Paralegal careers? (employment, apply, real estate, foreclosure)

[LBCkid1994]

Like most people in the US right now, my family has been going through hard economic times. My dad is working right now but also going to school to get a certificate as a paralegal. My mother is working as an office assistant. We don't know how much longer we will be able to support living in at least Southern California and we are all pretty much ready for a change in location. We have property in Austin, but the job stuff may be a problem. We also were interested in Portland but unemployment is up there and cost of living is high. So basically, is there anywhere that may possibly be for us? A good source of Paralegal careers, affordable rent or housing for three at least near downtown, etc. I was thinking possibly NorCal, Chicago, Philadelphia, and NYC would all be great for paralegal jobs but the cost of living is all relatively high in these areas, unless I'm wrong? Any ideas would be appreciated

[annerk]

He is going to have a very difficult time getting a paralegal position without having experience, ie an internship. I can't speak for other areas, but around here paralegals are a dime a dozen and a certified paralegal with a BA and 5-10 years experience is making $40K. Keep in mind that there is a difference between having a paralegal certificate and being a certified paralegal.

[FarNorthDallas]

The big better paying law firms are laying off right and left - attorneys and staff. The solo attorneys are hiring a bit, but they only pay $10/hr and have no benefits and, in Texas, often require Spanish.

I think paralegal is a dying profession.

[EMERALDGIRL]

Originally Posted by FarNorthDallas

The big better paying law firms are laying off right and left - attorneys and staff. The solo attorneys are hiring a bit, but they only pay $10/hr and have no benefits and, in Texas, often require Spanish.

I think paralegal is a dying profession.

This is sad but true. I was not paid as well as others I knew in the same industry and no benefits working for a solo atty. I am considering going back to school for a career change. I know that several yrs ago, there was a pretty high demand for paralegals but not so much these days.

[chiffonhead]

Originally Posted by FarNorthDallas

I think paralegal is a dying profession.

I agree. what are we going to do? I've been pondering this for a couple years. I am very lucky and make a great salary, but the direction the profession is taking and the amount of burn out I have are heading me straight for disaster if I don't come up with something soon. what other areas can we look to? I'd love to work from home proofing depo transcripts or something like that...

[annerk]

If you've got experience with real estate, look at working for a title company as a searcher or closing agent.

[chiffonhead]

Originally Posted by annerk

If you've got experience with real estate, look at working for a title company as a searcher or closing agent.

I don't have any real estate experience. I've been a paralegal for 8 years (in legal field for 13 years total) and I've been a litigation/product liability/mass tort/trial paralegal the entire time. I've often asked my firm to cross-train paralegals to help curb burn out and also get the most out of us, but it hasn't happened.

real estate law doesn't really interest me at all. I really want to apply my experience in a unique way...not sure what way. that's the problem. lol.

[ReturningWest]

If you've got experience with real estate, look at working for a title company as a searcher or closing agent.

I was a title examiner until the big layoff, here in GA as around most areas there is NO work in this field. A friend of mine who's a lawyer was just telling me today that more and more law firms that specilized in RE will be closing their doors. I'm sure it's similar for states that use title companies to close. My lawyer friend is doing foreclosure work and that's the only reason he's still got work and he has become a one person operation, he does the title work, cries the foreclosure on the court house steps and does all the related paper work unfortunatly in most states a lawyer has to certify to title and paralegals are left out in the cold.

I would suggest another field than real estate.

[annerk]

Around here the real estate market is picking up. Another house just sold in my neighborhood, this one for $659K. The inventory in central Florida area is down to four months, a far cry from the 18 months supply we had a year ago. A couple Realtors I know have told me they are busy, busy, busy, and it has nothing to do with foreclosures.

[brightdoglover]

To the OP, the only relatively low cost of living is in Philadelphia. Dunno about the job market, but housing is relatively cheap, given its position between high-priced D.C., suburban Jersey, and NYC. Philly is big and has a big metro area. If you avoid the beat-up urban neighborhoods (they are fairly apparent on sight) you can still live decently for modest bucks.
Best wishes. It's hard everywhere for everyone.