How I secured a paralegal role with no previous paralegal experience | The legal diaries 

How’s it going so far?

How much are you making?

What roles/tasks are you doing when you are a paralegal?

So far, its going really well. It's been almost 2 months now. In the very beginning, learning all the information was extremely overwhelming. And I felt like I would never get the process. But, after 2 weeks in, everything started to make more and more sense. now that I'm almost 2 months in, I really feel like I know what I'm doing. I still ask a lot of questions. But, that's the only way you'll really learn. I remember I was like a ping pong ball my first week. back and forth with the questions. but I'm glad that they were willing to teach me from scratch. I feel confident with my job, and speaking with clients. I'm not sure how they do it at different law firms, but at my firm, we meet with clients, along with the attorney. We pretty much do most of the work for the attorneys (ofcourse). The only thing the attorney does is show up to their hearing, or meet with clients when they need legal advice. We deal with bankruptcy. when originally meeting with clients, they explain to us why they want to file, how much debt they owe, etc etc, all that jazz. and we help them figure out the best way to handle their debt, based on the information that is given to us,. When deciding that they want to file, we help them stay on top of things, for both the clients and attorneys, because any small thing could dismiss their case, and it can fall back on us. We stay organized with all their files through the database that we use. And make sure they're prepared for their hearings.

Glennncocoa thank u love u 😘😚

What kind of license ?

@@worriedtabby3112 a paralegal license! you have to go to school for it! you can also do a certificate but you wont get paid as much!

Chelsea Romero thanks girl

@Cameryn Marrow thanks for the information! will be noted

i was informed the lawyers have a specific way to file their corporate documents which are needed every time the company structure evolves or change : do you know or can you share the specify of their filing system please .? my niece is looking into jobs as paralegal and am helping her out

Thanks for your words of encouragement! I'm of the same mind. If I really want a job, know in my heart that I do, there's no stopping me. If one organization doesn't want me, I have faith that another one, will.

That's not too bad. How is the cost of living in Michigan?

And that’s with a certificate so imagine if u got a degree that’s where all the good firms will be at

I have 16 years paralegal exp and have been looking for 14 months for a paralegal job!! Blows my mind!!!!

HR just sucks. They don't even understand the job. I'm applying to law firms directly and reaching out to the hiring manager on linkedin or facebook.

I agree, The state of California paid my tuition but the attorneys here in California only offer $9.00 an hour, and that is Big cute from making $20 an hour at my last job so I have my paralegal certification license framed and just took a job as a document auditor at mortgage company that only pays $16 an hour and no yearly raises.

The pay is low. I wouldn't recommend the field to anyone unless they understood that even though it's a important position, you won't make much. Many paralegal positions don't pay more than a security officer pay. I've learned that paralegal programs aren't completely honest when it comes to what you might be paid.

Thanks for saying this. I have a Associate's in Business and was thinking of getting a paralegal certificate. But I'm also second guessing

The firm I work at in CA, most of our paralegals work remotely and out of state. That could be an option for you. With so much legal assistant experience and your certificate, places will be dying to have you

Bilingual will be your cutting edge (if you are). Realistically everywhere you live needs bilingual people.

Hi Jojo! Good luck, you've got this! By the way, we have a paralegal page on our website here, packed with information:www.lawcareers.net/MoreLaw/Paralegals

Ever thought of going in as a Secretary?. brush up on the secretary skills here www.getlittrainingsf.com

Tee S In the time that you have been working for Legal Aid, they never hired you? That’s shocking! What school do you go to to get your certification? Are you sure it was ABA approved?

I was just talking to a mentor at Fremont college and wanted to get my paralegal certificate is it ABA certified?

I'm trying to get a legal intern position was that difficult? I'm in undergrad currently with a hospitality work experience so I'm wondering how to make my resume standout.

Hey Melinda, well done and thanks for sharing!

No such thing as LUCK... SHE IS FAVORED❤️❤️❤️

@@kingznqueenztv exactly, God says she can handle it

And crazy hot. I'd hire to sit around my business.

Right

Thats what im gathering with most of these videos. 1.Be fairly attractive Lady 2.Apply 3.Get Lucky and get hired 4.Profit??

LulusPlannerlife Gmz As a legal assistant and a college graduate, I would advise that you go to school and work as a secretary or someone that collects medical records, at the same time. I graduated four years go with a Political Science degree. I went out into the working paralegal/legal assistant thinking jobs and money would fall into my lap. Be aware that you should not have high expectations like I did. With that said, find a job who is willing to train you. And you will start at the bottom with no experience. But at least you have a job. A pay check may be satisfying but that’s temporary. A promotion and a degree is one thAt you earned by yourself. So it’s more of a permanent satisfaction. Good luck

LulusPlannerlife Gmz: I agree with you. Unfortunately, law firms have become the lowest common denominator for salaries. I finished law school four years ago and the paralegal jobs were offering £14,000. I left law and got a job in a call centre in finance and got a pay rise. Unfortunately, law firms still pay a pittance.

