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I have been in and out of the legal field over the years. I started as a paralegal back in the early 1970s and worked in Florida and Washington, D.C. until 1977. I married a man who went into the military and we were assigned to Germany for three years and I had our son. I worked as an independent contractor in Germany and did volunteer work as well. I'm an artist. I spent many years in arts administration and then worked at home concentrating on raising our son. I went back to work as a paralegal in 1990 in Florida after my husband left the service and then went part-time in 1995 to open my own art business. My husband fell off a roof and I've had to work full-time to support the family ever since. I'm glad I had the skills and knowledge to do both careers but it is difficult to switch from that which pays well to that which drives the soul. You might know that I have always preferred art over law but have found it easier to support myself in the legal field. It might be easier to stay in the legal world - to go from paralegal to lawyer - I've had many offers from lawyers to pay my way through law school if I would make the commitment to work for them afterward for x number of years. I have always turned down the opportunity because I lack the same passion for law that I do for art.
I admire your passion and drive to do what fuels your soul. It's hard to make the decision your faced with because you have to look out for your families financial stability. I don't know what field of law you're currently in but maybe you could pursue law school and become an attorney at an art gallery or non profit arts organization that way you could mesh the two. The possibilities are endless as you don't have to be an attorney who works in the traditional law office...
I've actually been trying to get my foot in the door of a law firm as I've obtained my A.A.S in Paralegal Studies and have 1 semester remaining to obtain my B.S. in Legal Studies. I've joined Paralegal Associations in hopes of networking to no avail. I'm a hard worker but I wish some of my educational courses focused on the actual Paralegal Networking process. I've ultimately decided that I will probably obtain a position that requires the skill of a Paralegal but not necessarily the title. I'm just going to keep jumping from branch to branch until I get to the top...If anyone has suggestions please advise.
Heartfelt compassion for Karen Rae and Sarchie. I've been there in many ways and here's my quick story. I received my paralegal diploma in 1986 and worked 10 years as a litigation paralegal. Many interesting cases later (along with good pay), I felt burned out and unfulfilled after all those years. I too am an artist and creative-type. I'm also very entrepreneurial and always had some side hobby going while working as a paralegal and raising kids by myself. For Sarchie, I recommend signing up with a temporary or legal placement agency. They are already tapped-into the law firms in your area and can usually get you working on a project within 2 weeks. Karen Rae, law firms do pay more than working on your own. I initially worked on paralegal temp projects while doing my legal marketing and public relations business. I now have over 10 years experience in executive and lawyer publicity. I get to use my creativity as well as my knowledge of the legal field. I also kept up with legal technology. I can create web sites, place online ads, blogs, and all kinds of multimedia and seminars. Lawyers are always looking for ways to get publicity. You can work as an events/seminar planner, and a speaking coach, graphic artist, or as a writer. As firms continue to grow their marketing departments, I see the need for paralegals with that creativity to take the leap! Good luck.
I'm curious how many mortgage loan underwriters have made the change to Paralegal, as I did? I will be continuing on to receive my degree in Paralegal studies, but once I receive my certificate, I'd like to know how to present myself to get through the front door. I currently do not work as a legal secretary or a paralegal - I'm just biding my time.
www.lawcrossing.com is a wonderful site to visit if you are looking for legal positions that may be available. Not only can you find position postings for attorneys, but also for law students.