Family Legal Assistant Career Guide and Counseling

Question: What does American Family pay for the Regional Legal Correspondent position - basically a legal assistant job? Someone w/ 10 years legal experience - 5 years of experience in the insurance defense field. And how are they as far as a company to work for.

Answer: It ranges from $40,555 to $ 40,915

Question: What other jobs could a legal assistant or paralegal apply for? I am so burned out and tired of the legal field. I have experience in family law, personal injury (plaintiff), med mal and insurance defense, and disability law.

Answer: Many paralegals become investigators or examiners. Consider working for corporation counsels rather than a law firm.

Question: I am interested in attending school for Legal Office Assistant. Is this a good career? I am married with two young children, and of course I want a good job, however I do not want a job where it is "mostly" high stress, and overwhelms my mind. I love my family & they come first in my life. Any Legal Office Assistants/Paralegals out there that can mentor me on duties/atmosphere of a legal office assistant. I Greatly appreciate honesty & the truth. Thanks! Thank you George J.! Very helpful & true!

Answer: Every job has stresses. If it not one thing it is another. A boss can stress out a secretary because he or she has stresses that are not bearable. An organization has stresses that can make it unbearable for secretaries who work in its offices. The key to being a successful secretary and keeping the stresses under control is not to get stressed out when working with other people who are under stress. If you know yourself and you think well of yourself, you should be a calm person in your own right. That would help you. Besides, being a young mother with two children and a husband or a mate is stressful enough to show that you can function with the stresses of managing a household that is filled with stresses. Children can stress a person out, husbands or mates can stress out their companions. If you are of sound mind and I believe you are, then any job would be less stressful. One more piece of advice, try getting an education in an organization that offers day care for you children. It will be expensive, so your husband or your mate might have to agree to it, but it should be worth it. Try also to get a job in a small community college or four year college. There is less stress there than in a lawyer's office.

Question: I am starting to interview for legal assistant positions. Will my background be a huge problem? I'm wondering how to deal with (on my resume and in person) some issues. I'm in my early 30s and was divorced five years ago. The divorce and some health issues caused me to go bankrupt a couple years after that. I also dropped out of grad school (I had an A average, but I hated the school and honestly was just too immature at the time to deal with marriage and living 700 miles from my family). Will an attorney know I'm bankrupt? Does it make me look really bad? I was always a good student and worker, but the divorce and illness messed up my life for awhile. I went back to school to try to get my finances in a better position.

Answer: I am a lawyer. Many law firms DO NOT run credit checks on their prospective employees--the really large ones and corporations, sure but not many small to midsize ones. If asked, tell them that was then and you've fixed the problems and it's over. You've grown/matured and it has no bearing on your skills as a legal assistant now. You should NOT include that on your resume--again, no bearing on your abilities as a legal assistant. If asked about dropping out of grad school just tell them simply, it wasn't a good time for you then--and the same as above--it has no bearing your skills as a legal assistant. Really, you shouldn't bother putting it on your resume since you didn't get a degree. I don't think it's unethical to not include that. Anyway, don't go into details--about grad school or your marriage. Don't lie either. They shouldn't be asking about the whole divorce thing anyway--it's potentially discriminatory practice. Anyway, just highlight your skills and what you can do. Don't wrry about the rest. edit: Sure govt positions and some securities firms might check your credit rating, but honestly, if they don't bring it up, there's no reason for you to do so. As an attorney, I just care if you're reliable, good worker, etc. That's what you want to show--you as the stronger person you are now not what all you went through to get here. That's not anyone's business during an interview and unless you're working for a firm or corporation that does significant work with the SEC, NASD, OCC or the like it's not relevant. I practice in those areas, and I have occasionally done bankruptcy--even those bankruptcy attorneys probably don't care. So many good people just get into a bad situation--it's understandable. And if by chance your interviewer knows there's a bankruptcy on your record and makes a big deal about it--good, now you know you wouldn't have liked working in that kind of environment anyway. Good luck and happy job hunting.

