I've been a Paralegal for 18 years, and this is all generally true. I'll add to her points on Bees with Honey / Playing the Game: If everything goes according to plan, *EVENTUALLY* you will be good enough at your job to correct attorneys, judges, senior staff There's a right way to do it and a wrong way. ⛔ The wrong way is to call them out in front of other professionals. That is needlessly loud, plus ours is a game of rules and exceptions. Maybe it looks wrong to you but theres an exception you dont know. ✅ The right way to do it is to pull them to the side and say "Listen, do you have a few minutes this afternoon? I have some questions about the intake we did on the Black Acre case ..." And if it turns out you were right, just be graciously relieved "No no, it's no problem, I just wanted to make sure *I* wasn't mistaken about our procedures ..."
Great advice! Thanks for watching, commenting, and helping to empower our Paralegals of today and tomorrow. Of course, thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
This is a very informative video with good tips. I’ve been a Paralegal for 10 years but eventually left from burn out. Lawyers rely on Paralegals to do literally everything especially if you’re in a small law firm. Tasks like constantly answering phones while drafting legal documents, running to the clerks office to file documents etc. The stress is real. I think this is a great video and you did a great job explaining the reality of being a Paralegal.
@Bless At the district I’m working at they pay their counselors at a higher salary plus benefits. There’s stress with this job as well but it’s a different kind of stress. (Disciplining students for misbehavior, dealing with their parents) I would still recommend someone to be a Paralegal if they are passionate about working in the legal field. The trick to being successful as a Paralegal is having an employer and legal team who supports each other. I would say to someone who may be interviewing at a law firm that the firm also needs to be the right fit for you.
Which is why you leave equipped with enough knowledge to open your own firm. Some attorneys do very little work and get to collect the big cheques. Some legal secretaries are also knowledgeable enough to function as a paralegal.
I’m literally about to press enroll for the intro paralegal class at du page college and something brought me to your video…. This really makes me rethink my major now…. I don’t want to be competitive everyday at work thank you for this video
DuPage is a great college. I used to live near there. This job isn't for everyone. It is really hard and you've got to have thick skin. However, the work I do, the hope I provide, and the help I offer feeds my soul every day. Regardless of how competitive it gets, it is completely worth it when the people I fight for receive justice for their loved one. Good luck at college. Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate you.
It also depends if you're a paralegal at a small, medium, or large firm or if you're part of an in-house legal department (not to mention, where you live). In my experience, it's more of the big firms that have that atmosphere. I currently work in-house and it is not like that at all. If that's the only thing holding you back, I'd say go for it!
Thank you for this. I am looking into changing careers after thirty years as a librarian. I am drawn to paralegal because the law is fascinating, research is second nature to me, and the formal training is brief (I already have two masters degrees). Also considering medical coding. I know nothing about the day-to-day of these jobs so I appreciate your videos. Also the Harvard Law School research videos available for free on TH-cam.
Toni, you may contact me at edwardteague713@gmail.com and I will be glad to give you some help with doing research, writing motions, etc. I've been doing this in my practice for over 25 years, so I can give you a tip or two. Be glad to help.
I am listening to your words while working at my firm as a legal secretary, getting ready to transition into a paralegal, and you hit the nail on the head! “You can go through your career or your can grow through your career” is what I try to teach new trainees, but I am glad to see that others have that same mentality. Why wouldn’t you want to absorb as much ad you can? It benefits you and your employers. I just wanted to say, thank you for being awesome, and for being the kind of trainer that everyone needs, but doesn’t always have.
Thank you, Alex. I really needed to read this today. Good luck with your transition and keep growing. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
Grammerly is such a lifesaver! It really does help with writing, but it is still important to know how to do it yourself. I'm still learning certain things. This video was really helpful! I'm currently going through my paralegal program
I like your videos. Ive been going back and forth on going back to school to become a paralegal and I've been watching to do my research. Your videos are great and very informative. It's given me a lot of info to go off of. My exes mom was a paralegal for 20 years I think, I've seen gotten a lot of notes and tips (and lots of wild stories) from her too. She's super supportive of me going back, which is wonderful. I love her so much. But, thank you again, for these. Im going to look for a video on billables next.
thankyou for this it has allots of great information and i wanna grow to my carries ,this is very informative video and I will respect my self to others
I added some of your videos to my courses, where I am the program coordinator for Paralegal. It gives the students a very "real" perspective on the profession. Thank you!!!
That is so awesome! Thank you so much for sharing. I'd love to speak with your students one day - perhaps a Q&A. Please tell your students I said HELLO! Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
I think your presentation is excellent. You spell it out in clear terms ,not only what the aspiring paralegal needs to know regarding proofreading WPM, MSFT Suite, adobe, etc., but also the corporate culture a paralegal might have to endure. Moreover, too often people think that better money will enhance their lives and bank accounts. But the vicissitudes of daily life in a law firm or any firm for that matter can quite easily not be worth the effort. Well Done!
Ooo you really just opened my eyes, thank you!. I'm currently in my first week of paralegal studies and I was only going to be using this degree for the skills it delivers. I wanna be more of UFO researcher than sitting down in an office being told what to do by a lawyer or an attorney. I actually wanted to study sociology ,but my family had kept poking on me to get a degree that has benefits after the long term, Government job. I don't really like being competitive. The part where you mentioned about attorney's yelling and screaming I don't like my environment with much commotion, I usually cry when I get yelled at. At 7:26 gave me the creeps :"( I'm thinking already now of switching my degree and i'm worried now because i thought this is what i really wanted to do in order to get background skills to be a UFO researcher :( I'm super sorry for the long rant post. I loved your advice i liked and subscribed
I quickly realized that the place I was in would not afford me the ability to grow. 3 months in, after being promised a decent pay increase and not actually getting one, dealing with a lawyer with severe ADD and zero experience in the law he was practicing, I abruptly left. It's discouraging when a state, in general, does not offer decent starting salaries that you can live off of while you improve your skills. I held off on getting the online certification because i realize that it will not prepare you for actual work in the office.
