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But after they’ve got you enrolled and you’re in the paralegalcertificate program, it would be helpful for you to also hear the downsides of being a paralegal so that you can be better prepared for your new career. I can tell you that in the last 29 years, I have never written a memo like that.
Even in a large metropolitan city, law firms usually have management and other personnel who have worked at other firms and know which firms have a reputation for having difficult lawyers. There is nothing wrong with being a paralegal who wants to become a lawyer. My 5-Year Plan is to Become an Attorney. I Can Start Immediately.
Further Your Legal Education There are several routes you can take to obtain the necessary educational requirements to land your dream paralegal job. If you think lawschool might be an option in the future like I did, then go ahead and go for a bachelor’s degree in pre-law and/or paralegal studies.
This means that almost anyone can call themselves a paralegal as there is no set requirement to earn that title. First, they can opt for a Graduate Diploma in Law or another related degree. You can take varying levels of paralegal diplomas, post-graduate certificates, and many other courses through colleges and universities alike.
Being a paralegal and having a paralegal degree are two different things. This is why most law firms don’t hire a paralegal graduate without experience right out of paralegalschool. You don’t learn much from your paralegalcertificate/associate that applies to your day-to-day job.
When you went and asked for that paralegal position, did you have a paralegalcertificate or college degree? I had an associate’s degree in paralegal studies at the time. I was still going to school at night, even while working full time. But you can be a very successful paralegal in this industry.
It’s worth mentioning that paralegals with formal training, including an Associates in Paralegal Studies or ParalegalCertificate are in higher demand. The paralegals and legal assistants that exhibit strong computer and database skills, along with a strong work ethic will typically be the best candidates.
I actually was getting my college degree because I wanted to go on to lawschool. One of the professors had a criminal justice degree and it was in his criminal justice class. He had a friend who was the office manager at a local law firm, in Sarasota, Florida. So that’s how I got into the paralegal field.
This is where many get to a place where they believe that they’re not cut out for that area of law because of the energy and intensity – the chaos that occurs unnecessarily in law firms. Listen to the podcast episode around this paralegal career takeaway.
It’s worth mentioning that paralegals with formal training, including an Associates in Paralegal Studies or ParalegalCertificate are in higher demand. The paralegals and legal assistants that exhibit strong computer and database skills, along with a strong work ethic will typically be the best candidates.
It’s the same with the sailing certification. It’s the same with paralegalcertificate programs. A paralegalcertificate program can’t teach you how to be a successful paralegal. This problem is not unique to the paralegal profession. It’s the same when lawyers graduate from lawschool.
Jaye Koch, ACP, is a Senior Paralegal at the Virginia Beach Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney where she enjoys doing any type of research (especially legal) and trial preparation. Political Science, from Virginia Wesleyan College 1982 and a ParalegalCertificate, from Tidewater Community College, 1986. Jaye has a B.A.
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