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08-21-2011, 11:57 PM
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Location: Ohio
5,354 posts, read 2,095,977 times
Reputation: 2815
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Paralegal Studies........Worth it or Not??? Your advice
So, I know that I need to go and get some type of degree if I want a good career. I always have had an interest in the field of LAW. I suppose the ultimate dream would be to get my bachelors and then go to law school, but I dont want to get too far ahead of myself.
So, any of you out there ever take or know anything about a Paralegal Studies course? What was your experience? How difficult was/is it? Are you working in a degree related career? What would you say the market is out there for a paralegal these days? Is your salary woth while? How versitile is a degree in P.S? i.e. are there several different types of careers you could go into with a degree in this field? Any advice for someone who is considering taking these courses?
Thanks for your comments
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08-25-2011, 11:42 AM
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Location: Old Town Alexandria
13,624 posts, read 13,100,074 times
Reputation: 7863
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper 88
So, I know that I need to go and get some type of degree if I want a good career. I always have had an interest in the field of LAW. I suppose the ultimate dream would be to get my bachelors and then go to law school, but I dont want to get too far ahead of myself.
So, any of you out there ever take or know anything about a Paralegal Studies course? What was your experience? How difficult was/is it? Are you working in a degree related career? What would you say the market is out there for a paralegal these days? Is your salary woth while? How versitile is a degree in P.S? i.e. are there several different types of careers you could go into with a degree in this field? Any advice for someone who is considering taking these courses?
Thanks for your comments
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depends where you are looking for a job once you get certified. NYC or Chicago, yes....other states-no. Salary for a paralegal in NYC is 80k and more IF you get into a big firm....
small town america ...it isnt worth it.
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08-25-2011, 11:54 AM
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Location: Raleigh, NC
156 posts, read 122,186 times
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In 2000, I took a job as a paralegal in Boston, MA after completing a certificate program in paralegal studies. However, I already had a Bachelor degree. I don't think they would have hired me without the Bachelor degree.
I had the feeling they wanted to invest in paralegals who were considering going into Law School...of course you need a Bachelor degree to improve your chances of getting into Law School.
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08-25-2011, 06:42 PM
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Location: Ohio
5,354 posts, read 2,095,977 times
Reputation: 2815
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dreamofmonterey
depends where you are looking for a job once you get certified. NYC or Chicago, yes....other states-no. Salary for a paralegal in NYC is 80k and more IF you get into a big firm....
small town america ...it isnt worth it.
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Well at the moment I'm thinking possibly Pittsburgh, or I would consider any larger cuity really.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Katet
In 2000, I took a job as a paralegal in Boston, MA after completing a certificate program in paralegal studies. However, I already had a Bachelor degree. I don't think they would have hired me without the Bachelor degree.
I had the feeling they wanted to invest in paralegals who were considering going into Law School...of course you need a Bachelor degree to improve your chances of getting into Law School.
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And did you go to Law School? Are you working as a Paralegal? What's the market like down there in NC for paralegals? |
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08-25-2011, 07:56 PM
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Location: Raleigh, NC
156 posts, read 122,186 times
Reputation: 60
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper 88
And did you go to Law School? Are you working as a Paralegal? What's the market like down there in NC for paralegals?
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I am not working as a paralegal anymore...although I have consider pursuing a law degree one day, not a good time to do it. |
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08-26-2011, 02:04 AM
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Location: Tucson, AZ
1,681 posts, read 1,830,934 times
Reputation: 1488
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper 88
So, I know that I need to go and get some type of degree if I want a good career. I always have had an interest in the field of LAW. I suppose the ultimate dream would be to get my bachelors and then go to law school, but I dont want to get too far ahead of myself.
So, any of you out there ever take or know anything about a Paralegal Studies course? What was your experience? How difficult was/is it? Are you working in a degree related career? What would you say the market is out there for a paralegal these days? Is your salary woth while? How versitile is a degree in P.S? i.e. are there several different types of careers you could go into with a degree in this field? Any advice for someone who is considering taking these courses?
Thanks for your comments
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I'd check out the Indeed forums. Lots of eye-opening information out there.
Basically, if you like working for selfish, combative, and unappreciative attorneys, and doing routine, repetitive grunt work and being underpaid for your efforts, then go for it. But, even if you decide that you want to get into this field anyway, good luck finding a job. The legal profession is contracting, and in the bigger cities, you'll actually be competing against freshly-minted lawyers who can't find work.
So, really, really think about this. Do your due diligence. If you decide to give it a try after you've done your homework, then I wish you the best of luck.
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08-26-2011, 05:19 AM
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Location: Raleigh, NC
156 posts, read 122,186 times
Reputation: 60
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mb919
Basically, if you like working for selfish, combative, and unappreciative attorneys, and doing routine, repetitive grunt work and being underpaid for your efforts, then go for it. quote]
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Somewhat of a generalization, not all lawyers fit your characterization.
If you like the law and enjoy writing, then this is the job for you. It was the most exciting job I ever had...there are so many great opportunities working as a paralegal in a law firm. |
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08-27-2011, 02:12 AM
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Location: Tucson, AZ
1,681 posts, read 1,830,934 times
Reputation: 1488
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Katet
Somewhat of a generalization, not all lawyers fit your characterization.
If you like the law and enjoy writing, then this is the job for you. It was the most exciting job I ever had...there are so many great opportunities working as a paralegal in a law firm.
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Most paralegals do not get to do much in the way of writing. |
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08-27-2011, 05:15 AM
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Location: Raleigh, NC
156 posts, read 122,186 times
Reputation: 60
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mb919
Most paralegals do not get to do much in the way of writing.
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Have you worked as a paralegal or a lawyer? Maybe I was fortunate to work at a law firm that valued my paralegal certificate and writing skills. |
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08-29-2011, 07:06 PM
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Location: Tucson, AZ
1,681 posts, read 1,830,934 times
Reputation: 1488
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Katet
Have you worked as a paralegal or a lawyer? Maybe I was fortunate to work at a law firm that valued my paralegal certificate and writing skills.
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Yes, for 6 years. I did a lot of research, which I liked a lot, but virtually no writing. |
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