Is possible to bypass being a legal receptionist/legal assistant and be hired as a paralegal with no previous experience in a law firm? I do; however, bring years of accounting and office experience and a Master’s in Legal Studies to the table. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

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

Tell them you got experience with horrible customers and writing billsnt essays or rap battles. Good luck

likefunny

Yes

Yes anything is possible 💯 💪 🇺🇸

uplifting

Yes, I guess the key is to continue being persistent and hope for a positive outcome. Thank you!

It’s tough, but not impossible. I’ve seen people with strong research or admin backgrounds land entry-level paralegal roles, especially at smaller firms or legal departments that are willing to train. Skipping the assistant step takes hustle and the right connection, though. Is that for you or a friend?

like

It’s for me. There aren’t many firms offering to train which is the problem but I’m going to keep on applying and stay optimistic.

like

It’s on the unlikely side. Big law firms at least have one or two positions under the Paralegal, like Assistant Paralegal, Analyst, etc. And there are actual experience-based reasons for that, in addition to compensation related reasons. On the experience side, you may truly need experience in that particular field of law, as well as the firm’s processes and clients, before being able to function at a higher paralegal level. In terms of compensation, it’s highly unlikely that the law firm’s partners or HR would agree to paying someone a mid-level salary with transferable experience or school knowledge only. Most of their employees would have worked their way up to that role and salary for years, and I’ve even had employees complain about new hires who in their view were hired “unfairly” into a higher level role or salary. I’ve seen it happen, but very rarely and it left existing employees unhappy as they were probably hoping to be closer to a managerial position before a newcomer came along. But still, that newcomer had paralegal level experience, not pivoting into it.

like

Yes, totally possible, especially if you have a connection to someone in the firm.

So, ultimately it’s who I know not what I know. I’ve been hearing this a lot and I thought it was a myth.

Related Posts

I can't stop reading BLM news and checking covid counts everyday. It's gotten to the point where I'm struggling to do my work because why does it even matter? The US is a dumpster fire and people are too busy blaming the other side to actually fix anything or listen and learn.

like
like

Wordle 380 3/6

⬜🟨⬜⬜🟨
🟩⬜⬜⬜⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

like

Hi Fishes, can anyone let me know what is the monthly inhand salary for below salary brackout:

Post Photo
like

Hi All,
I have 6 years of experience in WPF with MVVM and SQL Server.
Can anyone please refer me if any opening for WPF developer.
thank you 😊

like

Do you avoid going to shows and concerts that restrict use of electronics? I want to go to a comedy show during the week, but there's a disclaimer that they kick you out If you're checking phone/smart watch, etc. I'm also thinking of shows where they put your phone in one of those dumb locking bags

Joining Deloitte shortly. Was told that since I have an approved EAD/AP they will not be filing a H1B. Is this a common practice?

like

Favorite designer brands?

like

Hi Folks,

I wanted to know about the work life balance at Bain and Company in the global people analytics department?
And what yearly appraisals one can expect?

Thanks

like

How much max Nagarro can match counter for senior engineer?

YOE - 4.7
Offered - 18 intially
Tech stack - .NET Fullstack
Position- senior engineer

Have below three offers. Please help me to choose right company.

PWC-10.5 LPA fixed pay (Excluding variable pay)
Intelizign -11 LPA (Including variable pay)

YOE - 3 YEARS
Tech - Mendix Low Code

like

What business units or segments in TCS are led by European, Far East, or South American based leaders?

like

Hey! Are there any art directors willing to chat over zoom? I’m a recent grad and I need some advice about jump starting !

like

I Really need your suggestions.

I have 6 yoe in dot net.
I have 2 year of work exp on a very small company where there is no pf and sometimes we do not get salary also but i learn a lot of things there.
Now 4 year in infosys bpm
Now tcs background verification team is asking for my bank details and uan / pf, i really dont have it.

I honestly told tcs background verification team that i dont have these details, but i gave them my PM number

WILL THEY REJECT ME ?
MY WORK EXP IS GENUINE

like

Going through a miscarriage at the moment. Was 5 weeks-ish in and did three days of HIIT workout and here I am. I’m young so not that sad but I just hope I don’t have to get the D&C surgery. :(

like

Hi! Anyone have any recommendations for the best sites or platforms to resell clothes? Some are gently used and some are brand new.

