Any Paralegal/Legal Asst. DISers?

[Krisu]

Have been contemplating a career change for awhile now. I've been a nurse for a long time but I don't want to do anything in healthcare. Anyone have any input on this field? There is a Community College fairly close that offers an Associates in this that is also recognized by American Bar Association.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I was a legal assistant right out of college while deciding whether to go to law school. I have since become a contracts administrator. The job was good, the pay was good, the lawyers, well they're lawyers. I worked in a family firm and the wife was a doll, but the husband oh boy. You can PM me any questions you may have.

 

[christineann]

I went to the National Center for Paralegal Training in Atlanta right after college. I am working for a mid sized firm doing insurance defense and enjoy it very much. The pay is pretty good, even in an entry level position. It's pretty interesting, and there is a good job market. Good luck!

 

[Grog]

I have a Friend who went to paralegal school after he got out of college. He has never worked for a law firm so I don't know his opinion on that, but he worked for many years as a deputy clerk at the Texas Supreme Court and now works at one of the Appeals Courts. He really likes what he does.

 

[DocRafiki]

Krisu, being a nurse, you might look into paralegalling (sp?) for a medical malpractice firm. My ex BF was a clerk (law student) in a med mal defense firm and said that nurse paralegals were so valuable... so I would suspect from the way he talked about them that they were in demand and got paid well. Sounds like the way to go if you're a nurse. You can't beat those several thousand $ bonuses when you win a big case, either! (ok so that's more for the plaintiffs, but the defense isn't exactly hurting for money either)

 

[caitycaity]

i have several friends that do this. tha pay is really good, but they often have to work a lot of (paid) overtime, and they often jave to work for lawyers that i would decsribe with a word that wouldn't make it past the filter here.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Originally posted by caitycaity
they often jave to work for lawyers that i would decsribe with a word that wouldn't make it past the filter here.

Yes with the nursing background med mal would be a great fit for you. The firm I worked in was quite diverse for an only two people firm. The husband did med mal, personal injury, corporate and real estate law (and occassionaly whatever hard luck case came along since he really didn't need the money, those he took to try and make case law). The wife did guardianships, probate, wills, trusts and was co-counsel on the med mal cases since she was formerly a nurse. It worked out well. Yes the bonuses were nice, but the hours can be long when gearing up for a big trial, and then often at the last minute they will settle.

Depending on the firm you work for the workload can be diverse there were days that ranged from answering the phones to doing research at the medical library at the university not to mention the usual pleadings, letters, billing, dealing with clients who just show up, etc. With a medium to large firm your tasks won't be so scattered.

Like I said, if you have any specific questions, please PM me.

 

[marlasmom]

At the firm I worked for you would not need paralegal training as such. They would teach you all that. My daughter is also a nurse and wanted to look into it, but I discouraged her. That's her personality and not yours. Yes, when you are gearing up for trial the hours are VERY long - can go all night. And whoever said it is right - lawyers can be - well - lawyers.

You might make inquiries of firms. Obviously medical malpractice and insurance (either side) are where you want to be. It sounds silly, but look in the phone book and read the ads. Let me know if I can be of any help. (BTW I was a paralegal in real estate, pension and employee benefits - no medical stsuff, although what little exposure I had to it I liked.) At some firms paralegals make very good money and at others it's barely minimum wage.

 

[sharbear]

This is a funny thread because I have my degree in legal assisting. I only worked one job in my profession for exactly the reason other people are describing. It's hard work and when you are new (and I was young). I could not handle the constant whacks to my self-esteem.

Maybe being a nurse and older you could handle the high pressure and the constant pressure of not doing the wrong thing.