Paralegal Chula Vista

Posts Tagged ‘Paralegals’

Question by Marisa: How much money do paralegals start off with?
I am very interested in being a paralegal now. How much money do they start off with, having a bachelors degree? How long does it take to become a top of the line paralegal? Are they in high demand? Or any demand at all? What is their highest pay?

Best answer:

Answer by Prorkycake
I will preface with this slightly judgmental statement. I obviously do not know you and only know of you through this question which is solely about money. With that said, if salary is a major motivation in becoming a paralegal, do not become a paralegal.

How much money do we start off making? Usually $ 10-12 dollars an hour. Education is irrelevant when salary is concerned. You are paid based on experience in most situations. In other words, you will make what any first year paralegal makes regardless of education in most cases. Most attorneys I know pay based on experience. You may be more appealing because you possess a bachelor’s degree, but your lack of experience will null and void any over-the-top education. Salary increases are based on time and experience.

How long does it take to become a top of the line paralegal? I’d estimate at least six to ten years. Again, it is based on experience. The “top of the line” paralegals I know all have ten+ years of experience, are a Registered Paralegal, are a Certified Paralegal, and here in Texas, are Texas Board of Legal Specialization certified. You can’t even apply to TBLS without five years experience. I’ve been at this job awhile and no where consider myself “top of the line”. It takes many years to experience a myriad of legal issues and to learn how to respond.

Are they in high demand? Simple answer. No. Are there jobs? Yes. Are they easy to get? No.

What is the highest pay? Like everything in the legal field, it is dependent on the facts. The highest paid paralegal I know has 30+ years of experience, she is a RP, CP, and TBLS civil trial law certified paralegal. She disclosed her salary to me at our last meeting and she makes $ 85,000, equivalent to her firm’s first year associate attorneys. She is a “top of the line” paralegal that I look up to and is more capable than most 1st year attorneys I know. Why? Because of experience.

The reality? This is not a “get rich” field and I have run into many that have the misguided thought that a bachelor’s degree automatically gives them an advantage. While education is VERY important to many hiring attorneys, they will hire someone with experience before a degree. You have to put your time in, you have to be motivated to join paralegal associations, and you have to want more out of your profession than just becoming a “glorified” secretary. If your motivation is salary, this is not the field for you. If your motivation is because you want help people with their legal issues through the work of your supervising attorney, then this is the field for you. It is not an easy profession to enter and the pay never equals your capabilities. I can probably draft better lawsuits than some of the ones that come through our firm’s door, but I will never see the $ 100k that associate attorney gets paid in salary.

There is no glamor in working for a law firm. It is the same as working for any office setting. If you are a person that requires constant positive feedback, this is not the field for you. If the attorney taking credit for all your work will bother you, this is not the field for you. You will serve as personal assistant, adult babysitter, mediator, and be expected to know everything in the office. You are the first person they will track down if there is a problem and you will be expected to know how to fix it. This is the reality of the job. It isn’t for everyone. Make sure this is really what you want to do and your personality fits.

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Question by -: Paralegals: how is the job market in the real world?
I’ve been reading a lot of negative experiences from paralegals out there while researching on this career. Mainly, the complaints are stress, overwork, anal bosses, employment competition. To paralegals, did you get a undergrad degree, an associate degree or a certificate? How is the job market out there and how do you like your job? What is a day like of a paralegal? Any personal experience info would be appreciated. Thanks.

Best answer:

Answer by vicseo
The opportunities for a paralegal really depends on the specialty. The most in demand paralegals are those in the litigation field; followed by corporate paralegals who are responsible for maintaining corporate records, articles of incorporation, etc. While the “least” markeable [but the "highest" paid] paralegals are in the field of intellectual property [i.e., patents, trademarks] and immigration law. In conclusion, choose your paralegal courses accordingly, with emphasis on litigation preparation [discovery], docketing/calendaring of incoming pleadings [calendaring] and trial preparation [creating Exhibit tabs, Bajii jury instructions, etc.]. The “pro” side of a litigation paralegal is often “unlimited” overtime which can amount to a high salary range of $ 65,000 to $ 75,000 per year, while the “downside,” being constantly pressured to meet a monthly client billable quota. And failing to meet that quota, often results in the paralegal’s overnight dismissal. It’s not a pretty picture. I just want to lay out what really happens in the real world of litigators and their relationship with subordinate paralegals.

