Paralegal Chula Vista

Question by rollings83: How would a paralegal use algebra?
Such as daily assignments when working in a law office, how would a paralegal/legal secretary use algebra? What types of algebra topics would be used, specifically? (Ex. radical expressions, etc.) I am going into this profession and am currently taking algebra, in which the professor would like us to give examples of how we would use this math in our future career.

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Answer by Hilary
This is a position based on the interpretation of language. The only time I could see Algebra being used is if in addition to your legal duties, you also did work in the billing department, but that’s computer-automated anyway.

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Question by Marisa: How much money do paralegals start off with?
I am very interested in being a paralegal now. How much money do they start off with, having a bachelors degree? How long does it take to become a top of the line paralegal? Are they in high demand? Or any demand at all? What is their highest pay?

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Answer by Prorkycake
I will preface with this slightly judgmental statement. I obviously do not know you and only know of you through this question which is solely about money. With that said, if salary is a major motivation in becoming a paralegal, do not become a paralegal.

How much money do we start off making? Usually $ 10-12 dollars an hour. Education is irrelevant when salary is concerned. You are paid based on experience in most situations. In other words, you will make what any first year paralegal makes regardless of education in most cases. Most attorneys I know pay based on experience. You may be more appealing because you possess a bachelor’s degree, but your lack of experience will null and void any over-the-top education. Salary increases are based on time and experience.

How long does it take to become a top of the line paralegal? I’d estimate at least six to ten years. Again, it is based on experience. The “top of the line” paralegals I know all have ten+ years of experience, are a Registered Paralegal, are a Certified Paralegal, and here in Texas, are Texas Board of Legal Specialization certified. You can’t even apply to TBLS without five years experience. I’ve been at this job awhile and no where consider myself “top of the line”. It takes many years to experience a myriad of legal issues and to learn how to respond.

Are they in high demand? Simple answer. No. Are there jobs? Yes. Are they easy to get? No.

What is the highest pay? Like everything in the legal field, it is dependent on the facts. The highest paid paralegal I know has 30+ years of experience, she is a RP, CP, and TBLS civil trial law certified paralegal. She disclosed her salary to me at our last meeting and she makes $ 85,000, equivalent to her firm’s first year associate attorneys. She is a “top of the line” paralegal that I look up to and is more capable than most 1st year attorneys I know. Why? Because of experience.

The reality? This is not a “get rich” field and I have run into many that have the misguided thought that a bachelor’s degree automatically gives them an advantage. While education is VERY important to many hiring attorneys, they will hire someone with experience before a degree. You have to put your time in, you have to be motivated to join paralegal associations, and you have to want more out of your profession than just becoming a “glorified” secretary. If your motivation is salary, this is not the field for you. If your motivation is because you want help people with their legal issues through the work of your supervising attorney, then this is the field for you. It is not an easy profession to enter and the pay never equals your capabilities. I can probably draft better lawsuits than some of the ones that come through our firm’s door, but I will never see the $ 100k that associate attorney gets paid in salary.

There is no glamor in working for a law firm. It is the same as working for any office setting. If you are a person that requires constant positive feedback, this is not the field for you. If the attorney taking credit for all your work will bother you, this is not the field for you. You will serve as personal assistant, adult babysitter, mediator, and be expected to know everything in the office. You are the first person they will track down if there is a problem and you will be expected to know how to fix it. This is the reality of the job. It isn’t for everyone. Make sure this is really what you want to do and your personality fits.

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Question by -: Paralegals: how is the job market in the real world?
I’ve been reading a lot of negative experiences from paralegals out there while researching on this career. Mainly, the complaints are stress, overwork, anal bosses, employment competition. To paralegals, did you get a undergrad degree, an associate degree or a certificate? How is the job market out there and how do you like your job? What is a day like of a paralegal? Any personal experience info would be appreciated. Thanks.

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Answer by vicseo
The opportunities for a paralegal really depends on the specialty. The most in demand paralegals are those in the litigation field; followed by corporate paralegals who are responsible for maintaining corporate records, articles of incorporation, etc. While the “least” markeable [but the "highest" paid] paralegals are in the field of intellectual property [i.e., patents, trademarks] and immigration law. In conclusion, choose your paralegal courses accordingly, with emphasis on litigation preparation [discovery], docketing/calendaring of incoming pleadings [calendaring] and trial preparation [creating Exhibit tabs, Bajii jury instructions, etc.]. The “pro” side of a litigation paralegal is often “unlimited” overtime which can amount to a high salary range of $ 65,000 to $ 75,000 per year, while the “downside,” being constantly pressured to meet a monthly client billable quota. And failing to meet that quota, often results in the paralegal’s overnight dismissal. It’s not a pretty picture. I just want to lay out what really happens in the real world of litigators and their relationship with subordinate paralegals.

Good luck!

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Question by wtesdahl: What advantages does knowing how to use the Internet provide the paralegal in the law office?

