Corporations
When you work in the in-house legal department of a corporation, you will probably deal with some of the corporate law topics I talked about earlier and also with the law of the specific industry you are in. On the corporate side, you may assist the corporate attorneys with employee contracts and benefit plans, shareholder agreements, and stock option plans. You may send notices of meetings and take minutes at those meetings.
In addition, you will work in the area of the law that relates to your corporation. It is the responsibility of the legal department to stay on top of all the government regulations that relate to your business, such as antitrust, environmental, and equal employment opportunity, as well as any rules that relate more directly to your industry, such as banking or insurance regulations. Most in-house legal departments are too small to handle all of the legal issues that arise, so you'll be working with outside counsel in some cases.
When you work as a paralegal for a corporation, the company is your client. That's your only client, so you don't have to worry about billable hours. (Which doesn't mean you don't have to account for your working time!) And although unusual things can always happen if there is a lawsuit under way, most of the time you'll work regular, nine-to-five hours. This can be a very important perk if you have a family. Of course, because you only have one client, you will have less variety than if you had several clients in a law firm. Some people find that it becomes boring after a while. On the other hand, it allows you to become an expert in a particular area of the law, such as banking or insurance or manufacturing. If you feel after a few years that you are ready to move on, you will be in a position to present yourself as an expert, and that can only enhance your job possibilities.
A rather new trend in small corporations is to have a legal department that consists only of a paralegal, although it's rarely called the legal department. Most often the legal assistant will work in human resources or as an assistant to one of the higher-ranking officers. One of the main reasons companies do this is that much of what legal departments do doesn't require an attorney. Taking the minutes at a board meeting, for example, does not involve the practice of law. And when a lawyer is needed, it may be cheaper for the company to hire outside counsel to do the final version of the work. So the paralegal can, for example, draft an employment agreement that fits the needs of the business, and an outside attorney can verify the legal points. Paralegals in these kinds of positions are also responsible for recognizing when outside counsel is needed.
The title of such jobs may not always be paralegal or legal assistant. It may be something like "special assistant to the president" or "human resources specialist." You need to look closely at the job description to realize that the job requires someone with paralegal training.
Government
If you go to work for the government, the kinds of duties and responsibilities you have will depend on what department or agency you work for. Some possibilities include the Department of Justice, the Department of the Interior, the Environ mental Protection Agency, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Immigration Service. Many of these agencies have state corollaries, although the names may be different. In addition to all of the departments and agencies, there are the court systems, both federal and state. There, you could work in the offices of the district attorney or public defender. In the courts themselves, there are positions such as court administrator, which involves managing the court's docket and personnel and perhaps conducting research for the judge. Other government positions that may not use the term paralegal or legal assistant in the title include export compliance specialist, a person who investigates commodities and data being exported outside the U.S., and patent examiner, a person who assists in determining if certain inventions are eligible for patent.
Working for the government provides great job security and other benefits. In the legal field, the pay usually starts out higher than in the private sector but caps at a lower level. Getting a government job involves a lot of red tape; whether federal, state, or local, government jobs usually have strict evaluation and hiring guidelines. You have to follow the procedures exactly; there's usually no way for an employer to "give you a break" if you don't.
Nonprofit Organizations
Nonprofit organizations that hire paralegals may be advocacy groups, such as poverty law organizations that provide legal services to disadvantaged persons, or activist groups, such as environmental, women's, or civil rights groups. Often the same group will participate in both activities. For the most part, people who work for these organizations do so because they believe in the cause; the pay usually isn't all that good. The non-monetary rewards of these jobs are significant, however. Nonprofits, although they are serious about the work they do, can rarely be described as stuffy. Usually the office environment is quite casual, and the staff is open to new ideas.
Advocacy nonprofit organizations include groups such as Legal Services Corporation (LSC), a private corporation that was established by Congress in 1974 to provide equal access to the law for impoverished Americans. It seems that Congress threatens to eliminate funding for LSC every year, but so far, it's still around. LSC offices are usually strapped for money, as is true of most nonprofits. They occasionally hire paralegals, but they are perhaps better sources for volunteer internships. If you do decide to work for a nonprofit, you may find the work stressful at times, but when you are working for a cause you believe in, it's very rewarding.
As with corporate jobs, sometimes nonprofits won't be looking for a paralegal, but your training will nonetheless qualify you for the position they are trying to fill. If you are committed to working for a nonprofit group, keep your eyes open for all sorts of job titles.
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published February 18, 2013
By Harrison Barnes, CEO and Founder - BCG Attorney Search 
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
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- 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
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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.
- His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
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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:
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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:
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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
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