What the Paralegal Schools Don't Tell You

In this episode, Ann Pearson talks about what paralegal schools don't tell you and the struggle that some new paralegals feel, like “My school didn’t prepare me for this” and “Maybe I’m just not cut out for being a paralegal!”

[FannyGodMother]

I couldn’t agree more. I worked in law for many years before I decided to obtain a certificate. I was surprised by how little relevant info and skills are taught. It was basically lawyers teaching classes about a field they know nothing about. Gosh, in one class we even went over how to apply to take a bar exam lol as if that’s helpful. Why was I learning how to cross-examine a witness when I should have been learning how to navigate the local rules and judges’ preferences for filing. It was so bizarre!

[theprincessmj]

This is why I decided to just pursue a law degree instead of paralegal certificate, because if all fails I can use that degree for a different career path. But for now paralegal is the goal as I navigate as a legal assistant for now

[recoveringparalegal]

Honestly, one of the only real paralegal videos out there! Thank you for the real deal. Particularly, students should know about how difficulty the attorney personality can be. If you are a sweet, pure soul, your life will be ruined. Pick anything else if you are a sweet soul.

[PiscesSun]

I got lucky working well my most recent law firm in the best probate paralegal, estates, taxes. Nice boss! Who knew it’s a first!! But yes everything is last minute even with probate lol. Why! At least I’m not staying until 11pm anymore doing litigation. Yay🎉

[AmyBowserRollins]

Great points, Ann. It had to be said.

[tramayneyoung]

I agree with every word. I was very disappointed in how much I did not learn in an advanced family law course. Yes, the course offered familiarity with jurisprudential theory, constitutional precedent, and federal laws that regulate child custody and jurisdiction. Nevertheless, much of our time and effort in family centers on discovery, depositions, court filings, correspondence, mediation, and trial. None of those topics were discussed in the course. Had the course only covered Superior Court rules, it would've been more beneficial to my function than anything else.

[savagesweetheart]

I'm almost done with my paralegal school and I'm having second thoughts about it and I feel like I wasted my time and money. What are other career paths people can take if they feel like this isn't for them?

[j.j.l.]

Do lawyers pay attention to which school you earned your certificate from? In other words, does it make a difference whether you earned your certificate from a prestigious school versus a lesser known school?

[pg]

How much do paralegals get paid?thanks

[moonshine]

how come parralegals dont answer your emails?

[ximenamelo]

I think being paralegal can’t be worst than being a teacher.