I wouldn’t recommend getting the paralegal certificate. You’re better off getting promoted within your firm from legal secretary to paralegal eventually. Once you have experience as a litigation paralegal, you can basically get into any firm as most firms are in need of litigation paralegals.
I agree with what Attorney 1 said. A lot of firms say they want the certificate, but I don’t think it’s necessary. You learn more on the job. I don’t have a certificate - I started as a file clerk and worked my way up to senior paralegal. I get the wanting more money thing - I’m in the same boat. Truthfully, job hopping is the quickest way to make more money.
Agreed! I job hopped my way up to partner, and almost 2x my salary in the past 6 years. I know lawyers that are still making the same because they are afraid of change and the unknown of moving. However, I know from experience that hopping is the way to go, especially in this absolutely brutal economy.
You can make a great career for yourself just specializing in medical records review. Do you have a background in nursing or medicine? Continuing that education would have a far greater impact on your marketability than a paralegal certificate.
I was more than 15 years in to my career as a paralegal when I went back for my certificate, associates, and now bachelors after working my way up. It’s a big help, more and more places want you to have something, especially if you’re in litigation or corporate work. It will definitely land you the higher paying jobs. If you can do it, go for it.
Depends on what State you will work in. Some states require a certificate, others you can use your experience as a legal secretary at a law firm. Insurance Defense is an area that deals with a lot of medical records and also has high turnover since, It’s a lower pay rate due to insurance billing rates, so a lot of people leave after 2-3 years. It might be easier to get an entry level position with law firms that specialize in ID.
I got into the legal field with a non related Bachelors. I was told "You'll never get anywhere without further legal education". I earned my Paralegal Certificate in 2020, it didn't really make a difference!!!! I was just basically a glorified Receptionist for 3 years.
If you want to deal with medical records, then apply for personal injury or workman's comp. I always say experience is experience. unless you've been working in Estates/Trusts, your skills are transferrable.
Pro
I wouldn’t recommend getting the paralegal certificate. You’re better off getting promoted within your firm from legal secretary to paralegal eventually. Once you have experience as a litigation paralegal, you can basically get into any firm as most firms are in need of litigation paralegals.
I agree with what Attorney 1 said. A lot of firms say they want the certificate, but I don’t think it’s necessary. You learn more on the job. I don’t have a certificate - I started as a file clerk and worked my way up to senior paralegal. I get the wanting more money thing - I’m in the same boat. Truthfully, job hopping is the quickest way to make more money.
Pro
Agreed! I job hopped my way up to partner, and almost 2x my salary in the past 6 years. I know lawyers that are still making the same because they are afraid of change and the unknown of moving. However, I know from experience that hopping is the way to go, especially in this absolutely brutal economy.
You can make a great career for yourself just specializing in medical records review. Do you have a background in nursing or medicine? Continuing that education would have a far greater impact on your marketability than a paralegal certificate.
No I do not have a nursing degree or medical degree
could you be more specific in regards to the career pertaining to medical review?
I was more than 15 years in to my career as a paralegal when I went back for my certificate, associates, and now bachelors after working my way up. It’s a big help, more and more places want you to have something, especially if you’re in litigation or corporate work. It will definitely land you the higher paying jobs. If you can do it, go for it.
Depends on what State you will work in. Some states require a certificate, others you can use your experience as a legal secretary at a law firm. Insurance Defense is an area that deals with a lot of medical records and also has high turnover since, It’s a lower pay rate due to insurance billing rates, so a lot of people leave after 2-3 years. It might be easier to get an entry level position with law firms that specialize in ID.
I got into the legal field with a non related Bachelors. I was told "You'll never get anywhere without further legal education". I earned my Paralegal Certificate in 2020, it didn't really make a difference!!!! I was just basically a glorified Receptionist for 3 years.
If you want to deal with medical records, then apply for personal injury or workman's comp. I always say experience is experience. unless you've been working in Estates/Trusts, your skills are transferrable.