A buddy of mine just finsihed up a paralegal degree/certificate and has had a lot of trouble finding work. Experience seems to be the key sticking point. Just doing some quick searches myself to help, I am finding that experience is usually desired.
What kinds of jobs are out there for paralegals with no experience? How do you get them?
Perhaps he could get in the door by applying for general office or administrative work in a lawfirm. If he makes sure that they know he is a certified paralegal, they may offer him that job down the line.
Has he looked through the placement office in his paralegal school? I would think that attorneys who look for help through a paralegal school placement office would not be looking for someone with experience.
Also, is it possible that there is some other reason why your buddy is not being hired and “lack of experience” is just an excuse being used? I would think that there is a lot of prejudice against male paralegals.
Anyway, I agree that it may make sense to get in the door through some other job.
If I were a man looking for work as a paralegal, I would first get a process server’s license, which is pretty easy to get. Then I would start calling attorneys and, asking for work as a paralegal but mentioning up front that I’m licensed to serve process. I bet there are a lot of small law offices that would like to have a paralegal who can be used to serve process.
Informed opinions are better found in IMHO. Moved.
samclem GQ moderator
He could look for a legal assistant temp job. There are agencies that specialize in legal temping, and agencies that do ordinary administrative placements also sometimes get legal assistant positions. I’ve had several legal assistant temp positions, and I don’t have any particular training–just good administrative skills. A temp position will allow him to quickly get some real-world experience, and possibly get his foot in the door of a good firm.
If he shows up with a “professional” demeanor and appearance, he should have no problem finding temp work.