Irma, my advice to you is to let the attorney you're working for direct you on how he/she wants a pleading formatted. Aside from the general formatting requirements within the jurisdiction that you are operating in, one attorney may prefer a specific format while another attorney may want a different format. For example, one of the attorneys I work for requires 14-point font, the text to be justified, etc. So, there's nothing to worry about. Just let the attorney you work for give you the direction for this. I always ask them what they would prefer.
Totally agree with all of this. I have seen it from both sides as a qualified attorney in Australia moving to the UK and having to take on a paralegal role as my qualifications weren't recognised. Paralegals are the backbone of every law firm !! The experience I gained means I'm now totally self sufficient- I can create my own bundles, write my own emails and do my own court applications etc.. and yes you catch more bees with honey. I get we are all stressed but it costs nothing to be nice x
Thank you for your videos, they are awesome! I would like to say that, although circumstances surrounding any particular case are unique to that case, the two (2) most important factors to keep in mind when working in the legal profession are "facts" and the "law" that applies to those particular facts. If you stay focused on these two factors, you will do just fine as a paralegal working for the plaintiff or the defendant's attorney.
I interned at a medium-sized law firm for my internship and it was so competitive that you could barely stop for a second to actually know your coworkers. In fact, if you weren't billing 90-100% you were looked down on and alienated by the other Paralegals.
It is such a competitive industry. Try to find the office that vibes for you and it will help you thrive. It isn't easy and it takes a while to find the environment that is right for you. But just remember ...... pressure makes diamonds 😉 You've got this 🙌
So glad I thought to visit TH-cam before re-entering the "traditional" paralegal game. I'm halfway through this 1st video, and you have given me so much to consider! My 1st paralegal job was in the Litigation Dept of a huge, global firm. Long hours, short pay. But I was happy. Left for "glamour" of criminal law and hated it. Scary lawyers throwing staplers, lol. I eventually did paralegal work in Finance and Banking, but those jobs are all but nonexistent in my new, small city. However, the personal injury jobs pay pretty well here - Downtown. Thanks for the solid info. I hope to have some clarity in a few hours!
I have tried in the past to go independent but I was unable to sell myself. I prefer to work from home and would love to go remote. Any tips would be appreciated especially since I will be moving out of state. TIA
Great general advice but I wish there was more industry specific tips like which programs to know, what type of firms to avoid, what areas of law allow for more practise/less regulated for paralegals, should we avoid similar career paths like legal assistant and adjuster
Yes, I have a lot of content in my production schedule that includes multiple topics in your comment. Though, it looks like I have a couple of topics to add. Thank you so much for your feedback. I appreciate you!
I had interned at a private small law firm. No staff, just me and two lawyers. Very stressful and was costing my health. They offered a position as paralegal but I saw many red flags so I kindly said no.
I’m sure you made the right choice for you ☺️. This job is very hard and all law firms are not created equal. You have to do what’s right for you. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you. 🙌
Got out of the legal field many years ago. I’m relocating, and considering working for my attorney cousin after relocating. You reminded me of everything I had forgotten. I’m rethinking my future work plans. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! P.S. I have been a proofreader for years and “Grammerly” immediately stood out, should be Grammarly. Probably autocorrect got to it, Grammerly is a last name. Auto-incorrect.
Hi, I am currently working for a law firm that isn’t helping me grow in my career. I just finished my bachelor degree in criminal justice. I want to work as a paralegal for another law firm. Would you recommend I apply even though I do not have a paralegal certificate? Would love your input.
Hello! First off, congratulations on completing your bachelor's degree in criminal justice. That's a significant accomplishment. Regarding your situation, I genuinely believe that one should never let the lack of a certificate halt their career progression. While a paralegal certificate can be beneficial, your degree and experience in a law firm already provide a solid foundation. I'd recommend applying for paralegal roles that align with your career goals. In many cases, enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience can make up for a lack of specific certification. As you apply, emphasize your experience and passion for the field. Remember, every opportunity can be a stepping stone towards achieving your career aspirations. Best of luck! Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
Great video. I'm a foreign person living in UK looking to learn more about the paralegal career. You are just fantastic. Love the way you put the things clear. 👏👏👏
The paralegal (and law in general) world in the USA seems pretty intense... 😕😅 Never ever heard of things getting heated from any of my friends (lawyers, paralegal or legal secretary) or teachers. But again, Law Shcool seems much more intense and competitive too, so it's probably just a comtinuation of that in the work environment. Good advice though! And good to kind of get a glimpse of the difference in the USA as I maybe wanted to move there one day; I might not now 🤣
Thank you for this, lots of great information! I’ve noticed most people enter into the law field fairly young. If I could ask for your perspective, is pursuing a paralegal career worth a career change or entering into later in one’s work-life? I’d like get into the legal field but wondering if beginning that pursuit in my mid-30s would be worth the trouble.
How much typing would you say is involved. Are there not standardized forms and SOPs to streamline certain processes. Do you do A lot of legwork to prepare for depositions working with the client or do you just get the ducks in a row for the lawyer?... Million other questions. Good video
There is soooooo much typing involved because there is always something being prepared. If you want standardized forms, you can work in a standardized industry with those forms such as Workers' Comp., Probate, Immigration, etc. I'm in litigation, which means lots of briefing, discovery, and less forms. I do a ton of legal work to prepare for everything - research to find Defendants, type pleadings, type answers to discovery (including objections), prep document production indexes so that I can prepare for depositions down the road, abstract the dep when complete, prepare supplemental written discovery, prepare Motions to Compel, and the litany of stuff I prepare (and type) for trial is insane. Needless to say, there is a reason why most law firms require high typing speeds. Thanks for stopping by, watching, and commenting. I appreciate you. 🙂
Thank you so much for your advice. I've worked as legal secretary for 18 years and 9 years at City and County of Honolulu as Private Secretary (worked under 2 Mayor's administration because I wanted to have a government experience also). I'm applying for a job for a Para-Legal Assistant position with the City of Honolulu (don’t really have experience in privilege log/production log), bates stamping in computer program...the pleadings, discovery docs, trial prep I have experiences. I don't have Paralegal certificate but I do have business college and AA degree.
