Paralegals do much more than look up references in old, dusty law books
and take endless dictation from lawyers. Paralegals are legal industry experts
who assist attorneys in their work.
A paralegal career is demanding, quick-paced and incredibly detailed --
and perfect for people who love the law. With excellent career opportunities
and room for personal and professional growth, a satisfying paralegal career
could be just what the court ordered!
"Every day is good for me," says Michael Ruggiero, a freelance paralegal
in New Jersey. "I get the job done and that's what they count on me for."
Ruggiero is used to getting the job done. Before getting into paralegal
work, he was a police officer with dreams of being an attorney. "When I was
a police officer, I got shot at too many times. When a brick finally went
through my windshield, that did it," he says.
Ruggiero quit the force for the comparatively safe world of law. He sees
his paralegal experience as an excellent training ground for law school. "I've
always wanted to be a lawyer."
For those who want to stay a paralegal, be prepared for a career that offers
intellectual challenge, variety and respect from your colleagues.
Twyla Robinson started as an office clerk after school in a small law office
in Lemmon, South Dakota. More than 25 years later, she's a paralegal and has
been at the same firm since 1990. In fact, in 1975, she was one of the first
six women to become a certified legal assistant in North America.
Robinson recalls the challenge of learning her profession. "In 1990, I
got a job as a secretary in my present firm. Over the years, the attorneys
in the firm have changed, and I've been there longer than any of the attorneys.
"I enjoyed being a secretary, but thought there should be more. Therefore,
I took horn books [books the attorneys had in law school] home, and after
my kids went to bed I studied on my own."
The exam was a grueling two-day marathon. Going in, she knew that only
half the group would pass. But she was one of the passing ones, and has enjoyed
a rewarding career ever since.
There is lots of responsibility with this job. Paralegals draft letters,
draft court documents for a lawyer to check, do legal research and interview
clients. The only thing they cannot do is give legal advice.
"I'm in a general firm, so I do a variety of things. I do a lot of legal
research, write briefs, legal opinions, a lot of correspondence, and interview
clients," she says. "[I also do] tax work, estate planning, probate, real
estate, corporation, social security disability and conservatorships. [I also
do limited work in] personal injury. All of my work is supervised by the attorney."
The variety is enjoyable.
"Nothing is ever the same, and it is a constant learning experience --
like going to school every day," she says.
Unlike many other paralegals, Ruggiero freelances his services, working
with temporary agencies as a way to gain experience and contacts.
"I do temp work all over New Jersey," he says. Although temporary workers
usually do not receive health benefits or vacation pay, there is sometimes
an advantage to temping -- higher pay.
"You can make more than my counterparts [that are employed by a law firm,]"
he admits. Temping may offer the flexibility a future paralegal needs to find
a good job -- or to network with potential employers.
Though Robinson loves her job, occasionally she has to deal with unpleasant
and sad issues. "I do a lot of client interviewing in probate work. In a small
town, I naturally know a lot of the people who die and their relatives. One
of the hardest things I had to do was interview a father whose 32-year-old
son was killed in a car accident."
And cases can hit even closer to home. "My personal physician, who delivered
three of my children and my grandchild, shot himself at age 51. I had to handle
that estate. His wife was one of my best friends."
But the law has a lighter side, too. "Like the time we put a client in
the conference room, forgot about him, and all went to lunch. Poor guy was
locked in and couldn't get out!" recalls Robinson.
Considering a paralegal career? Although a two-year degree is considered
a minimum requirement, Ruggiero strongly recommends a bachelor's degree.
"Go to a college that offers legal assisting or paralegal studies," he
says. "To be a paralegal, one should go to school specifically for that and
take as many courses as possible." He also encourages future paralegals to
examine their educational choice carefully.
"Make sure your courses are approved by the American Bar Association [ABA].
Most law firms are beginning to look for legal assistants with a four-year
degree and...a paralegal certificate [or both] from an ABA-approved school."
Paralegals have some advice for anyone interested in entering this field.
Robinson suggests high school students attain an excellent grasp of English.
"I would also recommend math, debate, speech and oral interpretation. These
give a person confidence in themselves -- which is important in any career."
It's not an easy field and there's not much room for promotion. Once you're
a paralegal, you cannot become a lawyer without going to school for that.
You don't have to change careers to have change in your career, however.
Robinson's job has changed considerably since she started. "When I first started,
I did my own typing, as well as typing for one of the attorneys. I now have
a private secretary, share the word processing secretary with another attorney,
and quite frankly -- life is wonderful."