I'm registered to take courses for my Paralegal diploma but I already know what area I want to work in. The school offers a Certificate program that focuses on the area I want to work in.

Should I continue with the diploma or switch to the certificate?

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

I would do the general one. You can never be sure you want to work in a certain area until you are actually in it for awhile. If you ever wanted to switch it would be better to have the general one. And, unfortunately you can’t be super picky with where you want to work when you are entry level. So you may not get to work in that area at first, depending on what it is.

likehelpful

I'd recommend you get a degree in something more general and add the paralegal Certificate. Biggest regret in my life is locking myself in with only a legal studies bachelor

like

Related Posts

What buckets would you generally use for cases?

like

How easy is it to work in account management in a foreign country? which countries are the easiest to go to? what agencies are likely to transfer you abroad?

Anyone try public speaking coaches to train them how to be a better seminar speaker? Posture, tone, subliminal onstage stress relievers etc..?

like

Hi Coders. I'm working as a business analyst but not using coding knowledge. Company won't even pay for my certification. Any advice on any jobs who may need medical coders as Business Analysts?

like

I’m currently working with a senior level HR candidate. This individual has a doctorate in business with a focus in HR, her SPHR, Federal, and private sector experience at the singer level, and has a fabulous personality. I’m curious is anyone else having difficulties play some candidates like this? At this point I’m starting to think it’s racial or her sex based of the lack of interest in this candidate. Any thoughts?

like

I have 24 years of recruiting experience, 18 in a Fortune 500 company as a corporate recruiter in the US, handling 55 - 70 requisitions, with over 150 hires annually….last two years 185, this year 270. What should I be making?

like

The week of my wedding, my husband (PL SQL Developer 4 yoe) was laid off. That was a couple of weeks ago. Luckily I'm still bringing money in as a software engineer, but I'm looking for advice on how to support a partner who has been laid off. Ultimately I think we will be ok, but I know he's hurting / stressed / and could use a supportive partner.

likehelpful

My wife and I just don’t get along. I try not to carry that baggage to work, but it’s tough. Some days I lie and say I’m working late to drink beer at work and flirt with this HOT account director.

like

Does any fish have experience prepping and taking the CAMS exam? I would appreciate any advice on study materials, exam preparation tips, and information about the exam.

Hello fellow HR pros! I really need your opinions on HR certifications. I am deciding between PHR and SHRM-cp. I have read just about all there is online comparing the two and can not decide. My heart is telling me PHR, my mother in law (an HRBP) is telling me to go with SHRM, as it’s more widely recognized, more established and a larger network in general. I work for a 350~ company who is growing rapidly through M&A. Passions/interests are compliance, strategic vision, M&A, branding and culture

like

Other sites like at edge to look for professional photographers? Suggestions are welcome!

I am currently looking to accept new roles for a job. I have an associates in Accounting have an 8+ year background in accounts payable and am about to receive my Bachelor's in August for Business Management and Economics with a concentration in entrepreneurship. What would you think would be considered a fair hourly rate or salary?

like

Any recommendations for a junior membership at a local country club? I am particularly interested in Druid Hills

like

Considering a data and analytics role for a data migration project. What kinds of SQL queries will I be expected to know?

like

Stimulants and sweating! I’m going back to the office and never used them while in the office, I don’t want to look or be sweaty haha any advice? I also don’t want to look weird drinking 6L of water as I do in person

I’m looking to get into commercial real estate as an analyst (pref in acquisition side). I’m older (43) but I’m willing to start entry level. Do I need to know Argus and how to model deals are is that something I can learn on the job?

like

Hi Friends,

If I receive a counter offer from Company A and I reject an offer from another company say Company B after signing it, will I be blacklisted from Company B for rejecting the offer??