Thank you for the video! First semester here. Taking notes. You are the kind of mentor I hope to learn from when I get my first job. The tips you provided are super helpful. What I find most frightening is needing to decide how I want to go about this, whether I specialize or work for a small firm.... Quick question. For a first time paralegal fresh out of graduation, what type of job should they go after? A small firm..... Intellectual property law.... Insurance.... Corporate...?? And what is a good way for a paralegal to discover where they may be a good fit?
Work for a general law firm that does many different types of cases so you can get a feel for which types you enjoy working on the most. Then you can decide to go to a specialized law firm, or you can stay if you enjoy the variety.
Thank you for your help. I’m a government legal clerk. I’m looking into becoming a paralegal. Is a paralegal certificate good enough or should I get a paralegal associate degree? Obviously a certificate is cheaper and quicker.
I'm a Paralegal and I literally "killed them with kindness". IT DIDN'T WORK. I basically was forced to quit under completely unfair and unreasonable circumstances. Because I was a junior Paralegal that was hiring and training at the time and although I was super kind and sweet, I was told that the girls in my office/fellow colleagues were "intimidated" by my "power" and "felt threatened by my beauty and stunning looks" so they all hanged up against me and I was strategically forced to leave. The manager relayed the above to me while I responded by saying that I have been completely nice, respectful and professional to every single person at the firm. She said "it doesn't matter" and that "they don't like the way I present myself" meaning they didn't like my heels, outfits (no outfits were revealing by the way) and my lashes and so fourth. Majority rules, but they had no reason to fire me so they came up with a manipulative plan for me to quit I was given an ultimatum...to either work outside of the firm at an office space or at home. I can't tell you how traumatic this was for me and the pain and sadness I felt. I felt totally not accepted and betrayed when I was so kind. To this day, that experience has left a permanent scar and I will never be the same again.
And yes, the competitiveness is REAL. 100%!!! They were all competing against me when I believe in supporting each other and working together as a team!
That must have been hard ❤ 🫂 So sorry you went through that! I didn't realize the industry was so competitive but that probably explains why my coworker/mentor who was a paralegal at the firm I just quit had an attitude with me. I am always as polite and professional as can be with a great attitude, but for whatever reason her and another coworker ganged up on me and tried to pressure me into notarizing a document illegally without the signer present. She demanded that I notarize it and I refused! They stressed me out for no good reason. Her and my boss who is an attorney have both belittled me and made me feel unappreciated and not good enough multiple times even though I put 100% into my job. This incident was the last straw. I decided to quit. I'm afraid if I stayed another week my ex mentor would frame me and stress me out even more. I've had it with those people. I know God has big plans for me and I am going to find a law firm where I can become a paralegal and be happy and appreciated.
1700 per year. I posted the edit in the comments section. 🫣 I should see if I can change that in TH-cam editor. Unfortunately, I can't delete and re-upload the video. Thanks for watching!
Every scenario is different and there are far too many variables to accurately answer that question. That's like asking a jury to render a verdict on a case without having heard the case. My advice - read the room, run through the possible outcomes, and trust your intuition. Good luck to you! Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you.
All of my indexes can be downloaded for free from my website at www.arrowconsultants.solutions. No need to opt-in or sign-up for anything - they are completely free. Go nuts! 😀🙌
In District court when defendant ignores, judges request for filling his brief, there is a Default of Clerk entered, same way in appeals court, when Appellee, ignores judges request to file his brief, what is entered?
@@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray ah, I missed that, I wasn't sure if you were gonna say that you could bill multiple companies when things overlapped or something.
Is there a way you can coach me? I just started my first immigration paralegal job last week without previous experience in the field and without training. I am panicking.
Don't panic. Do not give anyone legal advice, maintain absolute confidentiality, follow your attorney's instructions to the letter, never hesitate to ask questions relevant to the tasks you perform, and above all, please remember that when you are passionate about what you're doing, it's no longer a job, it's a "career."
It depends entirely on the area and your level of certification. For example: Larger cities tend to require degrees, as well as certifications, and offer more $ in return. However, smaller cities tend to require only certifications or on-the-job experience, and pay less $ in return. A salary can range anywhere from $24k per year to $100k+ per year. A Corporate Paralegals in Chicago could make $80k per year, while a Corporate Paralegal in Tulsa, Oklahoma may get $45k per year. Same job - Different market.
It depends on your state, but mostly, law firms only. There are few states that allow Paralegals to practice under a limited license in pro se matters at this time. I expect the number to dramatically increase over the next five years in an effort to provide more cost-effective legal representation. Right now however, most freelance Paralegals work for law firms and attorneys. Good luck to you. Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
This might seem like a silly question but, can you just start off doing freelance or do you need to start with a firm? Or is it just a matter of gaining experience and financial security?
I meant 1700 billable hours per year, not month. I corrected myself in the description box, but I cannot update the video. Sorry about that. Still, 1700 hours per year is a little difficult as well.
@@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray thanks for clarifying! I’ve been a paralegal for 10 years and I immediately thought, 1,700 per month is completely impossible. Great video though! Great advice!!
Hi! I was wondering if you got certified to be a paralegal and they helped you find a job? My college has that program I'm debating if I should do it. Also thank you for this great video!
