Career questions tagged paralegal
Which college path should I take to be a paralegal?
I'm an incoming senior in high school and since 8th grade I have been interested in the law field. I initially wanted to be a lawyer but after further research and understanding myself I came to the conclusion that being a lawyer would not be the strongest fit for me. I knew I still wanted to pursue a career in the legal field, so after further research I found the role of the legal assistant/paralegal. Since then I did more research on how to become one and schools near me that could help me reach my goal. Now my senior year is here and I have to decide and I need a perspective from others. Here are a few of my plans: 1. I go to community college for 2 years and get an AAS in Legal Assistant/Paralegal (this is an ABA approved program and also has certification preparation capstone for NALA) then hopefully transfer to Texas Tech into their Legal Studies, B.A.A.S. (online). This is my top choice. (The community college also has an area of study in Criminal Justice, AA) 2. I go right to Texas Tech and do their Legal Studies, B.A. (online) or Criminology, B.A. (however i'm not sure if going into criminology is good prep for becoming a paralegal) 3. I go to community college for the AAS in Legal Assistant/Paralegal and then transfer to East Texas A&M to the Paralegal Studies, B.A. (3ii. I go right to East Texas for the Paralegal studies, B.A. or Criminal Justice, B.A.) Whichever path I do take, I plan to get certified through NALA to be a Certified Paralegal. I did email an academic advisor from the community college based on (1.) and they said I should do the Liberal Arts Program Study (AA). "This degree plan allows students to complete the Texas required core classes that will transfer to any state public institution like Texas Tech." If it isn't noted I really do want to do the Texas Tech route for either 1 or 2. I honestly feel like the safest route is to start at community college then transfer but I'm not sure, which is why I would like to get a second opinion. Any help, POV, advice would be appreciated, thank you!
Can I be a paralegal with a criminology degree or criminal justice (either B.A, or B.S)?
I'm a high school senior and I want to become a paralegal. I plan to do legal studies or paralegal studies, but i'm wondering if having a degree in criminology or criminal justice can still allow for that path? Would a firm hire someone with that degree?
How do I balance school and work ?
I'm currently working full time, and planning on starting and online degree full time in the fall, any advice?
How can I best relate to younger students, especially when working on group projects, when I am returning to school later in life?
I am changing careers later i life and am going back to get an AA, even though I have my BA. I am not sure the best way to present my ideas without seeming like a "know-it-all" or an "I-know-best" perspective.
Would anyone be willing to answer the questions for this quick written interview for my school assignment?
Would anyone would be willing to answer a few questions about their job in the legal field? I am a student at Purdue Global in LS100. I would need to use your name to submit to the professor of my class so she knows who I spoke with. I've included the questions below. Feel free to skip any questions you don't have time for- I'd be deeply grateful for any insight you can provide! 1. What are the educational requirements for your job? 2. On a typical workday, which task is the most frequent one to take up your time, and what would be a misconception about what a legal worker actually does? 3. Without disclosing any confidential or sensitive information, what is one type of ethical problem you encountered in your job and how have you resolved the problem? 4. What are the best aspects of your job and the worst aspects (if any)? 5. Did you have another career path in mind, and if so, what made you choose the legal route? 6. What do you hope to achieve in the future in your career? 7. Are there any particular systemic problems you have seen in your field in general? 8. Do you find balancing work and other obligations challenging, and if so, what methods do you use to balance work and other life obligations? 9. If you could say one thing to someone considering this path, what would it be? 10. If you had the ability to instantly fix one problem in your field, what would it be? 11. What is one rewarding memory from your job?
What do I have to do to get a job as a paralegal or clerk What qualities do law firms look for when they are hiring paralegals or clerks. ?
I would be fine being a legal secretary too.
What are some tips to keep in mind for time management when scheduling classes, and also trying to balance home life when I am working two jobs? #Fall25
I just got my acceptance letter to go to UCI's Paralegal program but do work two jobs as well, trying to figure out a good balance with the program since it is more intense, and how to keep both jobs to be able to afford all of my bills and also tuition for the program, so I am looking for any tips for time management and how to also stay healthy/have good mental health.
Is a career as a paralegal a good day job for actors?
Hi! I recently just graduated from NYU Tisch and have my B.F.A in Drama. After graduating, I decided to move back home and focus on building a solid foundation for my acting career. Part of being an actor is finding a good day job and I am tired of working in restaurants, so I did some research on obtaining a Paralegal certificate. From my research, I found that becoming a paralegal can provide great financial stability which is something that is very important however, I'm not sure if I would be able to balance being a paralegal and an actor. I would really like some advice if this is a good career path and if not could you some great day jobs for actors.
What would someone wanting to be a criminal law paralegal major in?
Being a criminal law paralegal would be great but, I am not sure what I would major in to become one.