Question: SECOND INTERVEIW what should I know? Ask? WEAR? help please I want this job as a LEGAL ASSISTANT thank you.? Legal assistant position at a family law office start pay is $13 hour

Answer: A second interview means they've narrowed it down to two people, but can't decide, so they're going to take a second look. Since they've obviously already decided that you can do the job, they're not looking to include you; rather they are looking to exclude one of you. So, Don't do anything to get excluded. The fact is that people hire people they like. So be likable. The way you acted the first time must have been OK. What to know and ask: You don't have to prove you know enough, because they already believe that. Just don't say anything stupid. For example, no flirting, no sexual allusions, no jokes. Dress: Did you get to see any legal assistants that are already there? If so, wear the sort of thing they wear. If you didn't, wear the sort of things your interviewers wore. Look at some of the many law shows on TV. Wear business clothes -- neat, clean, business wear. Not much jewelry. And NO piercings! A little makeup, but not a lot. Don't wear much if any perfume. And don't smoke. Or smell of it. Conservative. Class. But at just $13/hr they won't expect a $1000 suit. At the end of the interview, shake hands and THANK them for taking the time to talk to you and assure them that you want the job. As soon as you get home, write them a short note again thanking them (don't grovel, just say thanks) and mail it that day.

Question: Legal secretary/legal assistant courses/seminars/workshops in 2008 in San Mateo County/Northern California? (I wanted to post in this category as well): Because my securing a new job may be due to my follow up on this issue (he won't care where I found the info, only that I did, you know?). So I need to find out who, where, when for SAN MATEO, CALIFORNIA and San Mateo County about seminars/workshops/any sort of training for legal assistance/newbie lawyers re California Civil Procedure, Family Law; the nuts & bolts (like how many days after filing a proof of service does opposing counsel have to respond? = that sort of thing; basic but extremely important! Classes that are not horrendously expensive and that takes place from now until mid-2009 about California statutes, judicial forms, and other basic or "nuts and bolts" type of workshops, seminars, college courses/classes...ANYTHING!! Thanks in advance; either I am really tired or I am doing something wrong because other than the Attorney's Briefcase, I am not finding anything.

Answer: Have you looked at Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)? They have programs, but are a bit pricey. Go to http://www.ceb.com/ Also, check: http://www.calbar.ca.gov and see what other things they advertise...there are lots of other seminar companies in California. Also check out the San Mateo County Bar Association here: http://www.smcba.org/ Most local bar associations offer MCLEs. Consumer Attorneys of California has one: http://www.caoc.com/CA/index.cfm?event=s… Practicing Law Institute: http://www.pli.edu San Mateo County Trial Lawyers Association http://www.smctla.org/ Also check out the San Mateo County Law Library: http://www.smcll.org/about.html Law libraries usually have free, or relatively inexpensive, MCLEs (live lectures) and they may also have DVDs/CDs of other lectures. Nuts and bolts - it doesn't matter about filing a proof of service for response time; it all depends on service. Read the CCP. I'm sure I could find more - I get lots of mailers/fliers from various MCLE providers but those are usually tossed in the trash. But, if you can't afford anything, go to the law library and read The Rutter Group's California Civil Procedure Before Trial. It has all the nuts and bolts about the CCP (response times, etc.)

Question: Is there any type of low cost or free legal assistance for a minority single mother in child custody case? Need any information regarding low cost or free legal assistance for a single hispanic Mother who is fighting for child custody for her two year old daughter, yet has been instructed to participate in items that she cannot financially afford, and her family also is drained too financially? Are there any assistant agencies, Funding/Grants per Federal and/or State for this woman of low income? She is on AFDC, and she and her child are just getting by etc. She also wants to put her two year old girl in school, however her ex husband has ptetitioned to comply, yet wants PRIMARY custody of the child.

Answer: Is there a local collage that offers a law program, if so they usually have free legal advice program that helps the seniors get ready for the real world.

Question: I'm a retired senior on SS. How can I find a low/no cost college credit education.I live in TX. May move to WA I have heard that some states provide free college courses for senior citizens. These courses may or may not be for credit. I would like to become a Legal Assistant to work in Family Law.

Answer: I am in a similiar situation. Through SS, I found a "benefits specialist" who advised me about how much money I could make, etc. I asked about school, she referred me to my state's rehabilitation services. Through them, and the financial aid office of the 2 schools I'm interested in, I got started. Your best resource is the financial aid office. These folks are well-trained and their job security depends on getting you into school. Even if you pay no/low tuition, they receive benefits from other sources. Also, each school course catalogue lists scholarships that are unique to that school. Catalogues are free. Good Luck (nice to meet another Texan!).

Question: What should I do if I'm at work and bored??? I work as a legal assistant at a family law firm, and I have my own office, and there are not too many people around today, because of the holidays. There's no one to chit chat with, and I'm doing my work, but I'm still kinda bored. Any suggestions for what I can do to make my day go by faster???