Talk to your counselor! I am in a paralegal program through my school. They have a chain email that sends out employment opportunities for paralegals. I would consider joining the program. It looks good on a resume and can be very helpful to transition into the legal world!
I love your videos on Office 365 for case management, but this one is my favorite. Thank you for sharing your experience. Being somewhere that is serving, growing, and/or making one happy is great advice. Lots of great pointers, and being intentional about growth was a great reminder for me where I'm at. In the end, if it doesn't make dollars, it doesn't make sense. Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you so much! Currently I'm studying history & political science at UC Davis. I'm planning on getting paralegal certification right after I graduate at UC San Diego. What do you think are the chances I'd be able to find a paralegal job in New York after? That's my dream city to live in :)
Political Science was my major as well. My plan B was to work for someone in a political office, but I ended up staying in the legal field. San Diego to NYC ... wow .... that is quite different. It isn't going to be easy, and honestly, attorneys may be concerned with your level of knowledge about the area. Paralegals must be resourceful and really understand the area and courts. This might pose a problem for you and thus, you might want to go ahead and start studying up on your dream city so that when you interview you're fully ready to go 🙂👍 Good luck to you. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you.
I’m thinking of going back to school and taking a paralegal program! What are the best ways to know if the program/field would be a good fit for me? I majored in forensic psychology in university & love learning about law. Ps love the video :)
Your video is excellent. But if I’m being honest I’m not sure if you’re an excellent influencer or an excellent paralegal. The reason is I am in the very beginning of wanting to learn the industry. You are obviously very much an extrovert. Is that pretty much a requirement for this industry?
Hello mam, I have received offer from humber north for sept 21 in Paralegal education diploma.. i will be coming there after my graduation in law in India. Any advice for me ?
Yes. I would definitely get out there and see if you can get your foot in the door somewhere. After all, what if you get your Certificate, start working for a law firm, and hate what you do. Plus, it will give you the upper-hand whenever you do graduate with that Certificate, as you'll already have some knowledge and experience. Good luck to you! Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you.
Office politics! I would not have imagined legal offices or advanced educated legal staff reduced to such immaturity. Thank you because I’m not interested in any such nonsense... I’ll choose wisely in the future based on your intelligence. Passion in addition yo large egos is one thing abused is a clear line legal mind should know better. Smh 🤦🏼♀️
Haha 😂 ..... there isn't a single working industry that doesn't have some level of office politics. However, the legal industry is inherently argumentative, and if you think that doesn't spill over into the office, then you're right, you don't belong in this legal industry. Furthermore, a belief that there are no office politics anywhere, or even office abuse, wherein there are educated staff-members, is very narrow-minded thinking. I think you're making a wise decision by not adding your shitty demeanor to our legal offices or brilliant legal minds. Thanks for stopping by and commenting and giving me a brilliant content idea about people like you. Have a great day and a great life.
Yes, it was per year. I made a mistake on camera and the correction didn't make it into the edits. I put in the description box that it was 1,700 per year, which is approximately 142 hours per month, and about 35 hours per week. It all had to be billable - no cuts - and if you didn't make it, then you didn't get your quota and you didn't get a bonus. It was hard! Thanks for watching and commenting.
You just repeated "Learn the rules to the game, and play the game by the rules" six times but never explained what that means in this context. That is not helpful at all.
I've been a Paralegal for 18 years, and this is all generally true.
I'll add to her points on Bees with Honey / Playing the Game: If everything goes according to plan, *EVENTUALLY* you will be good enough at your job to correct attorneys, judges, senior staff
There's a right way to do it and a wrong way.
⛔ The wrong way is to call them out in front of other professionals. That is needlessly loud, plus ours is a game of rules and exceptions. Maybe it looks wrong to you but theres an exception you dont know.
✅ The right way to do it is to pull them to the side and say "Listen, do you have a few minutes this afternoon? I have some questions about the intake we did on the Black Acre case ..."
And if it turns out you were right, just be graciously relieved "No no, it's no problem, I just wanted to make sure *I* wasn't mistaken about our procedures ..."
Great advice! Thanks for watching, commenting, and helping to empower our Paralegals of today and tomorrow. Of course, thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
This is a very informative video with good tips. I’ve been a Paralegal for 10 years but eventually left from burn out. Lawyers rely on Paralegals to do literally everything especially if you’re in a small law firm. Tasks like constantly answering phones while drafting legal documents, running to the clerks office to file documents etc. The stress is real. I think this is a great video and you did a great job explaining the reality of being a Paralegal.
@Bless sure. I decided to become a school counselor and pursued my Masters in education. I work at a High School now and love it.
@Bless At the district I’m working at they pay their counselors at a higher salary plus benefits. There’s stress with this job as well but it’s a different kind of stress. (Disciplining students for misbehavior, dealing with their parents)
I would still recommend someone to be a Paralegal if they are passionate about working in the legal field. The trick to being successful as a Paralegal is having an employer and legal team who supports each other.
I would say to someone who may be interviewing at a law firm that the firm also needs to be the right fit for you.
Which is why you leave equipped with enough knowledge to open your own firm.
Some attorneys do very little work and get to collect the big cheques.
Some legal secretaries are also knowledgeable enough to function as a paralegal.
I’m literally about to press enroll for the intro paralegal class at du page college and something brought me to your video…. This really makes me rethink my major now…. I don’t want to be competitive everyday at work thank you for this video
DuPage is a great college. I used to live near there. This job isn't for everyone. It is really hard and you've got to have thick skin. However, the work I do, the hope I provide, and the help I offer feeds my soul every day. Regardless of how competitive it gets, it is completely worth it when the people I fight for receive justice for their loved one. Good luck at college. Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate you.
It also depends if you're a paralegal at a small, medium, or large firm or if you're part of an in-house legal department (not to mention, where you live). In my experience, it's more of the big firms that have that atmosphere. I currently work in-house and it is not like that at all. If that's the only thing holding you back, I'd say go for it!
