Is a paralegal career a good choice in Houston, Tx?
slkj69 asked:
I am thinking about getting my Bachelors Degree and pursuing a career as a Paralegal and was wondering if this is a good career choice. I am having second thoughts…. Any information that can be given to me regarding this will be greatly appreciated!
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I am thinking about getting my Bachelors Degree and pursuing a career as a Paralegal and was wondering if this is a good career choice. I am having second thoughts…. Any information that can be given to me regarding this will be greatly appreciated!
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July 27th, 2009 at 10:44 am
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From a lawyer in Houston. You do not need a bachelors degree to be a paralegal. None of our paralegals have one. We pay for intelligence and experience. The salary range in our office is from $30,000 to $55,000. Go ahead and get your bachelors degree but, more importantly, start working as a paralegal now. Start at the bottom doing whatever they give you to do and keep asking for more important assignments. You need to type 50+ wpm, be personable and be able to multitask and think quickly.
July 30th, 2009 at 5:25 am
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I agree, you do not need an undergrad degree to be a paralegal. Don’t get me wrong, by all means you can…but it is not necessary. Most paralegals got there by either working their way up the law office ladder or through school. I obtained my associates degree in paralegal studies from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved school. This is the common route. I highly recommend working at a law office while you obtain your degree as a legal secretary, clerk or receptionist. The law office experience will help you land a paralegal job post graduation. Here is the link to ABA approved schools, just click on your state:
Here’s is a link to a lot of great info about the profession:
It is a great career. The pay is not spectacular (especially if you work for the government) but after 3+ years it gets pretty good ($50,000+ per year). I work for the state so I only work M-F, 40 hours a week. But many paralegals in the private sector work well over 40 hours a week and sometimes on the weekends. It can be a high stress job at times. But it is rewarding.
If you have any other questions just e-mail me.