Feeling completely stuck in entry-level roles with no chance for growth, even though I have 2 years of experience and 4 years total in a legal setting. My first firm made it clear paralegals were just for admin tasks. My second promised opportunities that never materialized. Now, after six months at this new place, I've taken on extra responsibilities, but there's no talk of promotion or even a raise. I love the legal field, but I can't seem to advance my career. Is it just me?

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I don’t mean to come across as insensitive but expecting a serious conversation about getting promoted after being at a firm for 6 months is unrealistic and may actually be sending a concerning message to your leadership. 2 years of paralegal experience, in most fields isn’t enough for me to flag as being overdue for anything. Personally, I wouldn’t consider it until at least 3 years and that’s after consistent observation of skill.

I’d recommend you observe where you are and how the other paralegals on your team have progressed and developed for a bit. Are the ones more senior to you getting elevated and being given the opportunity to grow their skills? If so, demonstrate your ability to do the same and after a year show them with examples. If not - you have your answer.

It's frustrating I know. But getting more years of experience and continuing to move on to another firm that wants to pay for your higher level of experience is more likely to get you there. Asking for raises generally doesn't get it. I look at getting experience as if it were a paid internship.

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