How long does it take to become a paralegal?
Tell us everything we need to do to become a paralegal. Note: Given the growing interest in the paralegal field, we're inviting our experienced professionals to share their knowledge.
How to become a paralegal?
Tell us everything we need to do to become a paralegal. Note: Given the growing interest in the paralegal field, we're inviting our experienced professionals to share their knowledge.
what do I need to do to become a paraprofessional?
I am a senior in high school and I like helping others. I think being a paraprofessional is a great idea.
How can I choose what type of paralegal I should be?
I'm currently a senior at a private school. I have always had an interest in the law field and just recently chose to go in the direction of being a paralegal. I desire to attend Drury University in Springfield, Mo. #law #paralegal #drury
Paralegal Studies
I've always been interested in law but couldn't afford a law degree. I think the best way would be to become a paralegal but I've been unsuccessfull in finding an online paralegal degree program. I live in a very rural city the nearest city is over an hour away any recommendations for an online program? #paralegal
What requirements do you need to have completed to be a paralegal?
#law #criminal-justice #paralegal #requirements
When you graduated from the paralegal program how hard was it to find your first job?
How is the job market for paralegals currently? I've heard it's increasing but I was wondering how hard it would be for freshly graduated paralegals to find a job over experienced paralegals? Did you find a job soon after graduation or did you end up having to take a regular job for a while until you found a career job? #paralegal
What is the hardest class in the paralegal program?
I'm going to attend an university to get my bachelors in paralegal studies and I was wondering what I can expect the hardest class/part of being a paralegal is? And did the classes actually help you in your daily job activities? #paralegal #university
Can I become a paralegal with a criminal justice degree? Is a paralegal a stressful job? Can I work independently or is it best to land a position with an attorney?
Becoming a paralegal is something that I have thought deeply about and considered on more than one occasion. As I near the end of my schooling, I am wondering if this position is a as stressful as being a legal secretary (a position I previously held and despised! ) and if I will need to obtain more education before pursuing this career path. #legal #paralegal #criminal-justice
Other than samples of my writing, what is appropriate to be included in my portfolio and/or resume?
I am an adult-learner entering an entirely new field of employment. I am a paralegal student and am beginning to put together a portfolio. Samples of my writing will be included (case brief, legal memo, client letter, etc.), but I would like to know if it is appropriate for me to include other things, such as an email from my professor complimenting my quality of work, email indicating my inclusion on the school's merit list for academic excellence, and/or scholarship winner? If not included in my portfolio, what about on my resume? #paralegal #paralegals #law #women-in-law #resume #portfolio-management
What specific transferable skills will be beneficial for selling myself in an interview following completion of a Certificate in Paralegal Studies, but with no prior work experience in the field?
For an adult-learner with no prior work experience in the legal field, but completing a Certificate in Paralegal Studies, what specific life skills might I use as transferable skills both on my resume and during an interview? #paralegal #legal #law #women-in-law
What is the best approach for a paralegal student to secure an internship in a small law firm?
I am currently a student in the Middlesex Community College, Certificate in Paralegal Studies program and will need to secure an internship for myself in the coming semester. I am in need of guidance as to the best way to get an attorney to agree to allow me to perform paralegal duties and not use me simply as a free file clerk. #paralegal #legal #women-in-law #law
Returning to school after 30 years?
I'm trying to decide whether to continue with school or not. I am going for a Masters in Legal Studies, with the idea that I would be finishing it up about the time I retire (in 4 yrs), and would have it to fall back on in a third career, if I so choose. The program is approved by the American Bar Association, which is supposed to give it greater credibility/marketability. I have some background, having been doing some freelance work for some attorneys, but shut down the business because I don't have the time to "grow it." If I was to work in it upon retiring, it would probably be part-time, or volunteer. The money is not the issue. I enjoy law. Or thought I did. But my experiences with school have not been good. I find there is almost no discussion in the classes, and I need that to help me learn. We all commute from very different locations, so there is no getting together to study or anything. Keyboarding does not reinforce material the way discussion does! Many of the students seem to only want the credentials, and aren't concerned with whether they are learning anything. Professors give out grades, but don't actually return papers with feedback, and I'm the only one who is bothered by this practice. Beyond that, I seem to be having real problems with thinking conceptually. Oh, did I mention I am 56? I used to do well with theories, but it's no longer coming together nearly as easily as it used to, and I am starting to think that perhaps I am chasing after that which is not possible? However, I could also volunteer at the mediation center, which would be much easier than the civil rights/criminal defense stuff I have previously worked on, so it's not necessarily an either/or situation. More than anything, I am just disappointed in the schooling, and would like some feedback from others who have returned to school in their later years. Did your experiences parallel mine? thanks! Kim #college #paralegal #older-students #masters
