thanks for this!

I’m thinking about becoming a paralegal, and your comment caught my attention. What did you major in for your bachelors degree? And then your masters? I want the most experience and knowledge I can get, but not every college has a paralegal major. Would you recommend a writing degree and minor in law, or criminal justice degree, etc? Also, what field of law did you go into? Thank you for your comment!

Thank you for sharing. Any tips on the professional writing. In my bachelors program for criminal justice I did take up legal writing classes and stuff which was over 5 years ago. I do have experience preparing court documents but not so much of petitions and etc. there’s a job I really want that’s hiring and I want to go for it but with the right skills and training any assistance

Congratulations 🎊 thank you for sharing. I was feeling bummed out about my situation. Having an MPA and now 35 and being a legal secretary but you're right it takes time and eventually I'll get to be a paralegal and it will all pay off.

@@nicoletteperry8052 I majored in Political Science and Sociology. Both of those majors required a lot of writing so I became a really good writer. For my Masters I chose History because I knew my research skills would improve and they did. It really doesn’t matter what you study, employers are looking for people with excellent communication skills and professionalism. The big firms insist on well groomed and very polished attorneys and Paralegals. A small firm may be more casual. You just have to find the right fit for yourself and be willing to be punctual and work hard. A good attitude can go a long way with lawyers. I wish you the best of luck!

@@blessing6096 Criminal Justice is a great major for Paralegals. You probably have excellent attention to details.

Thank you☺️ it means a lot

ok I should be making a lot more, i have 2 college degrees both in legal studies. This is my issue, i get a job and love it, work my butt off but they don't want to pay me. I hate to sound like that but the workload is so much but the pay is so little. Should i stick it out a few months and see what happens? Also, what you said hit home about the stress! i feel so stressed but i am learning something totally different than what I did previously. What are your thoughts?

Hmm- have you considered investing in going to law school? The sky is the limit if you can take on your own clients. But I agree 😅 two degrees should definitely come up when you’re negotiating compensation and being a paralegal is no joke. Some people “quiet quit” and “act their pay”, but truthfully I think you’d just be hurting yourself if you do this because the work will pile up and bite you later… not sure what you’ve tried thus far regarding raising your pay but I wish you the best of luck… it’s so hard to work somewhere when you know you’re working way harder than your wage lol. Also, no one really notices your hard work because everyone else is as busy as you are and the way that I was able to rise above this was telling my boss things I was doing so that he would acknowledge how productive I was. I’ve seen a huge difference. Let me know how it goes

@@thelegaldiaries We discussed starting out at a certain rate and seeing how I do. I know he expects a lot which I have been doing and he is very happy with my work but on the other hand it's so hard because I am trying to learn as well and it's so fast paced. I definitely think that when I learn more and have some more time in it will be much better. I am hoping to get a raise in January- that will give me some time to learn and show him what I can do. But... I don't want to be that person that is working my butt off and delivering really good work but not getting paid for it. I always wind up in the same situation all the time and then I start feeling used and not appreciated.Ugh, but I really love what I do, I like helping people

@@nicoleglory7071 yeah just keep putting your best foot forward and make sure people notice your productivity!!!

Omg how did your first day go??? Or is that on Monday? I hope you love it as much as I do and I wish you allllllll the best

Ahhh congratulations!!!!!! Keep it going and I wish you the best in your endeavors ☺️

How’d it go!!!!!!!!! Let me know omg pls

@@thelegaldiaries really well! Ending week 3 now and its been going great. Im obsessed with my department cause everyone has been so nice and its a very collaborative environment :)

I’m a paralegal in South Carolina let’s chat! I’d love to colab - paralegals answer all Q and A (criminal civil and probate matters)

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks for your support and that’s super cool! I wish you the best.

Don't do it to yourself. You deserve better than being put through the wringer every day. After a while you will just want to roll up in a ball and suck your thumb.

@levrakler5235 The information you shared is really helpful and relatable. I’m a licensed Paralegal from Ontario but currently working as a legal assistant in a law firm in Vancouver. There is not much scope of Paralegals here so I’m planning to move to Toronto. I’m still confused if I want to pursue a career as a Paralegal. Is it actually a good scope and money for Paralegals in Ontario?

Get a double major, in paralegal studies and English. You're going to need stellar writing skills. Good luck!

