Is anyone a paralegal?

K

KimDW

Cathlete
Is anyone out there by chance a paralegal or legal assistant? I've been thinking about going back to school to be a paralegal but am unsure. I have a Bachelor in Business but my job right now is really boring and I can't see myself doing this until I retire (Accts Payable and receivable and many other tasks for a government painting contractor). I just want something that is interesting and will keep me busy. I know it may be a longshot asking this question but just thought I'd try.

thanks,
Kim
 
Hi, Kim! I'm a paralegal, and this was a career change for me as well. I was in a weird little subsection of real estate practice (right of way land acquisition and relocation), had my broker's license etc., when I finally just got sick and tired of real estate.

Got a certificate in paralegal studies through a local program that was available to people who already had their B.A.'s in the fall/winter 1998/1999, and got the job I still now have in the summer 1999.

I love being a paralegal. There are about as many kinds of paralegal opportunities as there are law practice areas, and it continues to be a growing occupational category.

My suggestion is: research the live, in-class paralegal training programs in your area, and MAKE SURE THE PROGRAM YOU PICK IS APPROVED BY THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION. I know I'm "shouting" as I say that, but that is pretty much an industry standard, and your chances of getting a good job with a good firm or public authority are much, much better. There are a lot of programs of paralegal studies out there that are NOT A.B.A.-approved (including online programs; as far as I know the A.B.A. has not approved any online programs); check that out as you're calling around.

Also check out the American Association for Paralegal Education (www.aafpe.org), the National Association of Legal Assistants (www.nala.org), the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (www.paralegals org), and the National Paralegal Association (www.nationalparalegal.org). That'd get you off to a good start.

Let me know if you have any other questions. You're welcome to Private Message ("PM") me here on the Cathe forums as well.

A-Jock
 
Thanks for the reply. I live in Alton, Illinois and so I would have to go to St Louis Community College (it's about 30 mins away) at night but the classes are only on Thurs, Fri, & Sat which would be find with me. I would have to take just a few classes at a time so I could maybe afford it - but when does anyone ever have enough money huh. I'm not an adventurous person so I'm scared to death of doing this. I'll check those websites also. How do I Private Message someone? I've never done it before.

Thanks,
Kim
 
>Hi, Kim! I'm a paralegal, and this was a career change for
>me as well. I was in a weird little subsection of real estate
>practice (right of way land acquisition and relocation), had
>my broker's license etc., when I finally just got sick and
>tired of real estate.

That's too weird! I'm going back to school in the fall to finish my bachelor's and become certified as a paralegal (yup, ABA certified program--you bet I checked!) and I used to be the asst to the marketing manager in a real estate company. I'm planning on focusing on areas like real estate law & probate.


Lisa
 
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