Absolutely. What you need is a paralegal degree, whether it's an AA or BA in paralegal studies. That can make a difference in thousands of dollars per year. Furthermore, if you concentrate on a specialty, like real estate, you can make a lot of money. I have been a paralegal for over 10 years, started out with on the job experience. I moved up quickly, but I was severely under paid until I received my ABA approved AA in paralegal studies. Good luck and never , ever take any short cuts.

TopChef190 firms no longer seek paralegal certificates

Angloshevism Ingvaeona, I was actually referring to a degree. However, you are absolutely correct, not all firms require a degree or certificate, but the good firms do. Ultimately, that's where you should want to be. Also, the paralegal county jobs which require less, if any, experience do require a paralegal certificates or degrees. Furthermore, on the job learning will lead to serious mistakes that can end up costing the firms a lot of money, if not the case itself. Education is essential in all fields, and when dealing with the law you must be accurate remember you are dealing with serious issues. Good luck.

I agree

Interesting. I find paralegal work in general fascinating. I'm 22 and didn't know what I wanted to do but now I'm gathering as many free resources that I can in my city to learn more. So would you say a paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited school plus some actual experience (volunteer or paid) would make you a good enough candidate?

Hi Mxd - what type of law were you interested in?

TV omg I'm 22 and am in the exact same headspace as you! 😊

I'm real torn about paralegalism. The detail orientation of the job really attracts me. I'm a big picture person, I think it would be gratifying to assist an attorney in making stuff happen. On the other hand, I'm actually not a real business-type person. Ya know the Meyers-Briggs Personality Type stuff? I'm an INFP. By all indications, I should NOT go into this field, as it seems to be rule-laden and conservative. However, I may be wrong. I'm not interested in corporate law, that much I can tell you. But I feel that as an older person, already have a BA in History, and real-world experience in customer service, etc., would make me an ideal candidate for an attorney needing a competent assistant.

Can we connect. I’d like to ask you a couple of questions about your legal persuit abroad since you made this comment. khanyisaholford@gmail.com

@@khanyisaholford5414 i’ll contact you later

@@lunnaramos8325 thank you

Where did she post it?

Bianca Delarosa I believe she posted it at the court house and also sent it to some people who needed to hire. I now work in real estate law and I have a side job in family law. It’s awesome I’d definitely recommend reaching out to people you know in the field!

@@MiLlamoName your bless. Your cousin is so cool. many people don't have that

@@bianca3310bee sometimes its who you know

Marie Voltaire definitely who you know. I did not make much $ being a paralegal but it was great experience. I work as an IT asset management specialist now. Basically read over contracts and make 6 figures, I knew someone who worked at this new job. And I’m only 23. Always make good connections !! Never leave a job on a bad note

Christina Golden It depends! I’m getting my Paralegal certification right now & my school requires that you have at least an AA degree or BA degree of some kind?! So, I don’t know if you would need more education, unless your considering law school?!

Hey there! Well done on the interview, how did it go?

Ever thought of going in as a Secretary?. brush up on the secretary skills here www.getlittrainingsf.com

Ever thought of going in as a Secretary?. brush up on the secretary skills here www.getlittrainingsf.com

I was too when I went. I am finishing my 4yr degree and just now getting my internship. It was hard as all get up! But apply to every opportunity even those who want 5yr expierence. Just dont five up.

Hey Mannon! I don't believe it's necessary to have the OISC LEVEL1 to venture into the legal profession. I think this might only have an impact if you're interested in immigration law.

Mo naz It depends on where you live! California pays way more than other states! Just do your research

Hey there! Applying for a legal job is very stressful, please don't be too harsh on yourself; not hearing back from applications can be for a host of reasons and sometimes depends on the state of the economy. If you're at university, please reach out to your careers adviser for emotional and practical support.

Ms Actress What did you not like?

Aman kx nope

Did you find a job do you recommend this field

Julianna Okike Are you talking about the presenter? Are you serious? Did she have more videos?

Gerard what is that supposed to mean? She is practicing law in England with English qualifications so what is wrong with having a British accent? Plus there are many other accents in the profession.

.....I think they meant it as a compliment..

She is not American she is in the UK. Speaking with a British accent in the UK is no different then an American speaking with an American accent in America. Her qualifications and skills is what got her the job

Julianna Okike Who shot who?