@@michelleadams5609 I am pretty skilled when it comes to drafting documents and allowing the words to flow freely, I was always a gifted student when it came to English and writing. It has always been one of my strongest skills, I do see where you are coming from but I would be more interested in having the one major.

@@ChelseyIsATotal5SOSFan I had a Master's in English and a Double major in English and History when I started, and when I decided to become a Paralegal, I only had to take the Paralegal coursework. My writing was cut to ribbons by my Law Professor....and I taught writing in high school. lol I wish I'd known a lot before I became a Paralegal though. It's a lot of work, and no where near the salary I was told it would be. And very, stiff competition.

@@michelleadams5609 Oh I believe that 100%, but I’m willing to do whatever takes to be able to make it in the world of law. I love law and it’s the only thing I want to do. Even with the stiff competition out there, I know that with my prior educational background will help get my foot through the door.

Awwwww thank you!!!

Me too but I'm 38. What kind of program are you getting into? AA, Certificate, BA?

I didn’t negotiate my salary, he said his range was 18-23 and he ended up giving me 23, but then I eventually ended up getting a 2$ raise, putting me at 25 :) I am hourly however, no I don’t get overtime unfortunately

@@thelegaldiariesyour supposed to get paid overtime if u work overtime!!!

Accountant here. Unacceptable that you don’t get paid overtime if your work overtime. This is so wrong. If he doesn’t want to pay you overtime he must put you as a salary employee. That simple.

Apply for entry level positions! linkedin and indeed are good job sites

Hi! I have heard that many people regret not getting some legal experience before becoming attorneys, so I do recommend to maybe try it out and become a paralegal. Like shanice said- you can apply for entry level positions titled legal assistant or things similar to that title. I know that a lot of firms promote to paralegals even without certificates or degrees etc. that being said also shoot your shot and apply for positions you might not feel confident about, you never know what can happen and alot of these jobs are learnable meaning you will learn how to do your job while you’re actually on the job. Goodluck and god bless you and your family ❤️❤️

AFter 30 years in law, I would suggest that people study a valuable trade like electrician rather than do anything in the Satanic hell of law anything.

In person! We do have one remote worker and she is our bookkeeper :)

Yessss, I will be the first to say workers comp is way less work than Personal Injury, Criminal defense, etc & my boss has told me many times that other legal fields are full of sharks 🦈

@@thelegaldiaries ohhhh this is a great topic. What are the most collaborative and empathetic legal fields to work in?

@@thelegaldiaries oh yeah! He is right on that one.