Thank you for this. I am looking into changing careers after thirty years as a librarian. I am drawn to paralegal because the law is fascinating, research is second nature to me, and the formal training is brief (I already have two masters degrees). Also considering medical coding. I know nothing about the day-to-day of these jobs so I appreciate your videos. Also the Harvard Law School research videos available for free on TH-cam.
I’m ready. Could you do a video on research, case citing, writing motions, letter of complaint, etc.?
Yes! Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you 🙂
Toni, you may contact me at edwardteague713@gmail.com and I will be glad to give you some help with doing research, writing motions, etc. I've been doing this in my practice for over 25 years, so I can give you a tip or two. Be glad to help.
@@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray When you will do the Videos req. by Toni Denise?
That would be really helpful. Please do upload it soon
I am listening to your words while working at my firm as a legal secretary, getting ready to transition into a paralegal, and you hit the nail on the head! “You can go through your career or your can grow through your career” is what I try to teach new trainees, but I am glad to see that others have that same mentality. Why wouldn’t you want to absorb as much ad you can? It benefits you and your employers. I just wanted to say, thank you for being awesome, and for being the kind of trainer that everyone needs, but doesn’t always have.
Thank you, Alex. I really needed to read this today. Good luck with your transition and keep growing. Thank you so much for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
Grammerly is such a lifesaver! It really does help with writing, but it is still important to know how to do it yourself. I'm still learning certain things. This video was really helpful! I'm currently going through my paralegal program
I needed this advice so baaaad, thank you very much 🥹🫶🏼✨
Glad it helped. Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
I like your videos. Ive been going back and forth on going back to school to become a paralegal and I've been watching to do my research. Your videos are great and very informative. It's given me a lot of info to go off of. My exes mom was a paralegal for 20 years I think, I've seen gotten a lot of notes and tips (and lots of wild stories) from her too. She's super supportive of me going back, which is wonderful. I love her so much.
But, thank you again, for these. Im going to look for a video on billables next.
thankyou for this it has allots of great information and i wanna grow to my carries ,this is very informative video and I will respect my self to others
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you! I've watched many of your videos - this was/is very informative & helpful!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
I added some of your videos to my courses, where I am the program coordinator for Paralegal. It gives the students a very "real" perspective on the profession. Thank you!!!
That is so awesome! Thank you so much for sharing. I'd love to speak with your students one day - perhaps a Q&A. Please tell your students I said HELLO! Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
Your videos will continue to be a major part of the network for my paralegal practice.
Thank you so much 😊🙌
I think your presentation is excellent. You spell it out in clear terms ,not only what the aspiring paralegal needs to know regarding proofreading WPM, MSFT Suite, adobe, etc., but also the corporate culture a paralegal might have to endure. Moreover, too often people think that better money will enhance their lives and bank accounts. But the vicissitudes of daily life in a law firm or any firm for that matter can quite easily not be worth the effort. Well Done!
Thank you so much for watching and providing the positive feedback. I appreciate you.
This a such a valuable video! After being a lawyer ib my hike country I'm preparing to get a paralegal career in another country. Thanks!
Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
Not ranty at all but rather so clear and informative!!! Thank you a million. Please keep sharing such on-point content👍🏾🎉
Thank you for focusing on happiness, and how important it is.
Thank you, so much! This semester, I am signed up for Intro Paralegal and I learned more in the video than in class.
Glad it was helpful! Best of luck to you. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
I got so much value from your tips.
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
thankyou misty
You're welcome 😊. Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
Your personality is golden. I love it so much
Thank you so much 😊
Ooo you really just opened my eyes, thank you!. I'm currently in my first week of paralegal studies and I was only going to be using this degree for the skills it delivers. I wanna be more of UFO researcher than sitting down in an office being told what to do by a lawyer or an attorney. I actually wanted to study sociology ,but my family had kept poking on me to get a degree that has benefits after the long term, Government job. I don't really like being competitive. The part where you mentioned about attorney's yelling and screaming I don't like my environment with much commotion, I usually cry when I get yelled at. At 7:26 gave me the creeps :"( I'm thinking already now of switching my degree and i'm worried now because i thought this is what i really wanted to do in order to get background skills to be a UFO researcher :( I'm super sorry for the long rant post. I loved your advice i liked and subscribed
I'm curious what major did you decide to choose afterall? Best of luck.
You're like my mom. Fierce. A Go-Go getter. I'm really much more trusting and laid back. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you for watching 😊
I quickly realized that the place I was in would not afford me the ability to grow. 3 months in, after being promised a decent pay increase and not actually getting one, dealing with a lawyer with severe ADD and zero experience in the law he was practicing, I abruptly left. It's discouraging when a state, in general, does not offer decent starting salaries that you can live off of while you improve your skills. I held off on getting the online certification because i realize that it will not prepare you for actual work in the office.
I wish you can do a video about formatting pleadings.
Great content idea. Thank you Irma for watching and commenting. I appreciate you.
Irma, my advice to you is to let the attorney you're working for direct you on how he/she wants a pleading formatted. Aside from the general formatting requirements within the jurisdiction that you are operating in, one attorney may prefer a specific format while another attorney may want a different format. For example, one of the attorneys I work for requires 14-point font, the text to be justified, etc. So, there's nothing to worry about. Just let the attorney you work for give you the direction for this. I always ask them what they would prefer.
Totally agree with all of this. I have seen it from both sides as a qualified attorney in Australia moving to the UK and having to take on a paralegal role as my qualifications weren't recognised. Paralegals are the backbone of every law firm !! The experience I gained means I'm now totally self sufficient- I can create my own bundles, write my own emails and do my own court applications etc.. and yes you catch more bees with honey. I get we are all stressed but it costs nothing to be nice x
I also agree with it too
Thank you very much
You are welcome. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
Thank you for your videos, they are awesome! I would like to say that, although circumstances surrounding any particular case are unique to that case, the two (2) most important factors to keep in mind when working in the legal profession are "facts" and the "law" that applies to those particular facts. If you stay focused on these two factors, you will do just fine as a paralegal working for the plaintiff or the defendant's attorney.
