Shan Lanen: I always open my answers with this: I am currently employed as a construction litigation paralegal in the state of Texas. There are many people who love to answer this question and aren't are a paralegal or was a paralegal decades ago and know nothing about the profession now, and/or think they know enough because they are married to an attorney. Is the paralegal profession a rewarding career? For me, personally, it is. I absolutely love everything about my job. However, from the additional information you've given, I am going to say that this probably isn't going to be a rewarding career for you for the following reason. It sounds like you are choosing to become a paralegal for the wrong reasons. You don't choose a career because you see many job openings (you might want to share where you see all these job listings because SO many people on here are looking for positions) and for the salary (I hardly find an average salary of $40k a year lucrative). ! That is the first and last ingredients to professional suicide. You choose a profession because a) you are passionate about it; b) you enjoy it; and c) it is truly something you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life. If you are choosing it because the school is only 2 years, or because it appears to an easy job, or you are settling on it because you aren't willing or able to do the required amount of schooling/work for a better career, you will not find this career, or any career for that matter, rewarding.Every career worth having is competitive. If you want to make a good salary as a paralegal, you study to become a Registered Paralegal, or Certified Paralegal/Legal Assistant. You attend continuing legal education, join paralegal associations, and attend as many professional seminars as you can. If you aren't willing to put more than the least amount of effort into anything, any career path you choose will fail.Maybe I am being judgmental, but it sounds li! ke you are looking for an easy career and fast. If this is th! e case, I don't see the paralegal profession rewarding for you in the long run. You have to want to be a paralegal because you love the law, love helping clients, love deadlines, and being your attorney's right hand man. I just get the impression from your paragraph that you have none of this. Do something you love and forget about everything else, because in the end, if you don't love it, you'll just quit....Show more
Rolanda Merritt: I totally agree with the first answer and fully endorse it. not about being a para legal but about a career and loving it. I am a radio technician who by need knows a little about the law. I love my job and the challenges it brings. It is the only way to make a career . good luck and I hope you choose wisely.
Raleigh Lufkin: The opportunities for a paralegal really depends on the specialty. The most in demand paralegals are those in the litigation field; followed by corporate paralegals who are responsible for maintaining corpo! rate records, articles of incorporation, etc. While the "least" markeable [but the "highest" paid] paralegals are in the field of intellectual property [i.e., patents, trademarks] and immigration law. In conclusion, choose your paralegal courses accordingly, with emphasis on litigation preparation [discovery], docketing/calendaring of incoming pleadings [calendaring] and trial preparation [creating Exhibit tabs, Bajii jury instructions, etc.]. The "pro" side of a litigation paralegal is often "unlimited" overtime which can amount to a high salary range of $65,000 to $75,000 per year, while the "downside," being constantly pressured to meet a monthly client billable quota. And failing to meet that quota, often results in the paralegal's overnight dismissal. It's not a pretty picture. I just want to lay out what really happens in the real world of litigators and their relationship with subordinate paralegals. Good luck!...Show more
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