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Answer by Common Sense
Are you kidding?
How about looking things up to start with? Put another way, no one will hire you unless you can go on the ‘net.

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Question by Dolkite: Is it OK that I’m using a paralegal rather than an attorney for my bankruptcy?
I’ve decided to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy…my employment hasn’t been steady in the last year and my debts eclipsed my rent even though I was on a debt mgmt company. All my accounts are closed and I haven’t used a card for anything since July (and that was at best a $ 25 grocery purchase). I’ve been living off of temporary jobs and the occasional two-week unemployment benefit. I’m single, live alone in a small apartment, have no assets (not even a car). I have approximately $ 25K in old credit card debt. I’m not a shopaholic…most of the debt was incurred either to help me stay afloat while unemployed (and not receiving UE benefits).

I know bankruptcy will screw my credit, but I don’t really care…I don’t plan on moving anytime soon or buying anything on credit within the next few years. It would be wonderful to be able to put away some savings after paying my bills ($ 1500 a month would pay all my bills and allow me a modest budget of disposable income) would feel wonderful after scraping by for years and praying I don’t lose a job.

I can’t afford to hire an attorney, so I’m having a paralegal help me out. I know an atty would be better, but since I have nothing to save (no assets), I figure things would be pretty cut and dried.

At the moment, I am subsisting on temporary jobs and unemployment benefits during the weeks I am not working. A permanent job could come along, but I’m guessing not for at least another month.
wash – you can make payments to an attorney? I visited one early on in my decision and they quoted me $ 1700, all upfront. I’ve heard that if you screw up your paperwork, you cant file for bankruptcy for a whole year, so I realize the value of an attorney…however, I also have a pretty simple financial matter: no assets, no kids, no mortgage.

Yahir – I don’t know if you’re a real person or not since I see a lot of these links, but just FYI – I was working with a debt mgmt company for about three years before I lost a job and could no longer pay them.
I’m single, no kids, never married.

This paralegal is not working for an attorney…she has her own business. She also told me she has filed for bankruptcy herself a number of times….I don’t know if this is a warning sign or it proves that she knows the ropes as far as what to expect.

Best answer:

Answer by washtocal
You know you can make payments to an attorney.

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Question by Doyle: Law Office Firm Paralegal Internship possibility?
Is it possible to acquire an internship at a firm? If so what recommendations would you give me?

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Answer by ranger_co_1_75
Usually the internships go to someone studying law in college. Most big law offices have interns. They get minimum wage, no benefits, and a life time of experience from the legal staff.

While looking, don’t rule out the legal departments of large corporations in your area.

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Question by Joshua L: Which is the best certification for paralegals?
Wondering if any paralegals can weigh in on this. There is the CLA, the profesional paralegal. There are a few others.

Which is the most widely used that would help better further ones career. I was looking at the CLA but there is only one testing center in my state, this leads me to believe it is not that widely used.

Thanks for the responses.

Best answer:

Answer by Catherine
The best career is made by a college degree followed by a ABA-approved paralegal program. This is more important than certification.

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Question by thirtythree_years: In a small to medium size law firm what percent of employees are paralegals?
I would basically like to know if there are more attorneys or support staff like paralegals, legal assistants, law clerks, etc. in a regular size law firm.

Thanks for helping!

Best answer:

Answer by Geezer
Depending on the complexity of the cases, it’s one paralegal to two lawyers for corporate. One Paralegal to four lawyers if personal injury (med mal, product liability, auto, etc.).
Working for lawyers is weird. They’ll pile stuff on you and each one thinks his stuff is priority number one. And forget about thanks or more $ for a job well done. They think you should be happy with just a paycheck.

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Question by Smart O: What does a paralegal do and is it a good profession?
My friend said paralegals are just secretaries with an office. But I’ve also heard that they do attorney work, but can’t sign anything or give advice. Hmmm does not make sense. But what is a paralegal and why do you need a four year college degree and a paralegal certificate (6 years of school) to work at a good firm. I’d rather become a lawyer instead.

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Answer by greeneyes
It depends. Some are if they work in a large firm with a lot of first year associates. But if you work in a small firm they would have you do more writing of briefs and other lawyer type work. However, big law firms can pay up to S80,0000 a year + overtime , especially in California depending on what type of law. Intellectual property paralegals usually get paid a lot. I used to work in HR a few years back for a big law firm. But most of the paralegals I knew were miserable. If you can afford it, become an attorney instead.

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Question by Jilly: About to file for bankruptcy – need more info?
My husband and I are about to sign our bankruptcy paperwork and the paralegal at the attorney’s office advised us to take 99% of the money in our bank accounts out immediately. My questions are: 1) do we need to keep receipts or do something to show where this cash is being spent since it isn’t in our account; 2) I’m guessing they will need a bank statement showing the account balance – how far back will we need to provide statements for? Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by Stealth
Just tell them that you paid off family and friends debt from cash you had borrowed to get by

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