Is Paralegal a good career choice when considering a move to Boston? (attorneys)

[WhipperSnapper 88]

Hi everyone!

I was just wondering if a Paralegal would be a good career path in Boston? Im considering going to school to be a paralegal. I'm 23 yrs. old and I am ready for a change in my life and I think Boston would be a good fit for me. I'll be going to school here in Ohio and upon completion is when I would be making the move. Is the job market good in the legal feild in Boston? I know that Boston has a high cost of living rate so would an entry level postion as a paralegal pay good enough to live at least somewhat comfortably? The way I understand it the average salary for a paralegal is anywhere from 40-60k, this is generaly speaking though, I really dont know what that number would be like in a city like Boston. And, would it be relatively easy to get into an entry level position as a paralegal? Also, I would like to know if Boston is a good place for a younger person such as myself to live? You would think it would be being a college town, but I have heard the exact opposite in some sources before.

Any other suggestions for a career path that would work out in Boston would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

P.S.
If this would be a good career path to consider, would you recommend a 2-year associate’s degree, or, a 4-year bachelor’s degree to be most successfull in Boston?

[theSUBlime]

Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper 88

Hi everyone!

I was just wondering if a Paralegal would be a good career path in Boston? Im considering going to school to be a paralegal. I'm 23 yrs. old and I am ready for a change in my life and I think Boston would be a good fit for me. I'll be going to school here in Ohio and upon completion is when I would be making the move. Is the job market good in the legal feild in Boston? I know that Boston has a high cost of living rate so would an entry level postion as a paralegal pay good enough to live at least somewhat comfortably? The way I understand it the average salary for a paralegal is anywhere from 40-60k, this is generaly speaking though, I really dont know what that number would be like in a city like Boston. And, would it be relatively easy to get into an entry level position as a paralegal? Also, I would like to know if Boston is a good place for a younger person such as myself to live? You would think it would be being a college town, but I have heard the exact opposite in some sources before.

Any other suggestions for a career path that would work out in Boston would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

P.S.
If this would be a good career path to consider, would you recommend a 2-year associate’s degree, or, a 4-year bachelor’s degree to be most successfull in Boston?

This depends on your standard of living. Averages are only averages and you may get paid more or less if you find a job. Ask yourself: do you want to live in Downtown Boston or other nearby neighborhoods or would you not mind the suburbs? Do you want to go out all the time? If you do, that may be a little tough on that salary. Boston is a young person's city and you definitely want to go for the four-year education as many people have multiple, comprehensive degrees in this city, making finding high paying jobs competitive.

[WhipperSnapper 88]

Originally Posted by theSUBlime

This depends on your standard of living. Averages are only averages and you may get paid more or less if you find a job. Ask yourself: do you want to live in Downtown Boston or other nearby neighborhoods or would you not mind the suburbs? Do you want to go out all the time? If you do, that may be a little tough on that salary. Boston is a young person's city and you definitely want to go for the four-year education as many people have multiple, comprehensive degrees in this city, making finding high paying jobs competitive.

In regards to where I would live, I dont really have a set location but I would want to be close or atleast relatively close to public transit. I'm not saying I would want to go out all the time but if sometime I did want to then I would like to be able to. I would have to be right where all the action is but I would want to be somewhat close to downtown.

[Redsox1972]

Originally Posted by WhipperSnapper 88

Hi everyone!

I was just wondering if a Paralegal would be a good career path in Boston? Im considering going to school to be a paralegal. I'm 23 yrs. old and I am ready for a change in my life and I think Boston would be a good fit for me. I'll be going to school here in Ohio and upon completion is when I would be making the move. Is the job market good in the legal feild in Boston? I know that Boston has a high cost of living rate so would an entry level postion as a paralegal pay good enough to live at least somewhat comfortably? The way I understand it the average salary for a paralegal is anywhere from 40-60k, this is generaly speaking though, I really dont know what that number would be like in a city like Boston. And, would it be relatively easy to get into an entry level position as a paralegal? Also, I would like to know if Boston is a good place for a younger person such as myself to live? You would think it would be being a college town, but I have heard the exact opposite in some sources before.

Any other suggestions for a career path that would work out in Boston would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

P.S.
If this would be a good career path to consider, would you recommend a 2-year associate’s degree, or, a 4-year bachelor’s degree to be most successfull in Boston?

I suggest that you look at craigslist, career builder, monster, as well as review the permanent job postings on the sites of Boston's top temp agencies to get a sampling of available jobs and salaries. I am amazed at some of the postings I see: $10 to $12 an hour in Boston or at least in the metro area. Many jobs have now been reduced to part time. If you think you can survive on that kind of money, then sure, go for it.

Some practice areas tend to pay better than others (corporate, intellectual property, high level litigation tend to pay better). Those areas tend to require extensive experience before landing an interview.

Some firms require a B.A. and sometimes a B.A. as well as a paralegal certificate. There are some places in which support staff are long-time fixtures in the firm and they may not have degrees. However, given that there are many out of work attorneys to add to the already tough job market, most employers are looking for a minimum of a bachelor's.