Any Paralegals here?

[TheCentepedeShoes]

I am seriously considering starting this fall on the paralegal program at the local community college. This is a kind of mid-life change of direction. I had ideas about what I wanted to do in college a long time ago, and didn't carry them out, but I won't go there (belongs on an adult-children-of-narcissistic-parents forum :D ). I worked for a wholesaler in Florida for 26 years, but since I left there I haven't been able to find my "niche." I have had an interest in law for some time and I already have a BA, so I need to take only the paralegal courses. Still, the whole thing will take 2 years as the courses needed are not offered every year and I will be able to take only 2 courses per semester (night/weekend/or online). Everyone I've talked to has been very encouraging.
Looking for input from the great minds of The DU Lounge (shameless flattery here) as to whether this idea makes sense.
Thanks
:hi:
'Pede

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. Paralegal is a worthy career and there are many avenues to take

Everything from collections (small claims), to immigration issues, litigation research, family law issues, credit issues, etc. Every major law office uses paralegals..and one can also work on a per diem basis for smaller law offices as well...I'd recommend it. I am not a paralegal, I went to law school and graduated, but I know many successful ones..and if you are still in FLA.. depending on where you are , I imagine it won't be terribly difficult to find work or create it if you are a motivated individual.

[soothsayer]

2. If you like doing grunt work for lawyers, then it's a great job (big firm)

BUT, if you're lucky and work in a small firm, you might actually get to do some real legal work...!

The fact that they've turned paralegalling into a 4 year program is mind boggling to me. It's really just common sense work---research, fact checking, proofreading, filing stuff with agencies, etc.

I guess it's good and noble, and I guess some folks would rather be nurses than doctors, as well as paralegals rather than lawyers.

BUT...it's a good way to see what goes on in law firms before you decide on a legal career. WOn't hurt to take those classes I guess.

3. Legal proofreading pays just as well at entry level

at least in NYC law firms & there's a lot less stress.
Not as much room for advancement though.
Kind of depends how the legal business is in your area though.
One advantage of proofreading is that you don't have to go back to school to do it.
I know this because that's what I do right now after not being able to find a teaching job with my MFA in Writing. I took a class that cost all of $200 and took eight hours and within a month I was temping at $20/hour in New York.

If you're really interested in being a paralegal, proofreading would be a good place to get the feel of the industry.

[Rainbowreflect]

4. Paralegal here.

I love it. You want to make sure that the school you are looking at is ABA approved, it does matter.
I would not want to work for a large firm, but small firms, government, or legal services allow you to do a lot of "attorney" type work.
I do research, draft documents as well as lots of client contact.

[worksux]

5. hi Pede-not paralegal yet, but in school r/o

I hope to graduate by Feb 2005. I go to a private Kaplan school that is ABA approved. The other students have BA/BS but it's still pretty cut throat.
I think that if you are truly interested you will do fine. I want to be a lawyer but find it intimidating.
Good luck-keep us posted-
Best-
Kathryn

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

7. All of Kaplan's courses are excellent.

:thumbsup:

[LibertyLover]

6. Paralegaling

I've been a paralegal for 18 years and I love it. I got my certificate at Long Island University in New York. In order to be admitted to the program you already had to have at least a bachelors. At the time I had a master's as well. I worked for private law firms in NYC for 5 years and then moved to Maryland where I worked at private firms in Washington DC for another 4. 9 years ago I answered an ad in Legal Times and now work for the International Finance Corporation. I love it. I get to do work that in private firms is done by associates. I draft agreements, talk to local counsels, research. It's great. A year or so ago I tried law school, but than we adopted a baby and I just didn't have the time to work full time, go to school, and have a life. Something had to give. Since my husband does not work and now stays home with the baby, I have to work, so law school had to go. Maybe in a few years when the kidlet is older.

[Terran]

8. I've worked as a paralegal

even though it wasn't always called that. I did about 2/3 of the required course at St. Mary's College in Oakland before moving here to Missouri; didn't finish the program, but I still found work as a paralegal. For the most part, I loved it--very demanding, detail-oriented work, which I like. I agree, avoid going to work for a large firm, try to get a government job or with a small law firm. I imagine even some non-profits use paralegals.

Dirk

[TheCentepedeShoes]

9. Thank you all for the great response!!

56kind: proofreading. I hadn't thought of that. Maybe a way to start while studying.
Rainbowreflect: Amarillo CC has a good reputation. It's been here awhile (est. 1929)** but I will check the ABA approval.
Worksux: I didn't think about Kaplan. I'll check that out.
You too, Nothingshocksmeanymore (PS: me neither)

** actually, my house is 3 blocks from the campus and is 2 years older than the school.