Please advise

like

Ladies how do you manage your relationship when your spouse holds you to what you promised you would do before you got married but then you realize you can’t do it. I had promised my husband I would fast with him for an entire day on a specific religious holiday, but when I did for the first time I had stomach pains, headache, and nausea. I told him I can’t do it for that long again but he said “we’ll see, you just need to push through”.

like

EY GDS India tells me they're processing my movement to EY GDS Poland. How can I make sure this is not a bluff? What are the chances that this is definitely happening? Has anyone else gone through the same thing?

likehelpful

Additional Posts in Paralegals

How do you deal with the industry when you live in a small state (with only a handful of firms which practice the area you want to practice in) and in which ‘it’s not about WHAT you know, but WHO you know’?

Currently trying to argue pay rise (whilst looking elsewhere, but constricted because there aren’t a lot of firms where I’m based) when I know someone with the same job role and less experience is getting paid more simply because they know the partner outside of the firm.

like

Is it fair that one paralegal gets treated more favorably than other only because they have connections with influential attorneys?

For context: there are two paralegals: one has been there since January and the other recently started. The one that recently started gets treated more favorably than the former.

like

I just wanted to take a moment to say “thank you” to all of you, each and everyone of you for being so willing to offer advice, suggestions, feedback, and for being so open and willing to share helpful information to all of us!

likeuplifting

Any tips for a paralegal who wants to transition to an in-house position? I have 2.5 years of para experience and a decade of admin experience. I have my BA, AS, and AAS which are all related to the paralegal field, and various applicable certificates. I'm also working on my master's in management with a concentration in agency administration. All job postings I see want you to have a certain amount of in-house experience.

like
like

Hey, does anyone work for Jacobowitz Newman Tversky? Would love to know more about the office and culture .

I’m looking for remote paralegal positions and I have had zero luck. I have over 10 years of experience and a law degree. Can someone point me in the right direction or does anyone know of any companies hiring for remote legal work?

likehelpful

Hi everyone, any tips on how to make myself more marketable as a paralegal? I only have 10 months of experience working in personal injury, and I’d like to get into corporate in an in-house role.

like

I have a double BA, finishing my capstone for my paralegal certificate, have a little over 2 years in the legal industry but just started a new role/new practice area a few months ago. What are the chances the this new firm will acknowledge my paralegal certificate in the form of a promotion?

like

Litigation paralegal looking to transition firms in Houston. Please let me know of any opportunities. Thanks!

like

Looking to move to either Kenosha area or Chicago suburbs. What can I look to make with 30 years of general liability/employment experience.

like

New to Fishbowl! How do folks find this app most useful?

like

I am a paralegal interested in making the jump from litigation to Worker's Compensation. I don't have recent experience in WC but recall it was a lot of form work. Any Worker's Compensation experts here that can offer an opinion (is it a heavy lift) and run me thru some of your daily activities? I am in New Jersey. Thanks!

Any advise on what a paralegal in the Bay Area should be paid when they have 3.5 years experience and a paralegal certificate. Plus bilingual.

like

Corporate and IP paralegals what do you do on a daily basis and why do you think it’s so hard to break into these fields?

like

Guys... how are you affording rent right now 😭

like

How do you push your manager to give you constructive feedback? My company is pushing for more performance based data collection to show growth and I feel like I never get actual feedback, just a lot of “you are doing great!”. I work in-house so there is no billing requirements to use as data, but are there other KPIs I should ask about?

like

Hi. I’m new the the world of Paralegal. I got hired on and have been learning from the lady I’m replacing. I’m also going to school to get my AS in Paralegal. My boss and i spoke on hourly of $15/hr and said we can revisit once I’m done training… $15 is out of the question.. i cant even pay rent off of that. What do you all suggest is a great entry level salary for a Criminal Law paralegal ? I’m in Houston

like

Hello, everyone!

I have an interview for a relatively new law firm early next week. However, upon doing more research about them, I noticed that their website has only a black-and-white website about only what the law firm is about.

My questions are:

Is this a red flag?
How do you guys prepare for interviews specifically with law firms that have little to some information on their website and Glassdoor?

Thank you so much in advance!

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Send download link to your phone

OR

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Messaging rates may apply

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal