Paralegal Job Description
Paralegal Job Description
Considered working in the legal field as a paralegal? This interview will take you through the ups and downs you can expect in the position, what it takes to land the job, what you can expect to earn and more.
I have worked as a Paralegal practicing Elder Abuse and Medical Malpractice for 2 and a half years. I would describe myself as dedicated, persistent, and studious.
I am known for being Caucasian by skin color; however, I don’t like labels. I am, by nationality, American, and by ethnicity, I am Irish, Scottish, English, German, French, and Cherokee. I am a woman. I am unaware of how being Caucasian has helped or hindered me as a Paralegal. I’m sure others would argue it’s in my favor. I would hope that people would see past this.
The way I would describe what I do (and have always described it this way)– I do everything a lawyer does except give legal advice. I write “meet and confer” letters, answer discovery, propound discovery, notice depositions, analyze case facts, perform legal research, investigate case facts, prepare for depositions, read depositions, and investigate Defendants to ascertain their truthfulness. There are a lot of misconceptions between being a legal secretary and a paralegal as both may be referred to as a “legal assistant.” I routinely carry out paralegal duties as opposed to secretarial duties and prefer the term “paralegal.”
I would rate my job satisfaction at an 8 on a scale of 1 to 10. To unleash my full enthusiasm about my job, I would include more investigation. I love getting into the nitty-gritty of details which is essential for being a paralegal.
I became interested in this line of work because I enjoy law, analysis, and logical reasoning. I would not do anything differently because it has made me who I am today.
I have learned several lessons the hard one. One instance is that once I was asked whether I wanted a CD formatted and when I said, “Yes,” a bill of about $500 quickly followed. I thought the service was free, but since I did not ask, we were billed. I admitted this to the managing attorney and I’m sure that told her I was honest.
The most important thing I’ve learned in the working world that school did not teach me is that persuasion is key when dealing with anyone (from clients, to coworkers, to employers). You have to know how to talk to people and make them see things your way to be truly efficient with your objectives. Another thing I learned is that there really isn’t an “us and them” when comparing Defense counsel with Plaintiffs’ attorneys. They often talk with each other about family life or other matters and there is very little fighting.
The strangest thing that has ever happened to me in this job was when I was working on a small part of an unfamiliar assignment. Because of the small bit of work I had done, my name was on the document, and a judge called me. I had forgotten my name was on this document and could not place why this judge would call me. It was cleared up once she spoke with the attorney. There was another instance where I was reviewing discovery documents and found two recipes: one for potato leek soup and the other for spiced pumpkin soup. It was included in the “meet and confer.”
I get up and go to work each day to provide for my family and because I can honestly say that I love what I do. I know I am making a difference; helping to right a wrong. Our cases are confidential but I have personally caught Defense counsel in a blatant lie; thereby, aiding our ability to discover information in discovery. I also found out a nurse’s name that was key to a case by searching through 40 plus binders of employee folders in addition to other resources. Her name was essential in noticing her deposition and getting to the heart of the case.
When I have days where I want to quit, it is not because of the work itself, it is because of people. People in the form of fellow employees, rather than clients. Usually, it is the clients who make your day. I have had a few unruly clients, but when you consider their circumstances and what they’re dealing with, it’s very understandable.
At times, being a paralegal is extremely stressful. You have deadlines that cannot be blown no matter what. That means working late, working early, and not getting to be with your family sometimes. Being a paralegal is not for everyone. However, if you can work early rather than later, you will be able to spend more time with your family. In addition, planning ahead, as with any profession, greatly allows for more flexibility.
A rough salary range for the position I hold is $40-50,000. For my lifestyle, it’s enough to meet my major commitments (mortgage, insurance, etc.); however, to pay for Starbucks coffees, you may want to bring in a bit of extra income.
At my company, I have 2 weeks of vacation. Being a paralegal is different from other professions. Reason being that paralegals are, for the most part, the “last stop,” meaning they can’t simply give their work back to the lawyer. There is a reason they gave it to you in the first place. Chances are there aren’t other paralegals to share your work or they’re too busy doing their own. Finally, being a paralegal means having hard and fast deadlines. The work simply can’t be done later on. There are major problems if the work isn’t completed on-time. For all of these reasons, taking a vacation becomes nearly impossible at times. You really have to plan, plan, plan ahead. For me, 2 weeks of vacation is enough, unless I want to go to India, for example, in which case I’d need a month.
The education and skills required to become a paralegal varies. Some go to school and get certified; however, some merely apply for the job and are trained. Each state varies in its regulations. California mandates certain requirements according to the Business and Professions Code.
It’s tough being a paralegal; you have to be on your toes and prioritize on a daily basis as there are many “fires” to put out and the present “fires” are ever-changing. You can overcome this with diligence. However, you go to great lengths at times putting out a fire that was never necessary because the situation changed. You expend all of this energy and are left exhausted.
If I could write my own ticket, in five years I’d be at home with my children with my own business advocating Christians’ rights and spreading the truth about Christianity. A lot of people have been hurt by churches or so-called Christians, and a lot of Christians are being hurt and censored by those who do not know about Jesus. I seek to be truly instrumental to the masses for God’s glory.
This is a true career story as told to JustJobs.com and is one of many interviews with people who work in the legal and penal system, including a Lead Criminal Attorney and a Jailhouse Teacher, and more!
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