@@thelegaldiaries , How is this for "Criminal Defense" And "Personal Injury" with Tennessee being an "At Fault" STATE, Judge Aleta Trauger ruling in 2018 giving The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security 60 days to "IMEDIATELY " reinstate 270,000+ Illegally suspended license dating back to 2012. My latest Driving on Suspended in Rutherford County, Rutherford Counties Ridiculous Judge Trey Mcfarlin asked me "What are you going to do if I reset this case?" I have been wanting to Meet Judge Aleta Trauger since Her ruling in 2018, Due to, Well, I am Used to , I guess being "SPOILED" not haveing to File Motions and such and cases just get heard, And "UNFORTUNATELY " regarding This I know I prety sure I can't just Walk in Judge Aleta Court, once I have a Chance and Say, actually I would even know where to start, Other Than her Ruling in 2018, Came at the "PERFECT" time persay, I had a Court Date in Rutherford County regarding a Driving on Suspended, By Rutherford Counties Ridiculous Officer Fesmire with his "PRIOR" knowledge of my Suspended license, I looked "SUSPECIOUS " and This Court Date being Just 2 days after The Final Fairness Hearing in Nashville regarding Rutherford Counties Extortion Scandal, Typical Ridiculous Stubborn Hardheaded Negligent Lazy Lying Child Neglecting Rutherford County Judge, She "DENIED" any Such Settlement Exsisted, and she "DENIED" claiming No Such Thing as Petitioning the Rutherford County Courts regarding Fees and Fines (Its Legally Documented on Court Reporter Records January 2020 before Rutherford Counties Ridiculous Judge Bennet regarding Rutherford Counties Extortion Scandal, The Waiving of Fees and Fines Kyle Mothershead argued "Rutherford Counties Negligent activities is why Leon is Behind on Chid Support with his ex wife Rachel Whited in Wilson county ") She then Furthermore actually printed off a Paper from the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security showing all the Ridiculous Fraudulent Fees and Fines That I owe due to Rutherford Counties Extortion Scandal and Told me to pay them and Reset my case with your Typical Ridiculous doing me a "FAVOR" nonsense and she didn't want to deal with it that day, Then Judge Aleta Truager ruled, and "UNFORTUNATELY " my Next Court Date in Rutherford County was Before Rutherford Counties Ridiculous Judge Bennet regarding a 2017 Driving on Suspended, and I call Him "RIDICULOUS " Due to he actually "MENTIONED " her Ruling and reset my case, with a "RIDICULOUS " That might help you out some..Now with Tennessee being an "At Fault" STATE at the Time of this 2017 Driving on Suspended, Unfortunately my Shoulder was Still Dislocated, Neck and His from a 2014 wreck of a Negligent All-State driver totaling my Ranger and No Medical Treatment due to Rutherford Counties Negligent activities. ALSO with Tennessee being an "At Fault" STATE and All-State being Liable for damages, All-State never paid for damages like they claimed they would due to all Rutherford Counties Negligent activities, Also at the Time In 2017 My License was Still Illegally suspended over a Release Form that needed to be filled out with The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security that I filled out Numerous times back in 2012 before Rutherford Counties Ridiculous Judge Lynn Alexander put me on probation regarding a Negligent All-State driver that wasn't paying attention to a greenlight back in 2011 when I had the General as Insurance, ("ICONIC", as Kyle Mothershead argued to Rutherford Counties Ridiculous Judge Bennet in 2020 "Rutherford Counties Negligent activities is why Leon is Behind on Chid Support with his ex wife Rachel Whited in Wilson county " Now Judge Bennet had his Big Boy Robe on and at His "DISCRETION " as he called it gave an "ABLEBODIED " speech regarding all the Ridiculous Fraudulent arrest in 2019 over those 2 Driving on Suspended, Now while Kyle Mothershead asked Judge Bennet to speak up so its Legally Documented on Court Reporter Records what he is "DENYING" me) I am going to Before Judge Aleta Trauger regarding my Latest Driving On Suspended in Rutherford County, and Let her Know Judge Trey Mcfarlin asked me "What are you going to do if I reset this case?" Your honor I "LEGALLY" notified him, so he can't say he didn't know , I actually told him "Honestly your Honor, 10 years 2 Class Action Settlements, I am not happy being in your Court Room hearing your Negligent excuses!" That being said your Honor, I am seeking 36 million in damages for all Rutherford Counties Negligent activities, Due to , Its very "UPSETTING" to that "FINALLY" in 2019 I got the PCC/Rutherford Settlement check of a "RIDICULOUS " amount of $800, This "RIDICULOUS " amount of $800 being due to Terms and Conditions based on $800 I paid PCC for being Illegally put on Probation, witch I had to turn around and spend $400 of that on a Cash Bond in 2019 regarding an FTA over a 2017 & 2018 Driving on Suspended that I was hoping to make it to your Court Regarding , Rutherford County "REFUSED" to waive my Fees and Fines, The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security "REFUSED " to reinstate my License, and All-State "REFUSED" to pay for damages, and This Ridiculous $800 amount of One goes all the way back to my Second citation in 2012 when I found out my License was Suspended, I should of Been Paod restitution $300 for the Tow bill, $300 in Loss of Wages for the 10 days in Jail and $300 for the Ridiculous Hassle Over The Release form, That's before I was Ever put on Probation for No Reason, Everything after that PCC/Rutherford County should have pay Restitution of Loss Of Wages, Bond Fees, Shoot Hardships and Mental Anguish really, This $800 , Considering this Has been going on for 10 years 2 Class Action Settlements, I am seeking 36 million in damages From Rutherford County for all Rutherford Counties Negligent activities, 36 million in damages from The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, and 36 million from All-State Considering it was Both their Negligent Drivers, and How All-State Ridiculous agents handled everything esp after the 2014 wreck and present day...

Omg 1. congrats!!!!!! That’s so exciting & you’re going to learn SO much. 2. 🥲sorry they bamboozled you but start thinking about how you’re going to negotiate a raise in the future id say revisiting in 6 months is fair 🙏🏼 Goodluck girl

@@thelegaldiaries thank you !!!!

