Paralegal Virtual Assistant

Newbie here ~

I've been trying to find info an Paralegal VAs but I can't come up with anything on Google or elsewhere.

Does anyone have any experience in working as a Paralegal, what area of work is preferred - real estate, litigation, wills, general practice, and what kind of work is usually contracted out?

Cindi

[Tess]

Hi there
I'm not working in that industry but a number of our members do and I'm sure they'll jump in here shortly.
One of our members, Kate, is a Paralegal VA and also this month's Professional VA Interview, you'll find her related blog here.

[Kerans VA]

Hi Cindi,

Nice to meet you! Tess is right, I am a Paralegal VA. I specialize in real estate conveyancing, but also have some other specialties such as aboriginal law and litigation software support.

I have provided support to law firms in the form of research, data entry, editing, organizational support and database management, to name a few. Were you looking to get into becoming a paralegal or were you looking to use skills you presently have?

[VBP]

I have a Paralegal degree and had a very hard time trying to find work in the coroporate world because I had no prior experience. Upon starting my VA business, my second client was a local attorney who had a solo practice. I was able to utilize my degree - finally! At this time I do not offer those services anymore, but not because of not being able to market myself, I decided to focus on another niche instead.

[VBP]

Newbie here ~

I've been trying to find info an Paralegal VAs but I can't come up with anything on Google or elsewhere.

Does anyone have any experience in working as a Paralegal, what area of work is preferred - real estate, litigation, wills, general practice, and what kind of work is usually contracted out?

Cindi

Were you able to find additional information? I know there are some VA Paralegals that belong to other associations that I belong to.

[EmbracingLife]

I'm a paralegal by degree. I love the foundation it gave me in my education. I chose not to deal with lawyers, my path was not really in decent law firms, so I'm running as fast as I can from lawyers. lol good luck!

Lisa

Hi Ladies ~
You'll also see that I am very passionate about the benefits of online education. After a 20-year break from when I first started college, I received my B.S. degree in Business Administration with a minor in Sociology through accredited online studies while in my 40s. Afterwards, I then went on to complete another A.S. degree in Paralegal Studies, graduating Magna Cum Laude.

I have over 30 years experience working in corporate law, and general practice law. I specialized in real estate conveyance. I also have experience in divorce, probate, wills & trusts and all other aspects. I am a former Notary Public, but gave up my license when my law firm folded, and I had to seek other employment (and pay for it myself). I'm currently employed in the public sector specializing in government affairs, legislation and regulations.

Of course, I'm open to generalized VA positions, as well as legal. I'm not going to strictly limit myself to legal. (Just interested in why PP is 'running from lawyers?....then again, IKWYM sometimes!)

So, any help I can get to try to get started & find clients, I'd appreciate! Point me in the right direction!

[EmbracingLife]

(Just interested in why PP is 'running from lawyers?....then again, IKWYM sometimes!)

I think you mean me. In a nut shell, here is what my career from Ford Motor company litigation to bankruptcy, workers comp, general litigation and family law.

Get those billables done. No bonus for billing out more than the others. What do you mean you can't work until 11:30 PM and come back at 6AM. This isn't how I would write this brief. You have the facts, but I wouldn't write it this way. "Oh and don't forget the coffee". Here is your office, it used to be a closet. "Sorry I bounced your check" (sole practice). "Just tell the judge, I can't be there and get it continued" (I'm a paralegal, not an associate).That lawyer is "MY" boyfriend, don't talk to him about anything!

Hmm... something like that! I wish I could say that some of these were an exaggeration, but it's funny stringed all together huh?

The best jobs I had were internships or non-paid training. I worked with a criminal defense lawyer and a few other co-ops that were really interesting but they were paying me minimum for the school credit.

Lisa

I will graduate in Sept with my bachelor's in Legal studies and am marketing myself towards the law side of things. I like to do the research aspect of it, and know now how to write the briefs and various court papers. I had this great career planned for when I graduate, but unfortunately I will have to put that on hold for a few years.. I've heard it is hard to get a position as a paralegal, but the one's in my area I have talked to have been with their lawyers some time and aren't degreed. They just started as legal secretaries and taught themselves through OJT. I'm hoping for the same! Any tips you guys have that are experienced, I would be glad for!

Thanks,

Shannon

I hear you Lisa. The legal aspects are so interesting & diverse...but the drama within the law office will kill ya! Been there, done that.

"who may I say is calling"? Mary Lou? umm..it's "Mary Lou"...for the umpteemth time today.

Wifey was Mary, but this is "Mary Lou calling"....

I've heard it is hard to get a position as a paralegal, but the one's in my area I have talked to have been with their lawyers some time and aren't degreed. They just started as legal secretaries and taught themselves through OJT. I'm hoping for the same! Any tips you guys have that are experienced, I would be glad for!

Thanks,

Shannon

Even in the public sector, sometimes you have to get your foot in the door & work your way up. School of hard knocks. It's not what you know, it's who you know....very true, happens all the time. Always has, always will. Sorry to say it, but you young gals should get used to it. Network, Network, Network.