Paralegal Certificate Program

Comment from vicseo
Time May 8, 2010 at 7:34 pm

There is a great need for paralegals especially in the field of intellectual property and immigration law; not in litigation, real estate, business/corporate, family or probate law.

The opportunities for a paralegal really depends on the specialty. The most in demand paralegals are those in the litigation field; followed by corporate paralegals who are responsible for maintaining corporate records, articles of incorporation, etc. While the “least” marketable [but the "highest" paid] paralegals are in the field of intellectual property [i.e., patents, trademarks] and immigration law. In conclusion, choose your paralegal courses accordingly, with emphasis on litigation preparation [discovery], docketing/calendaring of incoming pleadings [calendaring] and trial preparation [creating Exhibit tabs, Bajii jury instructions, etc.]. The “pro” side of a litigation paralegal is often “unlimited” overtime which can amount to a high salary range of $65,000 to $75,000 per year, while the “downside,” being constantly pressured to meet a monthly client billable quota. And failing to meet that quota, often results in the paralegal’s overnight dismissal. It’s not a pretty picture. I just want to lay out what really happens in the real world of litigators and their relationship with subordinate paralegals.

Good luck!

Comment from Michelle W
Time May 8, 2010 at 8:09 pm

I graduated from MSU in 2002 as an English major with a paralegal studies minor (ABA-approved paralegal cert.). From my personal experience, MSU and FDU are recognized as the best schools for paralegal studies in the NJ area. I do not think any of my employers have ever cared what my major was so I would say if you enjoy poli sci to stick with it. Most employers have been the most interested in 1) experience, 2) the ABA paralegal cert, and 3) the fact that I had a B.A. in anything. The best advice I can give you is that if you are not currently working in a law firm, try to get a job in one NOW – doing anything – even if you have to work there for free as an unpaid intern. I started out as a part-time, unpaid intern for a solo practitioner while a senior at MSU. I didn’t make any money there but by the time I graduated I could say I had a year of law firm experience which, in turn, helped me land a “real” job. How much you are going to make in this profession depends on a lot of factors including the field of law you go into and the size/location of the firm. I have found firms are always looking for excellent, experienced litigation paralegals, but if you are looking into this field expect that your work day will often be more than 9-5, especially if you are working for a large firm. If you want to go into real estate make sure you learn commercial real estate in addition to residential – commercial is generally more lucrative. It’s quite hard to say what a starting salary would be these days but if I had to make an educated guess I would say you are looking at anywhere from $28K to $40 a year – possibly more if you are willing to work for a large firm or in NYC. All types of firms and fields of law have their own unique pros and cons, but after being in the workforce for a while you will have a better idea of what is best for you. Good luck!