Blog

By Lesley Neff, M.A. | February 6, 2017

I was at a holiday luncheon this week, with the Indianapolis Paralegal Association, and the guest speaker from a local non-profit was sitting at our table. She asked the group of us why one would choose to be a paralegal; she seemed really interested in the career, trying to decide if it might be right for her daughter.

Stress?
Some say the paralegal profession has a lot of stress. What doesn’t? As my dad always said, “with more stress and responsibility, comes more money.” The bigger your check, the higher your blood pressure. That is just how it usually works, and working in the legal profession is no different. 

Respect?
Some say there is a lack of respect for paralegals. Well, sure, attorneys can be difficult just like any other boss in any industry. It is what it is. Talented paralegals are highly sought after, more now than ever before, and the legal industry is recognizing this more and more. 

Money?
Let’s face it; this is still a career where men and women can make a good salary with good benefits without pursuing a graduate degree and the high debt to income ratio that rides along with it.

Job?
Can you get one? Some claim it’s hard to find a job. Well, it’s not handed to us for free, but there are plenty of opportunities for those who want them. Competent, qualified paralegals are in very high demand and difficult to find. There is an actual shortage, and top firms and companies compete for top talent.

Your choice to become a paralegal depends on a lot of factors, just like any life decision of the slightest bit of importance. It depends on the environment. It depends on the city. It depends on the boss. It depends on the area of specialization. It depends on one's work ethic or lack thereof. It depends on you.