Agree
Cristal clear and straight forward . Your experience in this job is fruitful to viewers. Thankyou !
Thank you!
I interned at a medium-sized law firm for my internship and it was so competitive that you could barely stop for a second to actually know your coworkers. In fact, if you weren't billing 90-100% you were looked down on and alienated by the other Paralegals.
It is such a competitive industry. Try to find the office that vibes for you and it will help you thrive. It isn't easy and it takes a while to find the environment that is right for you. But just remember ...... pressure makes diamonds 😉 You've got this 🙌
Even if you don’t want to be a paralegal this is very good advice for people in any industry.
Thank you!
This video was Great and very informative! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you.
So glad I thought to visit TH-cam before re-entering the "traditional" paralegal game. I'm halfway through this 1st video, and you have given me so much to consider! My 1st paralegal job was in the Litigation Dept of a huge, global firm. Long hours, short pay. But I was happy. Left for "glamour" of criminal law and hated it. Scary lawyers throwing staplers, lol. I eventually did paralegal work in Finance and Banking, but those jobs are all but nonexistent in my new, small city. However, the personal injury jobs pay pretty well here - Downtown. Thanks for the solid info. I hope to have some clarity in a few hours!
I have tried in the past to go independent but I was unable to sell myself. I prefer to work from home and would love to go remote. Any tips would be appreciated especially since I will be moving out of state. TIA
Watching from RSA. Thank you super helpful!
Thank you for watching 😊
Great general advice but I wish there was more industry specific tips like which programs to know, what type of firms to avoid, what areas of law allow for more practise/less regulated for paralegals, should we avoid similar career paths like legal assistant and adjuster
Yes, I have a lot of content in my production schedule that includes multiple topics in your comment. Though, it looks like I have a couple of topics to add. Thank you so much for your feedback. I appreciate you!
i also thought it was very vague, and not as specific as i had hoped. very circumstantial.
Avoid big law. Especially as a newbie but in general.
I had interned at a private small law firm. No staff, just me and two lawyers. Very stressful and was costing my health. They offered a position as paralegal but I saw many red flags so I kindly said no.
I’m sure you made the right choice for you ☺️. This job is very hard and all law firms are not created equal. You have to do what’s right for you. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you. 🙌
Thank you and these were very important tips for me to keep in mind.
Looking forward to your video about billing!!
Just subscribed, thanks for the great video. Looking forward to the next one!
Thanks for the sub, watching, and commenting. I appreciate you.
Got out of the legal field many years ago. I’m relocating, and considering working for my attorney cousin after relocating. You reminded me of everything I had forgotten. I’m rethinking my future work plans. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! P.S. I have been a proofreader for years and “Grammerly” immediately stood out, should be Grammarly. Probably autocorrect got to it, Grammerly is a last name. Auto-incorrect.
Hi, I am currently working for a law firm that isn’t helping me grow in my career. I just finished my bachelor degree in criminal justice. I want to work as a paralegal for another law firm. Would you recommend I apply even though I do not have a paralegal certificate?
Would love your input.
Hello! First off, congratulations on completing your bachelor's degree in criminal justice. That's a significant accomplishment. Regarding your situation, I genuinely believe that one should never let the lack of a certificate halt their career progression. While a paralegal certificate can be beneficial, your degree and experience in a law firm already provide a solid foundation. I'd recommend applying for paralegal roles that align with your career goals. In many cases, enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience can make up for a lack of specific certification. As you apply, emphasize your experience and passion for the field. Remember, every opportunity can be a stepping stone towards achieving your career aspirations. Best of luck! Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
@@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray Thank you!! ❤️
Great video. I'm a foreign person living in UK looking to learn more about the paralegal career. You are just fantastic. Love the way you put the things clear. 👏👏👏
thank you very helpful
Amazing tips. Thank you!
You're so welcome! Glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!
This is great- thank you!
You bet. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you! 😊
Great advice. Sounds like personal/ professional development and leadership is key.
very true
The paralegal (and law in general) world in the USA seems pretty intense... 😕😅 Never ever heard of things getting heated from any of my friends (lawyers, paralegal or legal secretary) or teachers. But again, Law Shcool seems much more intense and competitive too, so it's probably just a comtinuation of that in the work environment. Good advice though! And good to kind of get a glimpse of the difference in the USA as I maybe wanted to move there one day; I might not now 🤣
Thank you for this, lots of great information! I’ve noticed most people enter into the law field fairly young. If I could ask for your perspective, is pursuing a paralegal career worth a career change or entering into later in one’s work-life? I’d like get into the legal field but wondering if beginning that pursuit in my mid-30s would be worth the trouble.
I did and I'm 34
Loved!
I agree with not taking a job for more money over your happiness. I feel that way across all boards on any job in existence.
How much typing would you say is involved. Are there not standardized forms and SOPs to streamline certain processes. Do you do A lot of legwork to prepare for depositions working with the client or do you just get the ducks in a row for the lawyer?... Million other questions. Good video
There is soooooo much typing involved because there is always something being prepared. If you want standardized forms, you can work in a standardized industry with those forms such as Workers' Comp., Probate, Immigration, etc. I'm in litigation, which means lots of briefing, discovery, and less forms. I do a ton of legal work to prepare for everything - research to find Defendants, type pleadings, type answers to discovery (including objections), prep document production indexes so that I can prepare for depositions down the road, abstract the dep when complete, prepare supplemental written discovery, prepare Motions to Compel, and the litany of stuff I prepare (and type) for trial is insane. Needless to say, there is a reason why most law firms require high typing speeds. Thanks for stopping by, watching, and commenting. I appreciate you. 🙂
Thank you so much for your advice. I've worked as legal secretary for 18 years and 9 years at City and County of Honolulu as Private Secretary (worked under 2 Mayor's administration because I wanted to have a government experience also). I'm applying for a job for a Para-Legal Assistant position with the City of Honolulu (don’t really have experience in privilege log/production log), bates stamping in computer program...the pleadings, discovery docs, trial prep I have experiences. I don't have Paralegal certificate but I do have business college and AA degree.
