Paralegals

[MaggieXi]

Ok, so I have been talking to an admissions counselor for a paralegal certification program and am considering going for it.
Is anyone a paralegal or knows paralegals that could tell me their experiences?

[bruinaphi]

If you have a degree from a decent undergraduate school most big firms don't require a paralegal certificate and I would try working as one for a while before getting a certificate b/c different firms use them differently and it might not be the job you are looking for.

For example, my paralegel went to UCLA's program where he was really trained to do legal research and draft documents. The work we have him do is more discovery oriented and I have to explain everything from the ground up. We would never have a paralegal draft anything. Summarize, maybe.

Cutiepatootie is either in a program or just finished one at LaVerne. She might be a good person to ask. Good luck!

[Kevin]

I work as a paralegal. I don't have any certification or anything. Just a bachelor's degree. Assuming I'm admitted (I've been reassured that I should be) to law school in the fall, I guess that'll count as something of a parlegal training program.

The job isn't hard or really even that complicated. I came in and watched my predecessor for a week and then just took over. To work as a paralegal you don't need any kind of certification or anything like that.

[MaggieXi]

Where any of your undergrad degrees in a law field?

[Rudey]

http://www.cravath.com/

Hit on the administrative staff and then check out the kinds of positions.

-Rudey

[Kevin]

Originally posted by MaggieXi
Where any of your undergrad degrees in a law field?

Not mine.

[WCUgirl]

I'm a paralegal! I do not have my certification. I would not recommend getting it, especially if you have a college degree already. If you're dead set on this program, just take a few of the basic classes and you'll have what you need to know to start a job as a paralegal. Your employer will train you w/ what they want you to know anyways.

One of my undergraduate degrees was Business Admin. & Law, so I was knowledgeable in legal research and a few other things before I began employment. Basically it helped me narrow down the field of law I'd like to work in.

ETA: Basically, the difference b/w doing the program & not is you can't say you're a "Certified Paralegal" - you can only say you're a "Paralegal."

[bruinaphi]

In some states there are now continuing education requirements for paralegals. You should find out whether your state has those requirements and whether they are based on whether or not you are a "certified" paralegal. Doing continuing education can be a PITA.

[MaggieXi]

Well I have a meeting with someone in the department in two weeks. Thanks for all the help!

[Kevin]

When I hear "Certified Parlegal", I always have to wonder "Certified by who?"

Just a hint folks: City College/Devry are NOT licensing agents

I could write on a post-it that I'm "Certified", hang it on the wall and be just as well off as someone who spent the $ and time on a "real" certification.

The work ain't hard. It's (from what I'm told) good experience for when I'm done with law school -- in other words, I'll understand the ins and outs of practicing law. It also doesn't hurt in getting good contacts in the local legal community.

[MaggieXi]

I would be attending Nova Southeastern University, one of the few ABA approved programs for Paralegals and continuing education for legal administrators in the state of Florida.
The program is about a year long and it requires you to basically go out and learn the ins and outs of the profession and develop contacts in the legal fields.
Previously, I worked for a Legal Consulting/Expert Witness referral service. The largest in the country. Where as much of the work that I did was considered "legal admin" I think I may want to learn more.

I am a paralegal. I have a Bachelors in Political Science & Pre law minor , but i also have a Paralegal degree as well that i just completed this last semester.

The degree is ABA approved and yes it does carry maybe some clout but not a whole lot. I have come accross many firms that don't really look at the degree and just consider it another piece of paper. They want to train you to their liking and not from what a class has taught you.

I suggest maybe taking a few classes to see firsthand if you would be suited for it before you take that leap and invest many hours and tons of money into something you may not even like.

If you feel you want to do the program make sure it is ABA approved or NALA approved. there are a few orgs out there that sponser these programs and some will call you a paralegal and some will call you a legal assistant.
Good luck in yoru endeavors.

[MaggieXi]

thanks for everyone's input. I am going to go meet with the advisor and learn a little more about what the program is all about.
Also, I previously worked for a legal consulting firm (as stated earlier) and went back into Marketing (what I do now- and am not a fan and miss working in the legal field). Does anyone know of any good career services that specialize in the legal field?

[Lady Pi Phi]

Good luck Maggie, with your program.

I will be attending college here in Canada come September doing a similar program. I'll doing a 2 year Law Clerk program, which focuses on corporate law. The Court and Tribunal Agent (aka Paralegal) focuses on criminal law. It's the same thing (just different names here in Canada).

I just wanted to wish you luck!

[tnxbutterfly]

How did you all go about getting your jobs as paralegals. I'm currently unemployed. I am touing around with the thought of getting into a paralegal program here,but it cost money. I have a B.A. and would like to get a job as a paralegal to see if I want to get into a program. I have no ideal where to start my job search. Can anyone help?