Wow, that’s a big switch! I hope you’re enjoying the legal field ☺️ and thanks for the positive comment :)!

personal injury is tough! 🥲

I have been in the medical field since 2016 and I’m SO OVER IT! Enrolled at my local community college to become a paralegal to get out of the field. Can’t wait for the next chapter. I’m so happy to see another former medical professional in this industry. Any advice in making the transition?

Same here!! Same kind of firm for almost a year now.

I was a legal assistant and thinking about doing/switching to healthcare administration, since that was my concentration in grad school but I think ill stick to legal.

Hi , you’re right! Which is why I am not planning to be a paralegal forever! Starting law school in 2 months thankfully

@@thelegaldiaries oh nice! Congrats! I never had interest in becoming one. I’m now interviewing for compliance management jobs in financial industry and insurance claim examiner or adjuster positions (I have done work in both types of law). . They just pay more and upwards of 100k.

@JadeFafard it’s all in who you work for. Just know it’s capped. You’re either a paralegal or an attorney and attorneys get all the grace. If you’re stuck with one who’s nice it’ll be a lot easier than being stuck with a jerk. Litigation is full of narcissistic types bc they argue for a living. I think other types of contract law or real estate law can be a little better. Just a lot of egos all around. I just started a job handling litigated insurance claims as a claims examiner for an insurance company so I can boss the attorneys around for once now 😂

Very well said!

I've been a Paralegal for 10 years, but prior to that I worked for an employer where I was terminated and spent the next 6 months broke and interviewing attorneys. I learned a lot about the law through that experience, won $400k, then went to school to be a Paralegal. When I interned, I did so with the State agencies, which were very nice (no attorneys, but bureaucrats), but it was such a slow pace that I couldn't see working in that environment. I became an Independent Paralegal, and Consumer Advocate of sorts. The main impediment to getting a law firm placement is: From 2014-2019, most jobs were working 30 hours a week, driving into downtown LA (3 hours per day), you needed 3+ years of experience for entry-level for possibly $12 an hour. Being stuck in a high rise being yelled at was not what I had in mind. I'd rather flip burgers.

That’s a really good plan! I’m thinking about doing the same except maybe will open my own firm 🙏🏼

@@thelegaldiaries the area that I am interested in is criminal prosecution and my goal is to hopefully be a Paralegal for a DA in whatever location I move to. I wish you all the best in achieving your dreams and goals and may you be successful and healthy. God Bless xo

I’ve heard working corporate in a legal dept even better. Small firms suck, larger are better but corporate is best. I’m actually looking to leave the field for good. Sick of working for attorneys for 14 years. They can be the worst and you work like a dog 😣. I’ve been through a lot of abusive lawyers over the years

Hmm- I assume you mean attorneys who hire PI’s for evidence, which happens all the time in workers comp. I’m not sure if I can give any valuable insight on this one because we are claimants counsel and don’t hire any PIs :( but Goodluck

Take them to lunch :) I work in P.I and it’s all about establishing a good working relationship. It’s typically the paralegal that the P.I will be in touch with and receive various instructions from. If your work is good then word of mouth will spread and you’ll be on the favourites list.

With all due respect, your English is not strong enough for paralegal work. Maybe try something like Records Management or Health Records Management.

A specific court reporter will do that for the firm. You would have to pay them

@@thelegaldiaries Surely someone on the legal team is responsible for their own evidence of the case not a court reporter?

Florida

Awesome !

