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With a load like that you sound like you'd be marketable. Start interviewing.
Time to start looking for a new job.
Run. Before you get sick or UPL happens
We are so short staffed right now we don't have an HR. I keep getting told to 'weather the storm' by the operations manager for the past two years. I mean I'm a soldier, but I'm quite tired
I would start interviewing. I have a 300 case load and am restricted to 35 hours and it’s hard as heck. But I r only been with my firm 1 year. Sounds like our bosses are the same, haven’t seen them since the summer.
I can sympathize. I operate more like a secretary but our boss has been taking a 10 day vacation at least every other month. On top of that, he’s has a turntable of staffers that keep leaving which means stuff keeps falling back on us old timers to get done. Tired of watching the boss continually take vacations yet not give bonuses or raises that show appreciation for the added responsibility. I’ve enjoyed my job and really glad I’ve been able to learn as much as I have, but at the same time for the stress - SHOW ME THE MONEY!
Time to go
Do not feel obligated to stay out of the kindness of your heart. If they cared about you, your pay would be competitive and they wouldn’t have such a high turnover. Add your talents to your resume and shop your options! You don’t owe them anything, it’s just a job.
Definitely work on your resume and get out. Hopefully they're at least doing the right thing and paying you hourly so you get overtime for all of those extra hours. This is mandated by the DOL for paralegals.
I understand and am the same way. This is a big reason I wanted out of law firms and moved to corporate work. You can’t keep this up without losing your mind. It’s hard but at some point you have to realize they are the attorneys’ clients and it is their license to practice law that is on the line and their responsibility. They can’t just say oh well and know you’ll pick up their slack. I’d update your resume and start looking. In the meantime, make a reasonable work schedule and stick with it. Join classes that you have to be at, make outside commitments to give your life balance to force yourself to get out of work at a decent hour. Tell the attorneys xyz work that has to be done but you can’t do them all today and ask them to tell you what takes priority and what they are okay with the “oh well” fallout if not done and realize it’s on them not you.
What state are you in?
South Florida is hiring like crazy. Use LinkedIn and say you are open for work for recruiters to see. You'll get messages and invites for interviews. Take every interview and get a feel for what's out there and what you are worth. Sounds like you have the experience to get six figures. Good luck! Your current firm is terrible. Start working 9 to 5, 5 days a week for them. You don't have a bar license, they do. Use your new extra time to find a way better job.
Is there anyone at the firm that you can ask for assistance?
Since you're at a national law firm, there has to be some secretary or another paralegal in a different department who would be able to assist you.
I do agree with another person's post about bringing this to hr's attention or at least the paralegal manager if your office has one.
And why would they when they have YOU? The problem with this model is there’s no safety net and you can’t be expected to keep the ship afloat on your own.
Your firm is cheap. I never understood why so many lawyers make so much money but are cheap as _uck. Time to move on.
I feel for you. I did the same for a small firm and was totally taken advantage of because I worked for so little since I am disabled and get Disability and wanted to work in the books so everyone would know I was legit and not scamming government. My day started at 7 am when I woke and didn’t end till 11:00 most days cause I would be working on documents or talk to clients at night since I was so busy in the day. My sister reminded me that “there are no victims, only volunteers”. I quit the next day and started working for myself since there are so many attorneys/firms who are in need of good paralegals that can draft motions and apps/opp. If they aren’t giving you a raise after multiple requests, they do not value you. There is plenty of work out there. You’re too good to keep giving them everything while they reap the rewards and don’t even give you the crumbs. Good luck. 🍀. I know it’s not easy.
Get out now before it takes an even greater toll on you.
This is what you should do.
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of your workload, responsibilities, and any communication regarding your raise request. This documentation can be valuable in making your case.
Schedule a Meeting: Request a face-to-face or virtual meeting with your supervisor to discuss your raise in person. It’s harder to ignore a direct conversation.
Present Evidence: Prepare a clear presentation of your contributions, highlighting specific achievements and the impact of your work on the firm.
Explore Alternatives: Consider other opportunities that might be available externally. Sometimes, knowing your worth and being prepared to explore other options can strengthen your negotiating position.
May 1st is way too far away. You don't have to give that much notice. You can be in a new position by then. Easily!