accounting) is worthless for most intents and purposes (you aren't eligible to sit for CPA, and the majority of accounting firms/positions require you have a BS in accounting, or an associates if it's like payroll clerk or something like that......)
GorillaTheater Posted September 15, 2009 Posted September 15, 2009 I can only speak for myself, but when I've hired paralegals I'm interested in where they've received their training. What can of reputation does it have? How long has it been around? It's a good field though; we're having trouble filling our paralegal slots.
Author New Again Posted September 15, 2009 Author Posted September 15, 2009 I can only speak for myself, but when I've hired paralegals I'm interested in where they've received their training. What can of reputation does it have? How long has it been around? It's a good field though; we're having trouble filling our paralegal slots. Good to know! The certificate program I'm looking at is at/through George Mason University - does it matter to you what school it is, or the firm one gets actual paralegal experience from?
GorillaTheater Posted September 15, 2009 Posted September 15, 2009 Off hand it sounds like a great program, at least it has the right affiliation. What I'd be wary of is the "University of Phoenix" distance learning type of institution. What I look for is a combination of training and experience, but not necessarily "big firm" experience. What I need a paralegal for is 50-50 research and dealing with discovery, so I'd be interested in what the paralegal could bring to the table in those areas.
Author New Again Posted September 15, 2009 Author Posted September 15, 2009 Perfect, thanks for the input!
Star Gazer Posted September 15, 2009 Posted September 15, 2009 I agree with GT on all points. In addition, in California there are certain codified requirements for calling oneself a "paralegal" (higher level of training) as opposed to a "legal assistant." Working in a law firm, particularly in litigation, really isn't for everyone. Before jumping in to a pricey program, I recommend getting your feet wet as a receptionist or entry level legal assistant, just to see what the work is like. You may find out you HATE it... or, you may learn you love it, like I do.
Author New Again Posted September 15, 2009 Author Posted September 15, 2009 I agree with GT on all points. In addition, in California there are certain codified requirements for calling oneself a "paralegal" (higher level of training) as opposed to a "legal assistant." Working in a law firm, particularly in litigation, really isn't for everyone. Before jumping in to a pricey program, I recommend getting your feet wet as a receptionist or entry level legal assistant, just to see what the work is like. You may find out you HATE it... or, you may learn you love it, like I do. Do you mind telling me more about your experience? Your background, how you got into it, what you like about it...if not I understand, or if you want to PM me, feel free I'm a super organized, super planner, love research (which sometimes hurts me in my current field), love being busy, etc. which are a couple reasons I'm thinking I would enjoy and be successful in that type of job....
Star Gazer Posted September 15, 2009 Posted September 15, 2009 Do you mind telling me more about your experience? Your background, how you got into it, what you like about it...if not I understand, or if you want to PM me, feel free I'm a super organized, super planner, love research (and winning and doing a great job lol), love being busy, etc. which are a couple reasons I'm thinking I would enjoy and be successful in that type of job.... Well, I'm an attorney, so my experience is different from a paralegal. Let's just say I knew I wanted to be a trial attorney since high school. My colleagues have either felt the same way, or just drifted into law school after college because they didn't know what to do next with their life, and wanted to still be funded by their parental units. The latter group typically leave the practice of law within 5-7 years, if not sooner. The most recent associate to leave quit after 7 months; litigation just isn't for him. As for the paralegals we have, I know they started off as legal assistants, and then wanted to be more involved. So they went out and got their paralegal training. One hates it, but has been doing it for 40 years, the other loves it and has been doing it for about 5. Litigation isn't rocket science, but it's not a cakewalk either. It takes a certain type of person to really do well at it, me thinks. That said, the skills/personality traits you have would benefit a paralegal position. Do you know how to remain calm when the sh*t hits the fan? Are you willing to work overtime when necessary? Accept blame when it's not yours? (Hahaha, I say that jokingly, but... )
