I have never been a ‘rule breaker.’ Even as a child if I was told ‘No’ or given an order I wanted to know ‘Why?’ As a mother I taught my sons to abide by house and social ‘rules.’ As a business manager and secretary I had been responsible for many legal issues and I had filled in for our attorney’s secretary on occasion, so I was no stranger to gathering facts and forming a presentable ‘case.’
It wasn’t until my boys had left home that I realized the legal field was where I belonged. I acquired a job in the local law library and signed up for a correspondence course in Paralegal Studies.
The next step was an internship. Again during the course of managing small tourist businesses in the area I had worked with the local police department. Upon the recommendation of an acquaintance I was granted an internship with the department attorney.
By the time I had finished my studies a friend introduced me to a local attorney and after a brief interview I had my first real Legal Secretary job.
I thought I would be called a Paralegal because I got a two year certification, but in a law firm it takes time, determined by the overseeing attorney, before you are classified as a Paralegal. Then he is allowed to bill his clients a separate fee for your services. It is a lot less than his fee so it usually saves the client money, and the attorney a lot of time to devote to duties only he can perform.
If you decide to go this route you will be trained according to the attorney’s needs.
First, you will interview clients, gather sufficient information, and present your findings to the attorney in a manner which will enable him to determine his course of action.
Then, when the attorney feels you are capable of meeting and talking with a client without giving advice, he will have you log every minute of your day. You must keep track of time to the nearest ¼ hour, usually, that you spend on each client’s case, whether preparing documents, making phone calls, or meeting with the client.
Finally, much of your correspondence will go out without the attorney’s review. He will dictate specific work to be done and expect you to do it timely and efficiently.
This makes for a lot of stress for the Paralegal. Mistakes cost the attorney first, then it gets passed down, so you have to protect his reputation and your job at all times.
You must abide by the two most important rules of being in the para-legal position:
Not giving legal advice and,
Keeping all work confidential.
Legal work is exciting, challenging, and ever changing. I love it. If you are clinically minded and a good independent secretary, a Legal Secretary or Paralegal position in a law office may be for you.