Hi, U r amazing!
Thank you for the video! First semester here. Taking notes.
You are the kind of mentor I hope to learn from when I get my first job. The tips you provided are super helpful.
What I find most frightening is needing to decide how I want to go about this, whether I specialize or work for a small firm....
Quick question. For a first time paralegal fresh out of graduation, what type of job should they go after? A small firm..... Intellectual property law.... Insurance.... Corporate...?? And what is a good way for a paralegal to discover where they may be a good fit?
Work for a general law firm that does many different types of cases so you can get a feel for which types you enjoy working on the most. Then you can decide to go to a specialized law firm, or you can stay if you enjoy the variety.
Thank you for your help. I’m a government legal clerk. I’m looking into becoming a paralegal. Is a paralegal certificate good enough or should I get a paralegal associate degree? Obviously a certificate is cheaper and quicker.
I’m in paralegal class but only to learn how to protect myself
Good for you! Good luck. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
We used Clockify to "bill" our time in a case study that ran through my Civil Litigation course. Was that useful?
Thank you for that info. I will definitely look into Clockify. 😀
I'm a Paralegal and I literally "killed them with kindness". IT DIDN'T WORK. I basically was forced to quit under completely unfair and unreasonable circumstances. Because I was a junior Paralegal that was hiring and training at the time and although I was super kind and sweet, I was told that the girls in my office/fellow colleagues were "intimidated" by my "power" and "felt threatened by my beauty and stunning looks" so they all hanged up against me and I was strategically forced to leave. The manager relayed the above to me while I responded by saying that I have been completely nice, respectful and professional to every single person at the firm. She said "it doesn't matter" and that "they don't like the way I present myself" meaning they didn't like my heels, outfits (no outfits were revealing by the way) and my lashes and so fourth. Majority rules, but they had no reason to fire me so they came up with a manipulative plan for me to quit I was given an ultimatum...to either work outside of the firm at an office space or at home. I can't tell you how traumatic this was for me and the pain and sadness I felt. I felt totally not accepted and betrayed when I was so kind. To this day, that experience has left a permanent scar and I will never be the same again.
And yes, the competitiveness is REAL. 100%!!! They were all competing against me when I believe in supporting each other and working together as a team!
*****they all "ganged" up against me, not hanged. Sorry--autocorrect.
That must have been hard ❤ 🫂 So sorry you went through that! I didn't realize the industry was so competitive but that probably explains why my coworker/mentor who was a paralegal at the firm I just quit had an attitude with me. I am always as polite and professional as can be with a great attitude, but for whatever reason her and another coworker ganged up on me and tried to pressure me into notarizing a document illegally without the signer present. She demanded that I notarize it and I refused! They stressed me out for no good reason. Her and my boss who is an attorney have both belittled me and made me feel unappreciated and not good enough multiple times even though I put 100% into my job. This incident was the last straw. I decided to quit. I'm afraid if I stayed another week my ex mentor would frame me and stress me out even more. I've had it with those people. I know God has big plans for me and I am going to find a law firm where I can become a paralegal and be happy and appreciated.
1700 billable hours a month 😮😮
1700 per year. I posted the edit in the comments section. 🫣 I should see if I can change that in TH-cam editor. Unfortunately, I can't delete and re-upload the video. Thanks for watching!
What happen if you stand up.for yourself
Every scenario is different and there are far too many variables to accurately answer that question. That's like asking a jury to render a verdict on a case without having heard the case. My advice - read the room, run through the possible outcomes, and trust your intuition. Good luck to you! Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you.
Hi! Do you have a video about billing your time ?
I sure do 😊🙌
Could you give advice on how to organize BILLABLE hours and what app/program did you use?
Can you show us your index book?
All of my indexes can be downloaded for free from my website at www.arrowconsultants.solutions. No need to opt-in or sign-up for anything - they are completely free. Go nuts! 😀🙌
In District court when defendant ignores, judges request for filling his brief, there is a Default of Clerk entered, same way in appeals court, when Appellee, ignores judges request to file his brief, what is entered?
how do you have 1700 billable hours a month if there is only 720 hours in 30 days?
There is a correction in the description of the video that it was per year, but I said per month in the video.
@@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray ah, I missed that, I wasn't sure if you were gonna say that you could bill multiple companies when things overlapped or something.
Is there a way you can coach me? I just started my first immigration paralegal job last week without previous experience in the field and without training. I am panicking.
Don't panic. Do not give anyone legal advice, maintain absolute confidentiality, follow your attorney's instructions to the letter, never hesitate to ask questions relevant to the tasks you perform, and above all, please remember that when you are passionate about what you're doing, it's no longer a job, it's a "career."
By the way, keep hanging with Misty. She doesn't have a job working as a paralegal. She is genuinely a "career" paralegal with incredible experience.
What’s the starting salary for paralegals?
It depends entirely on the area and your level of certification. For example: Larger cities tend to require degrees, as well as certifications, and offer more $ in return. However, smaller cities tend to require only certifications or on-the-job experience, and pay less $ in return. A salary can range anywhere from $24k per year to $100k+ per year. A Corporate Paralegals in Chicago could make $80k per year, while a Corporate Paralegal in Tulsa, Oklahoma may get $45k per year. Same job - Different market.
