Middle Class Areas In Billings,montana (attorneys, homes, unemployment)

[tom88]

Hi

How is everybody doing? I reside in New Jersey and am considering relocating to Billings, Montana assuming I can find a decent job(looking for a paralegal job). My question is regarding the presence of middle class areas. My state for instance consists mostly of areas of extreme wealth such as Ridgewood or slum areas such as Newark. There are not that many middle class areas in my state. Are there a reasonable amount of middle class areas in Billings as well as the whole state of Montana or does it only have areas of extreme wealth and poverty? If somebody can give me some information regarding this topic, that would be great. Thank you.

[GEORGIAINMT]

The majority of Billings is middle class. There are the few wealthy families as well as few poorer families, but Billings is generally a nice "small town" type small city (about 120,000). There are no actual areas that are specifically wealthy or slum, although there are some wealthier subdivisions and a few small neighborhoods with more run-down homes, etc. Also, there are quite a few attorneys so a paralegal job shouldn't be hard to find. Unemployment is at a rock bottom low here. Are you coming for a visit? If so, I'd be happy to help you. My mom & dad came from New Jersey and I've been there to visit so I know where you're coming from. I'll help if I can!
Georgia

[tom88]

Hi Georgia:

Thank you for your response to my post. I'll keep everything you said in mind.

[Free2B]

I graduated from one of the 6 ABA certified schools in the U.S. about 4 years ago. I came to Billings MT (I have relatives here) to interview with two of the larger local attorney firms. I was passed over for paralegal and legal assistant jobs because attorneys here in Billings prefers to hire a person who does not have more than a high school diploma or may have some college, and groom them as paralegals. This is because attorneys can pay these employees less than trained paralegals. And, if you are like me, a recent graduate with not a lot of actual paralegal experience, you will be passed over for a receptionist or other staff person within the local attorney's office, not only because that person has learned on the job, but also because they are willing to do the same duties for less pay. I gave up pursuing a paralegal job and have been working in Billings as an administrative assistant. Sorry to burst your bubble, but you will find that business owners give the good jobs in Billings Montana to "locals" first even if these local folks are not as qualified or educated, before us "outsiders".

[jimj]

I also believe that you don't have to be licensed here to be a paralegal nor do you have to take any formal schooling so most that I know did it the OJT way. Started as a secretary and worked their way up.