The Education of a Paralegal
by Ellen Foster
Career School Directory Columnist
June 23, 2006
Amy Weight has enjoyed fighting for justice for her clients over the last decade. She is a paralegal who works in Los Angeles, California and recognizes the broader career opportunities available to her upon receiving a paralegal certification approved by the American Bar Association.
CSD: How did you land your first paralegal job?
AW: A friend who was a law clerk for the same firm told me about the position. I started as a file clerk because I didn't have any experience. Once I proved myself competent, I began doing low-level paralegal duties.
CSD: What kind of law does the firm where you work practice?
AW: We practice civil litigation with an emphasis on intellectual property law (lots of copyright infringement).
CSD: What hours do you work?
AW: Generally, I work a 9am to 6pm work week. Leading up to and during trial, I might work twelve-hour days.
Many paralegals receive generous bonuses for their work in addition to an hourly or salaried income. Find schools.
CSD: Can you describe some typical paralegal duties?
AW: It depends on the law firm. I work at a small firm (two lawyers and one other paralegal), so I have a wider range of tasks than someone might at a large firm. I keep track of files, draft documents, and research cases. I look for case law (precedent) relevant to the case at hand. Then I examine how those cases have been interpreted (upheld or overturned) in higher courts. I generate lists of cases and summarize them for the attorney. I also look for fact patterns or ways in which the cases cited by opposing counsel don't uphold their position. During trial, I keep exhibits organized, take notes of testimony, and flag items that are inconsistent with previous testimonies.
CSD: What type of education did you receive?
AW: Actually, I hold a Bachelor's of Science in Animal Physiology. Several years later, though, I completed a paralegal training program. I chose to attend an evening program so I could keep my job at the law firm. It took me a year to finish the certification program, but day programs and online programs are also available.
CSD: Are you on the career path you imagined for yourself?
AW: When I began my undergraduate degree program, I planned to be a veterinarian. Once I finished school, however, I wasn't ready to commit so many years to vet school. I wanted to enter the work force to pay my college loans. Even though I don't have the career I expected, law is a good fit for me. I have strong organizational skills and am detail-oriented. It helps that I enjoy researching and writing.
Most law firms now require their paralegals to be certified. For these firms, on-the-job experience is no longer enough. Find schools.
CSD: Why did you attend a paralegal training program?
AW: I knew it would be a good career move. Having a paralegal certification recognized by the American Bar Association meant I would have opportunities to make more money or transfer into a bigger law firm.
CSD: Can someone work as a paralegal without certification?
AW: It's possible, but most law firms, especially the larger ones, require certification before they'll hire. That's definitely the case in Los Angeles where I work.
CSD: Are there advantages to working for a larger firm?
AW: There can be. Usually a larger firm means more comprehensive benefits and higher pay.
CSD: Why do you continue to work at a smaller firm?
AW: I receive good benefits (health insurance, a 401K), and my salary is comparable to that of a larger firm. In addition, the work of a paralegal is often specialized in larger firms. I enjoy having a wide variety of tasks so my job doesn't feel repetitive.
CSD: Have you thought about going to law school?
AW: I've considered it, but I'm not convinced I want make the commitment necessary to complete three years of a day program or five years of an evening program. I enjoy my work and am comfortable with my salary. Law school would be time-consuming and expensive.
CSD: Have you worked on any especially interesting cases?
AW: Yes! But due to the attorney/client privilege it's illegal for me to disclose information that isn't public record. However, we do have a couple of published decisions, one of which involves Nick St. Nicholas, the former bass player for Steppenwolf. Upon leaving the band, Steppenwolf, Nicholas signed a contract giving up his right to use the name "Steppenwolf." Later, Nicholas went on tour with his new band, "World Classic Rockers," and billed himself as "former member of Steppenwolf." He was sued for copyright infringement. We were able to convince the court that a person cannot sign away his history. Although he was clearly not a current member of Steppenwolf, he would always be a former member.
I'm a music-lover so it's great to have a career that enables me, I think, to positively affect the music industry. And while I enjoy researching cases, I appreciate the opportunity to work with people (clients, witnesses, and attorneys) as well.
Learn more about Paralegal programs
About the Author
Ellen Foster is a freelance writer living in Corvallis, Oregon. She does her very best to avoid legal battles of any sort.
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