My wife is considering a paralegal career at the age of 39. Any tips?
Can you Do video on a Receptionist in a law firm.
Not sure what knowing the rules and playing by the rules means. Are you saying figure out the lay of the land and go with it?
So as a freelance paralegal, are you hired by people or firms or both? If you help a person do you just draft the pleadings and they file pro se?
It depends on your state, but mostly, law firms only. There are few states that allow Paralegals to practice under a limited license in pro se matters at this time. I expect the number to dramatically increase over the next five years in an effort to provide more cost-effective legal representation. Right now however, most freelance Paralegals work for law firms and attorneys. Good luck to you. Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate you!
This might seem like a silly question but, can you just start off doing freelance or do you need to start with a firm? Or is it just a matter of gaining experience and financial security?
1,700 billable hours is way too much for 1 month especially when there's 720 hours in a month where the hell do you get an extra 980 hours 😭😭😭
I meant 1700 billable hours per year, not month. I corrected myself in the description box, but I cannot update the video. Sorry about that. Still, 1700 hours per year is a little difficult as well.
@@ArrowConsultants_MistyMurray thanks for clarifying! I’ve been a paralegal for 10 years and I immediately thought, 1,700 per month is completely impossible. Great video though! Great advice!!
Hi! I was wondering if you got certified to be a paralegal and they helped you find a job? My college has that program I'm debating if I should do it. Also thank you for this great video!
Talk to your counselor! I am in a paralegal program through my school. They have a chain email that sends out employment opportunities for paralegals. I would consider joining the program. It looks good on a resume and can be very helpful to transition into the legal world!
Best online paralegal program that is reasonably priced with a reasonable completion date, anyone?
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY,VIRGINIA
awesome advice. I did law school but it wasn't right for me. Would that be an issue for me if I were to become a paralegal?
I love your videos on Office 365 for case management, but this one is my favorite. Thank you for sharing your experience. Being somewhere that is serving, growing, and/or making one happy is great advice. Lots of great pointers, and being intentional about growth was a great reminder for me where I'm at. In the end, if it doesn't make dollars, it doesn't make sense. Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you so much! Currently I'm studying history & political science at UC Davis. I'm planning on getting paralegal certification right after I graduate at UC San Diego. What do you think are the chances I'd be able to find a paralegal job in New York after? That's my dream city to live in :)
Political Science was my major as well. My plan B was to work for someone in a political office, but I ended up staying in the legal field. San Diego to NYC ... wow .... that is quite different. It isn't going to be easy, and honestly, attorneys may be concerned with your level of knowledge about the area. Paralegals must be resourceful and really understand the area and courts. This might pose a problem for you and thus, you might want to go ahead and start studying up on your dream city so that when you interview you're fully ready to go 🙂👍 Good luck to you. Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you.
Does helighet katter when it come to being a paralegal?😅
I’m thinking of going back to school and taking a paralegal program! What are the best ways to know if the program/field would be a good fit for me? I majored in forensic psychology in university & love learning about law. Ps love the video :)
Your video is excellent. But if I’m being honest I’m not sure if you’re an excellent influencer or an excellent paralegal. The reason is I am in the very beginning of wanting to learn the industry. You are obviously very much an extrovert. Is that pretty much a requirement for this industry?
Hello mam, I have received offer from humber north for sept 21 in Paralegal education diploma.. i will be coming there after my graduation in law in India. Any advice for me ?
should i start looking for paralegal experience before i have attained my certificate?
Yes. I would definitely get out there and see if you can get your foot in the door somewhere. After all, what if you get your Certificate, start working for a law firm, and hate what you do. Plus, it will give you the upper-hand whenever you do graduate with that Certificate, as you'll already have some knowledge and experience. Good luck to you! Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate you.
What I would tell my younger Paralegal self: "Back the truck up and get the hell out of here ASAP."
What is the reason? I am currently in my first semester of paralegal classes and I would love to know the reasons why it didn’t work out for you
😂 hey I'm considering this. You can't write this without any explanation.
❤❤❤
Number 300 👍🏽
Thank you!!!!😘
th-cam.com/video/SF8fWC7xOJU/w-d-xo.html
Is this version of ‘Shake it Off’ okay?
Proofread
Microsoft Word
Adobe Pro
Typing speed
Office politics! I would not have imagined legal offices or advanced educated legal staff reduced to such immaturity. Thank you because I’m not interested in any such nonsense... I’ll choose wisely in the future based on your intelligence. Passion in addition yo large egos is one thing abused is a clear line legal mind should know better. Smh 🤦🏼♀️
Haha 😂 ..... there isn't a single working industry that doesn't have some level of office politics. However, the legal industry is inherently argumentative, and if you think that doesn't spill over into the office, then you're right, you don't belong in this legal industry. Furthermore, a belief that there are no office politics anywhere, or even office abuse, wherein there are educated staff-members, is very narrow-minded thinking. I think you're making a wise decision by not adding your shitty demeanor to our legal offices or brilliant legal minds. Thanks for stopping by and commenting and giving me a brilliant content idea about people like you. Have a great day and a great life.
1700 billable hours per MONTH does not seem real in advice no.3. Was it per YEAR??
Yes, it was per year. I made a mistake on camera and the correction didn't make it into the edits. I put in the description box that it was 1,700 per year, which is approximately 142 hours per month, and about 35 hours per week. It all had to be billable - no cuts - and if you didn't make it, then you didn't get your quota and you didn't get a bonus. It was hard! Thanks for watching and commenting.
You just repeated "Learn the rules to the game, and play the game by the rules" six times but never explained what that means in this context. That is not helpful at all.
I interpreted it to mean that each law firm has its own way of doing things and it's important to toe the line.
A super snotty Paralegal can kiss my Derriere bless their hearts
😄
Vague cliches surrounded by filler