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az2
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| Joined: | Mon Nov 30th, 2009 |
| Location: | Tempe, Arizona USA |
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Posted: Tue Dec 1st, 2009 01:17 am |
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I'm a 25-year veteran of computer programming who is entering a semi-retired stage of life (after being laid off), and considering a change.
I can attend a 10-month paralegal certificate program at Phoenix College (ABA approved, regionally accredited, part of the Maricopa County college district.).
I've been reading anything I can find about paralegal work. I think it would appeal to me because I'm detail-oriented, methodical (from programming), organized, and always enjoyed philosophy (subtle abstract concepts which legal decisions are based upon).
I haven't been able to get a clear handle on the following questions:
1. I have no degree (it wasn't necessary 25 years ago when I got into computers). Will a certificate only (no other degree) be a negative?
2. Being fed up with corporate office environments, are there many opportunities in more relaxed environments?
... - Community legal aid centers?
... - Local do-it-yourself ("why pay a lawyer") legal services?
... - Contract (project based) work to local, small firms? I live near a university law library.
Keep in mind that I'm not looking to get rich. Just stay busy, help others, make a difference, etc. The last thing I want to do is commute to downtown Phx (where I imagine most law firms are) for a typical "job." I want to do something a bit different.
3. I read that legal functions are increasingly subject to offshoring. I've seen how that affected my career in IT over the past 12 years. Do you see something similar unfolding for paralegals?
I'm debating between paralegal or a quick-and-dirty pharmacy tech certificate. Not as professional or challenging. But, less education, casual, plentiful, local and not moving to Bombay. (smile)
Thanks!
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JHarlanAtty
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| Joined: | Wed Mar 2nd, 2005 |
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Posted: Wed Dec 2nd, 2009 01:23 am |
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go for paralegal. It will be much more intellectually fulfilling and ultimately more rewarding than a pharmacy tech position. The ten month program at Phoenix is probably good insofar as it is regionally accredited. Or you may consider an online regionally accredited school such as Maryland or Washington Online (WOLI). Good luck in your career.
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paralegaldegreesonline
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Posted: Thu Jan 7th, 2010 09:31 pm |
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| I think you should go paralegal. Paralegal is not unlike programming, it does require attention to detail and organization skills help a lot. On the other hand, it is not a typical "job" (which is what you mentioned you want to avoid). Paralegal career, although not the easiest to get started in (although what IS easy these days?) is rather fulfilling because there are so many different industries you can go into being a paralegal (corporate work and small-firm immigration work come to mind as examples of diametrically opposite from each other). Besides, being a paralegal, especially a brand-new one, you can choose the environment, in which you want to work (again, there is a lot to choose from between government work and 1-lawyer criminal law firm). Whatever you decide to go with though, best of luck!
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jminniti
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| Joined: | Tue Jan 26th, 2010 |
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Posted: Wed Jan 27th, 2010 02:04 am |
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Hi - I just joined this group and I, too, am thinking of changing careers and becoming a Paralegal. I do have a BA, and I'm planning on attending SFSU as it has an ABA approved program. I also hope to earn a Certificate after I complete the classes.
I've sent out queries to "craigslist- land" and have had positive feedback that, yes, even in one's late 40's and early 50's, it's not too late to begin a career as a Paralegal - this from both Paralegals and a long-practicing Attorney....
...And, I, too, am concerned that most job-postings all mention "experience", but rarely mention one's education or certification under "job requirements", so I'm not sure if investing in the Certificate is worth it, but I think I'll go for it anyway as an additional "feather in my hat". It can't hurt in this job market - although by the time I've completed school, almost two years will have past.
What I would be very interested in hearing is "The Good...The Bad...and The Ugly" part of choosing a Paralegal Career...any responses? (Be honest!)
Thanks
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JHarlanAtty
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Posted: Wed Jan 27th, 2010 11:51 am |
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| Well, if you check the Department of Labor, they are saying that paralegal jobs will be in high demand for at least the next decade! Strongly recommended that you attend a regionally accredited school. The so-called "nationally accredited" schools are not considered on the same level as the traditional regionally accredited schools such as Harvard, Yale, and all the better colleges and universities. Good luck!
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