Author New Again Posted September 15, 2009 Author Posted September 15, 2009 Well, I'm an attorney, so my experience is different from a paralegal. Let's just say I knew I wanted to be a trial attorney since high school. My colleagues have either felt the same way, or just drifted into law school after college because they didn't know what to do next with their life, and wanted to still be funded by their parental units. The latter group typically leave the practice of law within 5-7 years, if not sooner. The most recent associate to leave quit after 7 months; litigation just isn't for him. As for the paralegals we have, I know they started off as legal assistants, and then wanted to be more involved. So they went out and got their paralegal training. One hates it, but has been doing it for 40 years, the other loves it and has been doing it for about 5. Litigation isn't rocket science, but it's not a cakewalk either. It takes a certain type of person to really do well at it, me thinks. That said, the skills/personality traits you have would benefit a paralegal position. Do you know how to remain calm when the sh*t hits the fan? Are you willing to work overtime when necessary? Accept blame when it's not yours? (Hahaha, I say that jokingly, but... ) This is all so helpful. I'm definitely calm in pretty much any situation - my "let's fix this" instincts kick in Annnnnd I can be incredibly task-oriented, in that I like getting things done, so overtime wouldn't be a problem. You're making me feel even more confident about this. I'm definitely going to do some more research, and start looking at legal assistant positions/job descriptions.
Star Gazer Posted September 15, 2009 Posted September 15, 2009 Glad I could help. Feel free to PM me anytime.
Author New Again Posted September 16, 2009 Author Posted September 16, 2009 Glad I could help. Feel free to PM me anytime. Thanks, I will
D.C Posted September 17, 2009 Posted September 17, 2009 Also in CA, if you work as a Paralegal for the State, you not bound by the business and professions code that covers paralegals.
Star Gazer Posted September 17, 2009 Posted September 17, 2009 Also in CA, if you work as a Paralegal for the State, you not bound by the business and professions code that covers paralegals. Huh? Yes you are. AGs and County Counsel are held to the same standards as an attorney in private practice, as are their paralegals.
D.C Posted September 17, 2009 Posted September 17, 2009 ]6456. An individual employed by the state as a paralegal, legal assistant, legal analyst, or similar title, is exempt from the provisions of this chapter See?
zoe1983 Posted September 18, 2009 Posted September 18, 2009 You mentioned George Mason so I am assuming that you are in Virginia. I live in Virginia as well and after getting my bachelors I too had a hard time getting a job. I actually went back to school and got my associates in Paralegal studies, not just the certificate. With your educational background I am sure you could do the same thing.(it only took me about a year) I thought this would ensure me a job...especially since everyone says that paralegals are in high demand. Well two years later I still don't have a paralegal job. Although i worked in a law office as a legal assistant for a year while I was in school I can't get a paralegal job because I lack experience. Every law firm around here wants at least 3-5 years paralegal experience. It is really frustrating and really all I have to show for the associates is about three thousand in student loans! I am currently working for the court system making almost nothing and I am a tad bitter if you haven't noticed! lol You might have better luck then me but I would really take a look at job postings for paralegals and what they require before you put the time and money into the program!
Author New Again Posted September 18, 2009 Author Posted September 18, 2009 Thanks for sharing your experience Zoe - you're right, I am in Virginia. Good luck with your job hunt, if you're still looking for a paralegal (or other) job.
zoe1983 Posted September 19, 2009 Posted September 19, 2009 Not sure what your degrees are in but mine is in sociology. After two years of my frustrating and low paying job in the court i am actually going back to school for a third time to become a teacher. You might have better luck if you are going to be in the richmond or northern virginia area. I am in the Hampton Roads area and there just isnt too much offered and they all want extensive experience. Good luck!
Author New Again Posted September 19, 2009 Author Posted September 19, 2009 I'm looking in the DC/Nova area - fingers crossed! Good luck with education - it's a great field, but also suffering at the moment; people aren't leaving their jobs because of the economy, budget cuts, etc. Probably different story by the time you have your degree!
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