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Seven Common Questions about a Paralegal Career

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published January 21, 2013

By CEO and Founder - BCG Attorney Search left

I am a high school senior who is considering law as a career. Do I have a better chance of getting into law school if I get a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies?

Being accepted by a law school is contingent on several factors: undergraduate grade point average, law board scores, and, when applicable, an interview at the law school. It is usually not dependent on a particular undergraduate major. Taking paralegal courses while in college will familiarize you with certain legal concepts and principles, but it will not weigh in a law school's decision regarding your application.

One advantage to getting a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, however, is that when you graduate you will have a marketable skill as a legal assistant. You may want to take some time off between college and law school, and by working as a paralegal, you will get some exposure to working in a legal setting. And, of course, you will make money at the same time!

Should I take a generalist or a specialist paralegal program?

There are advantages to taking either one of these kinds of programs. With a generalist background you will study several areas of law and prepare yourself to work at a general practice firm or in a position which requires you to work in a number of different areas of law. You also may find that by becoming a generalist you have more flexibility in seeking employment. If you live in an area of the country where there are many general practice law firms and sole practitioners, you will find that by attaining an overview of several areas of law, your paralegal skills will be more marketable. If you should choose to specialize in one area of law (this type of study is found in certificate programs), you will be prepared for a job in a large law practice where the work is departmentalized. By becoming an "expert" in one area of law, you will find that your employment opportunities will increase when you seek a position in a corporate law firm or in a major corporation.

I am a teacher who is considering a career change. Would a paralegal training program assist me in leaving the teaching field?

Many people are attracted to the paralegal career when seeking a career change. Some paralegal jobs require excellent research skills, others require facility in speaking, writing, and working well with people. Since there are so many different kinds of paralegal positions open, you will find that people with a variety of educational and work backgrounds study to become paralegals.

A paralegal training program would give you a new skill in a relatively short period of time. With at least a college degree, you should choose a certificate program which would train you in the shortest period of time. Some teachers who have the summers off can take a concentrated paralegal program over the summer. They can then look for a job as a legal assistant in the fall. An evening program taking a year or less to complete would allow you to continue working while you study for a new career.

What is the tuition at paralegal schools?
United States

The cost of attending a paralegal program varies from school to school. It may also be dependent on the type of program offering the paralegal training, that is certificate, diploma, credit, or noncredit. The tuition at a state college or community college will usually be lower than at a private college. Proprietary institutions will generally charge the highest tuition. Students in undergraduate paralegal studies programs may be eligible for federal and state financial aid. Students in graduate level programs may only be eligible for state education loans.

I graduated from college but never worked. After raising a family, I want to enter the job market. Would taking a paralegal program assist me in finding a job either in the legal or some other field?

Paralegal programs are popular with women who wish to enter or reenter the job market but have no marketable skills. Of course, paralegal training is just one type of career that a woman can consider, but it is a profession, which has status and does not require typing. Many attorneys hire mature women who have raised their families. They find that these women are generally stable and reliable, and are more likely to remain in a job for a longer period of time than someone younger. Also, by enrolling in a paralegal program, you will be gaining knowledge of the business world. Some women who graduate from paralegal programs choose a career such as personnel, but are still able to utilize some of their paralegal training.

I am retiring soon and am considering a second career as a paralegal. Has this been done before?

This is an excellent field to enter when you retire since you can become trained as a legal assistant in a short period of time. Many law firms who need a paralegal for informational inter¬ viewing seek someone who has had previous work experience and is able to relate well to their older clients.

Should I take an internship as part of my paralegal training?

An internship experience can be an excellent supplement to your formal classroom training as a paralegal. Not all programs offer internships, instead requiring students to set up one for themselves. In addition to being a clinical experience, it is something else to add to your resume. You will also find that you may make contacts as an intern, which can assist you in finding permanent employment. However, an internship can take 10-15 hours a week—time away from your studying and class assignments. It is best to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages before committing yourself. It is truly an individual choice to make.

About Harrison Barnes

No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.

A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter

Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations—from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:

  • Immigration law
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Insurance defense
  • Family law
  • Trusts & estates
  • Municipal law
  • And many more...

This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.

Proven Success at All Levels

With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:

  • Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
  • Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
  • Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
  • Growing firms in small and rural markets

He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.

Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success – The Story of BCG Attorney Search

Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm’s unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.

The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys

Harrison’s legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.

Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes

If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.

Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here.

With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.

A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success

Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials—he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.

Harrison’s work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:

  • Finds and creates job openings that aren’t publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
  • Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
  • Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.

This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.

A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives

Harrison believes that every attorney—no matter their background, law school, or previous experience—has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.

He has worked with:

  • Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
  • Senior attorneys who believed they were “too experienced” to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
  • Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options—only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
  • Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.

For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist—often in places they never expected.

Submit Your Resume Today – Start Your Career Transformation

If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison’s expertise will help you take control of your future.

? Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.

Alternative Summary

Harrison is the founder of BCG Attorney Search and several companies in the legal employment space that collectively gets thousands of attorneys jobs each year. Harrison’s writings about attorney careers and placement attract millions of reads each year. Harrison is widely considered the most successful recruiter in the United States and personally places multiple attorneys most weeks. His articles on legal search and placement are read by attorneys, law students and others millions of times per year.

More about Harrison

About LawCrossing

LawCrossing has received tens of thousands of attorneys jobs and has been the leading legal job board in the United States for almost two decades. LawCrossing helps attorneys dramatically improve their careers by locating every legal job opening in the market. Unlike other job sites, LawCrossing consolidates every job in the legal market and posts jobs regardless of whether or not an employer is paying. LawCrossing takes your legal career seriously and understands the legal profession. For more information, please visit www.LawCrossing.com.
Gain an advantage in your legal job search. LawCrossing uncovers hidden positions that firms post on their own websites and industry-specific job boards—jobs that never appear on Indeed or LinkedIn. Don't miss out. Sign up now!

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