5 Tips to Help Legal Staffers Reach their Professional Goals

Summary

Legal staffing is the process of obtaining legal professionals with the aim of providing legal resources to corporate companies and other organizations. It is a specialized form of staffing, providing tailored solutions to meet the needs of the organization. It is becoming increasingly popular as it gives organizations access to qualified professionals without the need to employ them as a full-time employee.


In this article, legal staffers have shared their experiences working in legal staffing. They have discussed the advantages and disadvantages that come with this form of staffing. Advantages include the potential for high pay and bonus potential, as well as the opportunity to work with a wide variety of organizations and cases. Disadvantages include the lack of job stability and the need to constantly be looking for new opportunities.

The article also highlights the benefits of not being an in-house attorney. These include being able to work from home and being able to choose your own work hours. Legal staffers are also able to travel and learn more about different legal systems and cultures.

The article offers advice for legal staffing professionals. This includes being persistent in your job search and keeping on top of the latest developments in the legal industry. It also highlights the importance of setting goals and staying organized.

In conclusion, legal staffing can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. It is a great way to gain experience and to travel. However, it can be tough to stay on top of job opportunities and to build up a portfolio. It is also important to set goals and to stay organized so that you can realize the full potential of being a legal staffer. Finally, it is important to keep up with the latest trends in the industry so that you are always prepared for any opportunities that arise.
 

Demand for Legal Staffers Continues to Rise

The continuing trend of corporate legal departments being asked to do more with fewer resources has led to an increased demand for legal staffers. As a legal staffer, you must possess a unique set of skills to be successful in this challenging and rewarding field. Legal staffers must have a well-rounded knowledge of the law, a keen attention to detail and a willingness to take on challenging assignments.
 

Legal Staffers Need Specialized Expertise

Legal staffers must be proficient in conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, preparing court filings and communicating effectively with clients. A legal staffer must also have strong computer skills, a comprehensive understanding of legal terminology and a working knowledge of the complete court system.
 

Benefits of Working as a Legal Staffer

The primary benefit of working as a legal staffer is the satisfaction of working with important and complex legal issues. Legal staffers have the opportunity to work with high-profile attorneys who specialize in the most compelling cases. Additionally, legal staffers benefit from the satisfaction of helping shape the law, as well as the chance to interact with a variety of clients.
 

Gaining Experience as a Legal Staffer

To become a successful legal staffer, you must gain as much experience as possible in the field. It is important to participate in internships, volunteer positions and entry-level positions to gain a firm understanding of the daily tasks of a legal staffer. A strong background in the law, knowledge of how the legal system works and an eagerness to learn are all essential components of being a successful legal staffer.
 

A Growing Field with High Earning Potential

The demand for qualified legal staffers is projected to continue to rise in the years to come. Businesses are increasingly relying on legal staffers to handle a variety of tasks, providing them with the opportunity to earn a competitive salary and gain valuable experience in the legal field. With the increased demand for legal staffers, there is great potential for those with the necessary skills and expertise to find rewarding and successful careers in the field.

1. I am currently working for an attorney handling workers' compensation and medical malpractice cases. The position is part time and I really need more hours. The attorney I work for isn't offering me more hours, but I don't want to leave as I'm learning so much and really like the firm. Would it be a conflict of interest if I look for another part-time paralegal position at another firm?
Aaron L.

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations' Model Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Guidelines for Enforcement states:

Canon 8: "A Paralegal shall avoid conflicts of interest and shall disclose any possible conflict to the employer or client, as well as to the prospective employers or clients."

A conflict of interest can lead to a firm losing a client or even getting sued for malpractice. Since paralegals must be supervised by an accountable attorney, your attorney employers would be responsible for making sure no conflict exists between your job now and whatever new job you might acquire. According to the National Federation of Paralegal Association, the paralegal should abide by the attorney's direction, but should not take a case if he or she is unsure of the attorney's sound judgment in assessing the absence of a conflict.

2. Does anybody know what the average solo practitioner pays a paralegal? I'm interested in working for a solo practitioner or very small firm.
Anna M.

Paralegal salaries range from $35,000-$75,000 or more with bonuses and other perks at big firms. In small firms, paralegals tend to become generalists, doing things that might be largely administrative, in addition to working hand-in-hand with the attorney to file motions or research cases. I'd say the average salary for a paralegal at a small firm (less than 3 attorneys) is close to $30,000 or so, with possible bonuses and (usually) overtime available to increase that number.

3. I have a paralegal certificate from an accredited school and am trying to get a position in a top firm. But all they seem to be concerned with are my typing skills. How can I get some serious consideration?
Mary G.

Well, most legal secretaries are required to have typing speeds of 65/wpm or higher. Paralegals may or may not be doing a lot of typing, depending on the type of firm and whether they are fulfilling an administrative function or not. As with any resume, highlight the positives. If something is not stellar (like your typing skills), don't mention it. If they ask, however, don't lie -- try to minimize the impact. If you think it's really a big problem, try to take some classes, it should not take more than a few months to get up to speed.

4. What steps do I need to take in order to become a court reporter?
Jack P.

At first glance, it would seem that the requirements are few, but they are actually very stringent, so here they are. High School equivalency, is required, a solid understanding of the English language, superior listening skills that require distinguishing similar sounding words, and a grueling training program that might put law school to shame. There are entrance requirements to get into a court reporter school, and the classes are self-paced once you are in; a simple search on the internet can yield several in the area. The end result of the program should be a passing score on a test that requires 225 words per minute typing with 98% accuracy.

5. I'm a recent widow and am looking to get back into the work force. I have over 30 years of experience working in various law firms and offices in various capacities. Due to my age, do I have a realistic chance of finding a job?
Janie D.

Well, I don't know your age but experienced legal secretaries and paralegals are sought after by many smaller firms who will value your know-how. There are several people your age in today's work force and I think you definitely have a realistic chance at medium to small firms or in companies seeking someone who has proven their reliability.

6. How in demand are practice support specialists and consultants? Wouldn't a paralegal, legal secretary or even an office clerk be able to handle those assignments? I'd like to know before I get too involved.
Ellen P.

Unbundling of legal services is a hot topic and these specialties are getting more and more popular as time goes on. Their popularity is high because a firm can outsource some of its essential functions and does not have to retain as many full-time employees with the headaches of full-time employment. The ABA and the State bars have had mixed reviews of the situation and the jury is still out about what the future holds. In the tight economy, in order to provide the best bargain, especially in fields like immigration and bankruptcy, the use of practice support specialists is quite popular.