Anonymous wrote:G'town U and GWU have paralegal programs. I would ask the hiring folks at a few big firms though in hr whether such a degree is even needed.

It depends on the state. An expensive paralegal degree or certificate is not necessary, there are many affordable colleges. No. Virginia Community College and Marymount in Arlington both have ABA approved programs. Starting salary can be low, so why go to an expensive program? You have to be hard working and competent. Currently you are competing with law school grads for positions. I've seen paralegals run circles around baby JDs.

G'town U and GWU have paralegal programs. I would ask the hiring folks at a few big firms though in hr whether such a degree is even needed.

I've always worked in corporate legal departments. Very little stress, 9-5 type hours, salaried, with bonus. I've never had difficulties finding a new job (military spouse).

BA Business Admin with law concentration
AS in Paralegal Studies- ABA approved, in California
NALA (National Assocation of Legal Assistants) Certified - nationwide certification, testing 7 areas of law
Currently finishing my MBA & MS in Contracts

OP here - thanks, PP! Your post was very helpful.

Anyone else?

I am a paralegal. I have a degree in Education (B.A.) and in Legal Studies (B.S.). I did not do the certification because none of the firms I worked for required it.

The stress level is completely dependent on the type of practice. When I was a litigation paralegal I worked long hours- 50 hours a week was typical. 60+ was not unusual leading up to a big trial. It could be very stressful, but I loved it! It was not family friendly at all. But it was very challenging and in many ways fun!

I worked for a smaller firm after we moved. The attorneys were trial lawyers (primarily criminal defense, family law, and personal injury), but the job wasn't nearly as intense. Unless we were in court, I set my own hours. I spent a lot of my time doing investigative work. I learned more about the law in that small firm than I did anyplace else.

We moved again and I worked for a consumer law firm. The hours were very straightforward. 9-5 every day. Very rarely did I need to stay later. There was a little stress involved simply because of the huge caseload and insane amount of court filings required for each case. But it was certainly manageable. The downside was that the work could be tedious and mind-numbingly boring.

I now work in our County Legal Aid office. I love it! I feel like I am truly helping people here.

I'd be interested in hearing how you feel about your job and whether there is a lot of stress and overtime involved, especially for those who work for smaller, suburban law firms. Also, do the certificate programs from local universities and/or community colleges provide you a good knowledge base? Which programs are the most well-regarded?

Thanks!