Good luck!

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Question by Joshua L: Which is the best certification for paralegals?
Wondering if any paralegals can weigh in on this. There is the CLA, the profesional paralegal. There are a few others.

Which is the most widely used that would help better further ones career. I was looking at the CLA but there is only one testing center in my state, this leads me to believe it is not that widely used.

Thanks for the responses.

Best answer:

Answer by Catherine
The best career is made by a college degree followed by a ABA-approved paralegal program. This is more important than certification.

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Question by thirtythree_years: In a small to medium size law firm what percent of employees are paralegals?
I would basically like to know if there are more attorneys or support staff like paralegals, legal assistants, law clerks, etc. in a regular size law firm.

Thanks for helping!

Best answer:

Answer by Geezer
Depending on the complexity of the cases, it’s one paralegal to two lawyers for corporate. One Paralegal to four lawyers if personal injury (med mal, product liability, auto, etc.).
Working for lawyers is weird. They’ll pile stuff on you and each one thinks his stuff is priority number one. And forget about thanks or more $ for a job well done. They think you should be happy with just a paycheck.

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Question by Jacob: Can a man become a paralegal and succeed I saw 750 job listings nationwide for Paralegals on Monster?
Its funny how I call up paralegals and they tell me business is slow when I see so many job openings on monster.com. So should I be excited to atend college at College Of The Canyons and become a Latino male Paralegal.

Best answer:

Answer by Biily J
Go for it. In fact, male paralegals tend to succeed more than female paralegals in terms of pay. Although this might be due to male paralegals working more hours or bargaining for higher pay and not natural skill, it is still an encouraging fact for prospective male paralegals. Also, since there are significantly less male paralegals, you might be in higher demand.

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Question by Macha L: Can international students become paralegals in USA after getting their associate degree?
Can they work as paralegals in USA after getting an associate degree in legal assisting?

Best answer:

Answer by maxmom56
Only if they obtain employment visas.

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Question by Soy Chilindrina y que: Whats the best way to network with other paralegals?
I stopped networking along time ago, need some help on how to approach paralegals and when im doing work comp but would like to start some informational interviews asap with people who do PI work, business law, and civil law. Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by Prorkycake
Paralegal associations. They all have websites. I am sure if you google for your area, you will find an association willing to help you out.

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Question by animallover0702: Hello, are there any paralegals out there to answer when your in a early bankruptcy.?
Could you buy out your bankruptcy by using your home? I tried to get the payment lowered and the paralegal i spoke to (nc) says no i would not be able to do this.

Best answer:

Answer by RT
Lawyer or Paralegals cannot speak for you in court concerning bankrupcy. In fact they represent that you have something to hide and are responsible for most turn downs because the paperwork is not right.

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Question by LUCKY: Is the demand for paralegals as strong as I am lead to believe?
I am thinking of going back to school to become an ABA certified paralegal. The recruiting agencies, the government statistics, and the schools themselves indicate that many jobs are available and will be in the near future for paralegals. IS THIS REALLY TRUE?

What area of the U.S. offers the best opportunity for ABA school training and prompt employment after graduation? I have many years of law office employment history, but not as a paralegal.

Best answer:

Answer by V.T.V.RAM
Paralegals and legal assistants held about 200,000 jobs in 2002. Private law firms employed 70 percent of paralegals and legal assistants, most of the remainder worked for corporate legal departments and various levels of government.
Paralegals and legal assistants are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012. There is a strong demand for these workers, and competition for jobs should continue as many people seek to go into this profession.

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Question by Gawel J: What does us army paralegals do when deployed in Combat?
What does us army paralegals do when deployed in Combat?
Can a paralegal request to go on patrol or escort convoys ? Could someone tell me what do they do when the are in Iraq or Afghanistan ?

Best answer:

Answer by Billy11B
They assist the lawyers with any cases they may have. Don’t know any that have volunteered – doubt their chain of command would allow it.

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