I know that people say it’s all about story, but with a certain gpa/gmat score is there a “floor” that you’re safe on? For example would someone with 4.0/780 (not me) be pretty much assured at least 1 M7? Or is there a reasonable chance that all M7s will reject them? Or is their floor just lower (T15 for example)?

like

Recruiter emailed and told me that I applied for the wrong job because it was a more creative role - I have a creative background and education... anyone else feeling pigeon holed?

like

Hello let's like each other's post to build connection via DM!

like

Hey everyone! Looking for marketing referrals in the cannabis industry. Thanks! ✌️😮‍💨

like

Additional Posts in Career Pivot

Can someone refer me to CITI ?

like

I was a part of a management program for the past 4 years in a mid-size local company; worked in a variety of functions: operations, sales, data, marketing, and audit. Thinking about pivoting to consulting, how would you advise me to go about this pivot?

like

Other than me being sick of my job and wanting more money, what are some other good reasons I can tell a recruiter why I'm looking for a lateral position change?

like

Hi, I have a collaborative interview(second interview) tomorrow with a tech startup for a product marketing manager position. I haven’t experienced a collaborative interview before and I’m not sure what to expect. How should I prepare?

like

New to Fishbowl, currently working on a career pivot! I graduated in May with my MBA and have experience as a Director of Operations as well as recruiting and HR experience. I am looking to move more into Change/Project Management or Director of People Operations roles. I have been at the application game now for two months with only two interviews and over 20 applications sent out each week. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!! Feeing a little defeated over here. Thank you!

like

How did you go about finding a therapist and/or coach to support you in your career transition? What value did they add, what would you do same/different if you had the time again and any other tips?

like

Can I start a side hustle on H1-B visa? Need to know the legal procedure to be followed. Any links to simplified details?

like

Have you ever made a career move that you didn’t really want to make bc it wasn’t the right time but you knew it would advance your career and help you financially?

I have a great opportunity to really advance professionally and financially, but if I’m being honest, I don’t want it right now. What I’m doing works for my life right now and I enjoy where I’m at. But I also feel like I’d be nuts to pass up such a great opportunity.

like

any advice on resources/connections to identify transferable skills after spending 20 years in media strategy/planning & recently client operations? ideally want to get out of hamster wheel ad agency world and into more meaningful areas like non-profit organizations, hiring diversity initiatives, etc. Open to taking pay/title/role step back if needed

like

Hello!! Anyone from Microsoft willing to chat and provide a position referral for a Business Strategy Manager opportunity. Happy to provide more information in DMs (including, of course, background prior to any referral). Thanks!!

like

I need a change so badly I’m on the verge of tears almost every day. I’ve invested so much preparing for this career. I know I have so much talent that’s not being utilized. I feel stifled and stuck. I don’t need the health insurance but I’m terrified of giving up financial security. Any suggestions in NH for a sp ed with a MS in ed tech integration and a CAGS in Ed leadership. I am driven by identifying systems and creative problem solving and also have a background in art & design.

like

Hey all, new to this bowl. Currently a Tech Recruiter and eventually want to make the transition into a HRBP or HR Generalist role. Would love to hear from anyone who started in recruiting then transitioned into another area of HR. Have been thinking of either working on PHR certification or MBA with focus in HR mgt. Thanks!

like

Director of sales looking to move into a remote (WFH). The quality of life was so much better during the pandemic that I do not have an interest in going back to the way it was (current company's stance). Any ideas on suitable roles as most sales director jobs require travel?

Thank you

like

If you’re working on a certification but still have not completed it, would you list it on your resume?

I’m looking to change careers, I have a lot of experience in several positions which makes my resume, well tough. Anyone have any recommendations for a recruiter to help assist me in finding my new career?!

like

We need to STOP glamorizing overworking. Please.

The absence of sleep, good diet, exercise, relaxation, and time with friends and family isn’t something to be applauded.

To many people wear their burnout as a badge of honor. It’s time to consider pivoting.

And it needs to change.

likeupliftingsmarthelpful

I have been working for a large corporation for over a year and I new to the company. What re peoples opinions about seeking a promotion or applying for internal jobs? Do you make a move or do you stay in position longer?

like

Good morning everyone and happy new year, any advice on how to pivot from a career in Accoutning to Tech Project Management (software)? Here's some background, 12YOE in public accounting, recent finished a tech project management bootcamp certification course and will sit for the PSM exam soon. Looking for roles in Associate/Jr PM, Implementation Consultant or BA. Any advice will be appreciated.

like

I am so excited at the opportunity to go to my first SHRM meeting!! Slowly but surely this HR door is cracking and I know I am getting in!!! 🥰

like

Currently working at a 3rd year analyst at a major bank. Focusing on Corporate Treasury sales for the first 2 years and most recently in e-commerce product development (payment processor). Looking to transition into a product manager role at a tech company where I can work remotely.

Has anyone had similar experience or has any advice to share?

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

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

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