How I secured a paralegal role with no previous paralegal experience | The legal diaries

Securing a paralegal role can be somewhat frustrating, especially when you have no prior experience. Join me as I reflect on how I became a paralegal and share what worked for me.

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[glennncocoa]

I just very recently got hired as a paralegal with zero experience, and honestly, I was not going to go to the interview, because I thought it would be a waste of my time considering I have no experience, nor a bachelors degree (yet). But my boyfriend convinced me, and some way some how, they loved me at the office, and they want me to be apart of their team. I have no idea what i'm getting myself into, besides from all the research i've been doing. But, I feel passionate about my position already and I haven't even started. I have a feeling this will be the reason I end up going to law school as well.

[jnejdl]

I’m coming from retail to paralegal, I’m going to binge watch your channel to prep for an interview!

[amazingchelseaful]

I got my paralegal job through connections from people i knew who knew lawyers that needed paralegals! Did interviews and got hired! Being a paralegal is hard and most firms won’t pay you enough for the amount of work you do! Getting a license can help increase the pay or even a degree but without a license you won’t get paid as much!

[evd]

I got certified through Sebron University
You don't make a whole lot, but it's better than minimum wage.
I started off at $18/hr, now make $22/hr. I am in Michigan.

[vankai]

If it says “1 year experience” then DO IT. Every time I’ve applied to positions that don’t require college, even ones that would pay me 14 an hour in Texas which is pretty good without college, they would want experience but if you can really sale yourself and be honest and cool but most of all REALLY show you’re very willing and ready to learn everything no matter how tough.

[ArabellaCharm]

I've been looking for a job in the field for 9 months now. I finally got a call for a receptionist in a law firm that only pays $11 an hour, I can't afford to lose that much hourly. I have maintained my job while looking, but I'm starting to think, this degree was a waste of 25k!

[johnparsons]

Obviously an intelligent and influential personality. I would support the narrative involving concise points with short testimonies. Fact based real-life analysis is difficult to come by. THANK YOU for taking he time to help others.

[KessO]

I live in PA. I have my AA and BA in paralegal studies. As while as a paralegal training certificate. Worked in private and corporate firms as an assistant or clerk for over 5 years. My issue is transitioning from the role of an assistant to a paralegal. Hiring agencies have been limiting me to legal assistant positions and I’m tired of it. Because of this I spent a year just self teaching. Provided freelance assistance with the IP industry in order to build my credibility. The only email offers I am receiving are for administrative positions.

Honestly, this process is draining. And this pandemic is not making it any easier. I’ll attempt to be more intentional with my job selections. Hopefully, that will make a difference.

[JojoChan]

it has been 4 years since this video posted and now I am actually trying to enter the legal career, hopefully it would turn out alright during job hunting after my completion of the paralegal diploma programme

[RodesLaw]

I am a poli sci manager but a hiring agency that works with a big law firm just contacted me to set up an interview because the recruiter was impressed with how good my resume was and my academic background. I though all recruiters were scammers or ineffective but I might have to change my mind. Cheers !

[tressyaustin]

I have a paralegal certification and I've been looking for work since I've graduated in 2017 and haven't got a job yet. Right now, I am a legal intern at community lawyers, inc. A legal aid office in Compton and went as my own because I've done it before at another school right before Fremont College and wasn't prepared for any paralegal positions

[melindasaldivar]

I just graduated from a 2 year associates degree + paralegal certificate program. I've been interview at various firms. The spectrum of positions and pay is WILD. If you have no experience, you will get paid peanuts. Work your way up

[sequoiasimpson]

I was also going to do it by getting an associates in paralegal studies at an community college

[sunleo]

I did the same but I had reception/admin assistant and manager experience and 3 years of pre law & CJ classes.

[jim_dog]

Maybe at a smaller firm yes.


But at any reputable firm it is certainly going to be an uphill battle to get hired without previous legal experience.

[MiLlamoName]

My cousin is an attorney and I have no experience in the field. She posted my resume and I have two interviews today! Thank you for the advice.

[vankai]

If you think it can help you become a paralegal then DO IT.

[aaa]

Assistance position s are well paid 30-59$ an hour in Australia. Alot of jobs for assistant type position s. But stress tax and long hours long commute. 3 hour daily commute is normal. Two hours over time is normal. Very high stress and tax is very normal. I hope I like it!

[lulusplannerlifegmz]

Im tired of low paying jobs. considering trying paralegal or legal secretary job. But do you recommend i get certified. And go school or take chance. I have certification for Medical Office Specialist. Thank you for sharing.

[shadowknows]

It's a difficult position to get as there's so many applicants, luck comes into play as well. I've hired many assistants over the years. Schooling is great as the higher education always helps. It wont get you a legal assistant position as experience helps. Hang out in court - get a feel for it - rarely does any applicant do that. I was so naive and clueless. It's a position most come into believing television shows.
Sadly now I'm stuck with millennials, laziest people ever. I've changed my interviewing strategy. Question #4 is always "Can you make toast?" The confusion in there face is priceless. Then I move onto the next applicant.