Related Posts
Rising Star
Conversation Starter
Is it SAFE joining Wipro as technical lead (B3) with 37LPA? Knowing that package is pretty high as compared to collogues in same band. HR is not ready to give project manager(C1) position.
Appreciate your suggestions/input.
Would there be any scope of increment going forward?
YOE 8.7
Tech SF DevOps
Wipro Infosys HCL Technologies Tata Consultancy Cognizant
Any info on the agency Heartbeat in NY?
Additional Posts in Paralegals
Mentor
Do small law firms have paralegal managers?
New to Fishbowl?
Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
I personally rebranded my resume to reflect Paralegal instead of legal Assistant. The offices I worked at the responsibilities were interchangeable so I just marketed myself as a paralegal and it’s been working. I have almost 4 years experience for context
Same here. Luckily my last position was titled paralegal but I only look at those jobs at other firms. I have nearly 25 years of experience and it's still hard to break into another form.
Unfortunately, that's just how the job market is right now. Just keep going. Eventually you'll have the perfect amount of experience for the right job. I know it's hard starting out, we've all been there.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with you, and it's perfectly all right to lament sometimes. You're in a hard position and feeling all the feelings is not only acceptable, but healthy. At the end of the day, you're not your job. Just keep going; I promise all of this will be behind you eventually.
Keep applying for paralegal jobs. You’ve got a great foundation. You could get your advanced certification from NALA?
Not to be a downer but I got the NALA certification. It hasn’t helped me. Many firms interviewing me didn’t even know what NALA is.
Have you tried speaking with your employer about changing you position to a Paralegal? -- That would be a great start for you gaining experience as you already know the in and outs of the firm.
How about starting to do PL tasks at your current job? Ask the PLs for anything you can help with and keep asking them. If they are anything like my office, there is more work than we can possibly do, and I am thrilled if someone wants to do something. Even something as simple as a med chron or organizing docs for discovery responses. If you have a minute of down time, start jumping in.
Subject Expert
That is a great suggestion. Paralegals within the firm always need help. Even some attorneys too. Have you asked any of the other attorneys?
In order to move from Executive Legal Assistant I obtained my Paralegal certification. When I wanted to branch out from Corporate Paralegal to a different area of law I had experience and certification but still needed to begin again, so to speak. I started at the bottom with a part-time position. The attorney who hired me merged his small practice with a huge firm 6 months later and I was brought along to the new firm as a full time paralegal. I have grown exponentially since then by working my butt off.
Paralegal/Legal Assistant is your true title since you've earned your certification. Update your resume immediately apply for Paralegal roles and use that terminology moving forward.
Coach
Don't be, it's not you. Do not allow a company's choice to get you down. Keep going forward. They do not define you. Maybe take another review of your resume; see if it might need some updating. Meaning, is too much said in the resume or did you leave something meaningful out? How about your cover letter? Does it define you and what you are looking for or could it be a repeat of your resume? Sometimes these make a big difference. Wishing you all the best.
It’s who you know. If you personally know someone at another firm that’s hiring and they’re willing to put in a good word for you, that new firm might be willing to take a chance on you. That’s how I got my jobs from beginner to where I am now 19 years later. Don’t just do good work, leave a great impression on everyone you work with from the top of the firm down to the clerk in the file room. Meanwhile, like OP said, any minute you have free, see if you can help the paralegals, and apprentice from them to gain experience. Good luck!
I know the feeling. The more I apply to legal assistant jobs, the more I get rejected. But keep trying and never give up.
Subject Expert
Keep asking, and Keep knocking. I remember when I went to every business out there. Have you tired assisted living apartments or other places of business with their legal team? Don't give up. I believe you will receive that position that is just right for you at the right time and in the right place.
Fake it til you make it.
Subject Expert
I honestly could not do that. It seems deceitful to me. But what if, we just tell them and take a chance. What do you think, would it work seriously? I surely hope so.
ok
I feel you. I am a lawyer in a country outside the U.S., and no one even wants to hire me as Legal Assistant, Paralegal, or Legal Secretary because I lack the experience in the U.S.
I mean, you're right. How are we to get the experience if nobody wants to give it to us?
Subject Expert
My question is, what else do they need, as far as any position open that you could possibly slip in and then make that a way to show your talents, skills, and knowledge?
I started part time as a legal assistant right out of college and then I became certified a couple of years later. I am an “in house” paralegal now and it is ideal in comparison to plaintiff and defense work. I would try looking for those positions in your area.
Through a person I knew in back in college. I have never gotten a job through Glassdoor, LinkedIn, indeed etc. Only through a direct contact. Or through the contact of a contact.
Subject Expert
Well, keep trying one will come. That is if you are still unemployed. Have you have any job interviews through Glassdoor? Just curious.