Being a paralegal is more challenging than I initially thought. I thought that with my past experience as an office assistant (office manager)that it would be a cinch to do the paralegal job. While my past experience helps, it does not transfer over to being a paralegal.
I now realize how invaliable a paralegal with five (5) years experience is to a lawyer; and the value experience provides a lawyer. It took me but a month on the job to realize why the field is so competitive for new paralegals starting out and WHY a lawyer wants to hire someone with 5 years experience.
It does take about 5 years to really learn how to do the things that add value to a lawyer.
Adding value is the pressure I face every day I go to work. I am always asking myself, "Does this task add value to my lawyer?" or "Am I giving the lawyer the most out of my time?" I know I can do this job, I have the initiative and the knowledge and skills to do the job, however, as my husband noted, what I don't have is the time to figure it all out. The job keeps me on my toes. It frustrates me, depresses me, excites me, and makes me nervous as hell!
My wish is that I can come away giving back to the lawyer, and adding value in every way I can and hopefully I can be that "SUPERSTAR" paralegal recognized in the legal community as such. For now, I just hope and pray that I can add some value worthy of my keep.
I love my job and I am very happy I did not pursue law school.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
A fresh start
It's time I update my blog on what I have been doing. I recently got hired at a small law firm in my state. It has been a challenging one month as I organize around the law firm.
At first glance, I was a bit timid, for the new job brought challenges, but I quickly got excited at the fact that I would be organizing things my way. I won't lie, I have made a few trial and error mistakes but nothing major or life threatening. And when in doubt, I ask. I am not afraid to ask but I am afraid of asking too many questions.
Litigation excites me. I love analyzing issues and facts and putting legal theories together. Sometimes I wonder if I should go to law school, but I come back to reality rather quickly. The reality that law school offers very little to someone that is knowledgeable and knows how to spot issues and analyze like a lawyer. The cost of law school is much to high for the benefit law school provides.
In my opinion, the benefits just doesn't outweigh the cost of acquiring a law degree. And I would be wasting money I can invest elsewhere like buying a house, a new car, modernizing my kitchen, etc. The only reason to go to law school is to buy a ticket to take the bar.
Nevertheless, I enjoy being a paralegal even if I don't get to strategize and plan arguments. I also enjoy the fact that I am able to offer more than just paralegal help. I am the Spanish guru, the computer wiz kid, the excellent organizer, and the reliable staff member. I work hard and try my best to finish tasks and add value to my employer.
All in all, I am the perfect paralegal for this position. And with God's help, I will prevail and be the superstar.
At first glance, I was a bit timid, for the new job brought challenges, but I quickly got excited at the fact that I would be organizing things my way. I won't lie, I have made a few trial and error mistakes but nothing major or life threatening. And when in doubt, I ask. I am not afraid to ask but I am afraid of asking too many questions.
Litigation excites me. I love analyzing issues and facts and putting legal theories together. Sometimes I wonder if I should go to law school, but I come back to reality rather quickly. The reality that law school offers very little to someone that is knowledgeable and knows how to spot issues and analyze like a lawyer. The cost of law school is much to high for the benefit law school provides.
In my opinion, the benefits just doesn't outweigh the cost of acquiring a law degree. And I would be wasting money I can invest elsewhere like buying a house, a new car, modernizing my kitchen, etc. The only reason to go to law school is to buy a ticket to take the bar.
Nevertheless, I enjoy being a paralegal even if I don't get to strategize and plan arguments. I also enjoy the fact that I am able to offer more than just paralegal help. I am the Spanish guru, the computer wiz kid, the excellent organizer, and the reliable staff member. I work hard and try my best to finish tasks and add value to my employer.
All in all, I am the perfect paralegal for this position. And with God's help, I will prevail and be the superstar.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)