Clerical experience, in your case, would have to come from something like a medical office or working in some form of caretaking (Think CNA with front office management in a Doctor's Office) in order to really qualify. A job that would get you in the door for the role is either A) Secretary for a non-profit. Expect minimum wage level salaries and a "work because you care" type attitude, at these places. Not great considering I know you are already very much mired in the that environment and are lookin for a way out. Your area might have certification as the minimum standard. Get that piece of paper. It sucks to be put behind a paper ceiling, but the programs can be done in as little as six months while working from home. If you can, change to a brain fart job where you can do an ok job (like in retail) without burning yourself (kitchen hell) or accidentally teaching a kid f(x)=why? B) See if you can reach out to someone, either a paralegal or other lawyer, to offer to buy them lunch, go over a resume, look up or at what a day in the office is like. While they might not be able to hire you then and there, if you give a good impression they might recommend you if anyone else they know is looking. C) Both the best and worst option because there is no guarantee of success or money. Volunteering for a non-profit, if you have never done and internship while in school that required clerical work, doing this for free and having another volunteer help you (Think Volunteers of America at the 211 service hotline) usually retiree's and others within the community volunteer for free to help the low income, mentally ill, or otherwise lost denizens of the world into getting legal or tax/financial help. The volunteers will be able to help train you in clerical tasks. If you are on KZfaq you can likely operate Google and Word Docs. The next steps are looking up your references and prepping them on what they should say about you when you are being considered for a position (assuming the recruiters or hiring attorney is divided on whether or not to schedule and interview). What is the attorney looking for? Likely he/she listed the skills in their job ad. Secondary to that, check your grammar. Do you know if they are using an AI filter system for job applications? They may be missing out on your resume just because the AI filter is cutting you off. As a related but different anecdote, we have a kid who just got into IT. He had to learning the AI system just to get a call-back even though his entry level qualifications were very good. The secondary part was having a meeting with the potential manager of the company and getting his name and face before the hiring manager and asking interesting questions in casual conversation. Work fairs or internships for non-profits, (which sucks because you will be working on your days off) are worth it so long as you come prepared with some interesting conversation and some way to prove your timeliness. (When it comes to correspondence, office tasks, interpersonal demeanor in VERY HIGH STRESS and confidential information. While food service and retail are stressful, the types of information you handle is different than someone who is involved in the legal field and the strain is based on months of work, not just a few weeks (I've been there done that will retail hell and food service. It's hard, but no where near as sensitive, information and accuracy wise, as legal work.) I hate to say it, but any job while you were in college that had a higher interpersonal responsibility limit, (like CNA or Library Assistant or Pharmacy Tech/Assistant) would come across better. These are all confidentiality/organization skill based fields. The other No-no of the office world is lacking in poise. I don't mean looking like Princess Diana after etiquette lessons. It means looking good, being good with makeup, and making sure your clothes are tailored and fit well. Unlike retail, you have a choice in what you wear, how you wear it, and the first impression everyone from a judge to a lawyer and their prospective clients in going to view you. Appearances matter in the White Collar world in a way that blue collar and low income jobs don't care about/expect. Polished shoes and fitted trousers are the norm NOT the exception. Ditto for making sure your hair and make-up are done all day every day. Decorum matters if you are ever working with, in, or for a court room and you are (like this young woman hints at in the video) a walking billboard for the firm. That means you CANNOT be sloppy, even if you feel like it.

If you already have a degree, it wouldn't take too long to get all of the classes for an ABA-approved Paralegal program. Many of them are completely online now. It's been a while since I've looked into it.

Yes, you do. All international students have OPT. You just gotta apply for it, make sure you consult your DSO before going further.

I have a bachelors degree! If not for that, I’d say I perform well in interviews :)

that’s a subjective question

Nope, usually another paralegal will train you or they will have a system in place for you to learn, but typically attorneys are too busy to train new paralegals. Of course there are always outliers :-)

Mine promised to and did not and now just screams at me and treats me like I am stupid.

Here is a list of some of the responsibilities for a paralegal, hope this helps: Duties/Responsibilities: Meets with attorneys, clients, and other professionals to discuss assigned cases or projects. Drafts legal documents including routine pleadings and motions, affidavits, and interrogatories; files motions and pleadings according to judicial procedures. Researches and analyzes statutes, regulations, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other legal sources; provides written analysis to attorneys. Interviews clients and witnesses and prepares summaries of their statements. Prepares, organizes, stores, and retrieves case files, which may include evidence, exhibits, depositions, pleadings, exhibits, and other items. Assists attorneys with trial preparation, which may include attending trials and hearings. Develops and maintains records regarding billable hours spent on specific cases. Performs other related duties as assigned. If you go to americanbar.org you can see a list of ABA-approved programs. The university I work for, American National University is ABA approved which you'll see on the website. If you apply to our program just list Cody as your advisor, you can request information also before applying if you'd like as well

I am also trying to decide between X-ray tech and paralegal!! I would recommend volunteering in a radiology department at your local hospital. It’s a great way to learn whether you would be okay with their job duties.

If you want to help people, do medicine. There is no helping of people here.