Answer: Keep on asking and answering in Yahoo Answers ;-)

Question: Will Attorneys hire Paralegals or Legal Assistants with good LSAT scores but no college degree? This may sound silly but I have a family member (really) who possesses a Paralegal Certificate, a Notary License and good LSAT scores but NO College degree, who is seeking a job as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant. However she has no current working experience in the Legal field. Is she being delusional or is that possible? So far the skeptics have told her that NO Licensed Attorney in his or her right mind would hire such a person to work as a Paralegal or Legal Assistant under their supervision. She is planning to enroll in a Community College this year to pursue a Associates degree in Paralegal Studies, but right now she just needs a job. Could someone please expound on this for me or point me in the right direction? She's my favorite Niece and I'm trying to help her secure employment. Thanks I appreciate the answers I've gotten thus far on the subject. Thanks guys (I am NOT speaking about the SATs!) My Niece has earned 62 College credits but she does NOT have a degree. Thus she was qualified to take the LSATs. I know people who are currently employed as Paralegal and Certified Legal Assistants who attended college but did NOT earn a degree. I am speaking of REAL Paralegals NOT Legal Secretaries. So the part about not being able to find work as a Paralegal without a formal degree isn't true. It appears as though the job requirements depends upon the Law Office or Firm that's doing the hiring. If anyone else has more info. or answers they would like to share please do so. At this point I am all hears or should I say, "all eyes". Thanks again Thanks to all of you who have responded to this question thus far. While your answers were extremely thorough, they were exclusively just YOUR Personal Opinion, versus 100% Facts. I would like to dig a little deeper on this subject if I may by posing these additional questions: 1) Were you all born working in a Law Firm or did someone hire you to give your "Experience"? 2) Did any of you come out of your Mother's womb with "Excellent Professional References" or did someone hire you, allow you to prove yourself and than after watching your Work Ethic give you "Excellent Professional References"? 3) How does an applicant for ANY type of job gain experience or earn Excellent References unless someone hires them and gives them the Opportunity to work? 4) How do you explain ALL of the Paralegals and Certified Legal Assistants working in Law Firms and Law Offices across this country who don't possess a Bachelor's degree? Are they just Pretending to be Paralegals? Please advise.

Answer: Neither Shane nor Gettingby said it was impossible for your niece to get a job as a paralegal. They both said it was highly improbably that your niece would be able to get a job as a paralegal in a law firm and they are both correct. The recession has hit the legal sector hard and there have been hiring freezes or rounds of layoffs of legal support staff, including paralegals, implemented by every major law firm, and many small to mid sized law firms. What that means is that very few law firms have any paralegal openings and there is an abundance of seasoned paralegals with years of experience and certifications and/or college degrees seeking those jobs. The overwhelming majority of law firms use placement agencies to recruit paralegals. While these agencies may take your niece's resume, it is probable it would be given little or no circulation among law firms because they have more qualified candidates and the law firms will be asking for experienced paralegals only because they know they are available for hiring in abundance in this recession. From a personal perspective, part of my responsibilities in my law firm is to supervise and recruit paralegals for our corporate department. Our firm does not have the financial resources to offer the salaries that larger firms offer paralegals, yet even with that drawback in my ability to recruit paralegals, I simply will not consider interviewing a paralegal that has no experience unless they have at least a college degree (and my counterpart in our litigation department will not do so either). If my firm was currently hiring in this recession, my standards would be even higher and I would not interview a candidate with less than 2 years of experience as well. What possible motivation could I possibly have to interview your niece over a dozen candidates with 2 or more years of experience, a college degree, and excellent professional references? What possible motivation could any law firm have to do so? If your niece is primarily motivated by monetary needs then the only thing I can suggest is to interview with a few placement agencies and hope they will take her resume. Even though the likelihood of getting employment is slim it costs her nothing but her time to put her resume into circulation through the normal channels. If she is looking for experience (which would also enhance her resume) I suggest she think outside the box and look for non-paying internships and volunteer positions with public service law groups. Many of them are looking for volunteers to assist their attorneys and the work is often more substantive than the kind of work that is available to entry level paralegals in law firms. Some of them act in conjunction with law firms serving as co-counsel in litigations and advocacy programs so it might also offer her the opportunity to network with law firm attorneys and paralegals.