Q&A: Is a paralegal career a good choice in Houston, Tx?
August 20, 2011 by Editor
Filed under Current Employment
Question by slkj69: Is a paralegal career a good choice in Houston, Tx?
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!
Best answer:
Answer by larrydaffern
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 ,000 to ,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.
What do you think? Answer below!
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: http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals/directory/home.html
Here’s is a link to a lot of great info about the profession: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm
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.