| Topic Name: |
landing a paralegal position? |
| Message Name: |
Paralegal Requirements |
| Date Posted: |
12/26/2001 |
| In Reply To: |
i was wondering about working as a paralegal a little in CA. i know you dont need the certificate there, but what do they show in your resume for them to take you seriously? |
| Message: |
I am a career para and currently a working supervisor. My firm rarely hires entry level but when we do it is in the litigation department and I look for intelligence, enthusiasm, high energy, an unyielding desire to learn and a deep desire to earn money through OVERTIME hours. This can translate into a very hard working individual ready to put a hold on their personal life at the drop of a dime. This is exactly what I need for those last minute assignments. My firm has a billable requirement of 1,800 hours for all paralegals. The person who tells me "I will do anything to get the experience" will get the job before an IV leaguer. I have carried this philosophy with me always and look for it in others. Most of my recent hires this year have been experienced paralegals at least 40 or older. I do not know exactly because as a hiring supervisor I am not allowed to ask age at interviews.
In response to the negative beaver on this message board. Your experiences are not isolated and unfortunately you did not make the best choice for your certificate program. This only confirms a prior message about your LACKING research skills. The Institute is a business and they sold you a can of goods. The paralegal market at this point will be saturated with people like yourself and those with credentials that far surpass yours. You need to get a city job where the standards are low and expectations none existent.
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