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Paralegal out of Law School

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 3:27 pm
by mootstar
So I struck at OCI for Big Law, but I still want Big Law. Will Big Law hire me as a paralegal? I don't care about the money - I just want Big Law.

Re: Paralegal out of Law School

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 3:29 pm
by Guchster
lol 8)

try moar.

Re: Paralegal out of Law School

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 3:31 pm
by AffordablePrep
Tcr is that this would kill your odds at ever seuring big law as a lawyer. I'd take a smaller firm. What law school is this, btw?

Re: Paralegal out of Law School

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 3:34 pm
by mootstar
Would a Lawyer working as a paralegal in Big Law be an attractive candidate for Boutique or Mid Size firms?

Re: Paralegal out of Law School

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 3:35 pm
by kennethellenparcell
mootstar wrote:So I struck at OCI for Big Law, but I still want Big Law. Will Big Law hire me as a paralegal? I don't care about the money - I just want Big Law.
As a current big law paralegal, WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE A BIG LAW PARALEGAL?! The pay sucks and personally, there are many, many other things I would rather do for comparable pay.

But to answer your question and based on my limited knowledge of firm hiring practices, I think most firms would consider you overqualified to be a paralegal. Maybe try for a law clerk position at a firm?

Re: Paralegal out of Law School

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 3:39 pm
by mootstar
kennethellenparcell wrote:
mootstar wrote:So I struck at OCI for Big Law, but I still want Big Law. Will Big Law hire me as a paralegal? I don't care about the money - I just want Big Law.
As a current big law paralegal, WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE A BIG LAW PARALEGAL?! The pay sucks and personally, there are many, many other things I would rather do for comparable pay.

But to answer your question and based on my limited knowledge of firm hiring practices, I think most firms would consider you overqualified to be a paralegal. Maybe try for a law clerk position at a firm?
Do you mean "Of Counsel?" As in non-partner track? How do I know which firms have this hiring practice?

Re: Paralegal out of Law School

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 3:49 pm
by kennethellenparcell
mootstar wrote: Do you mean "Of Counsel?" As in non-partner track? How do I know which firms have this hiring practice?
First of all: Disclaimer that I am a 0L. However, I have worked in big law firms, mid-size law firms, and small plaintiff's practices. Take that how you will.

No, I'm not referring to non-partnership track associate positions. Law clerks are one step up from paralegals - they are usually kids who have gone to law school and do some legal research and writing work, at least at my firm. Unfortunately, the clerks at my firm were paralegals before they went to law school and were "promoted" to the clerk position after they started law school.

So, I'm not sure how you would go about finding out which firms do this (maybe mass mail your resume and also ask in your correspondence if there is a law clerk option you can apply for) - just expect that these positions pay much less than summer associate positions - which according to your OP you are ok with.

Re: Paralegal out of Law School

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 3:56 pm
by rad lulz
.

Re: Paralegal out of Law School

Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2012 4:04 pm
by Anonymous User
in many cases the law clerk positions are selective - among law students/graduates who have not passed the bar. they have a decent chance of becoming attorneys once they get their licenses.