jurisx wrote:Anonymous User wrote:z0rk wrote:I think experience is a big part in setting the salary.
First off, check out the local market salaries for Paralegal I/Jr. Paralegal positions on
http://www.payscale.com and
http://www.salary.com. Show the data to your parents if they need assurance.
I started at a mid-sized firm in a secondary market as a paralegal just over 35k right out of college. I got the job because of some background experience I had interning at law firms, but the fact was I needed training. Any recent graduate needs training, and so the entry level salary must accomodate for that. My billing rate was $120 to start, it got pushed to a higher number as time went on and that increase was also reflected in my compensation. I still earn under 40k baseline salary after working for more than three years, but with overtime I stretch well above that amount (I bill close to 2100 annually). I will be attending law school part-time this fall and I am looking for government paralegal positions. Those opportunities pay around 45-50k and seek more experienced candidates (3+ years at a minimum).
Perhaps you can explain to your parents that you would get paid closer to what they think you deserve, but not as a baseline salary.
Good luck with your search.
Thanks, I checked the data, but data tends to be around 45-50,000 a year for paralegal/jr paralegal/legal secretary positions. I wanted to show the data to them, but it's just fodder for them to say "seee.... you SHOULD be getting paid more".
It's frustrating because I actually declined a few offers (<$10/hr), and I'm about to accept the offer I get, which is ~$25k per year (keep in mind, i am entry-legal with no relevant experience). honestly im just grateful to have
A job in this crappy economy. I have friends who have been looking for full-time positions for over 6+ months (they are doing temp jobs, working at non-related places while looking for actual jobs). and I'd honestly rather have
A job paying 25K a year that is full time, in the legal field, rather than doing odd jobs here and there.
I WANT to take this position honestly. Even if I find a similar legal secretary/entry level paralegal position, honestly the difference would be maybe a few hundred $ a month. That does seem a lot, since it adds up, but... I'd rather sacrifice that few hundred potential gain, rather than have NO job. It's just the rentals giving me pressure/doubt/confusion @_@
just do whats best for you.
I second the notion of doing what is best for you.
Did you check the data for Paralegal/Legal Assistant I (not II or III, just I or Jr.)? 45 is a bit on the high end.
Congratulations on getting an offer. Though it is low, it is still and offer and something to work with. I forget, will you be living at home while working? That could be a major benefit that would allow you to focus on work without the added stressors of rent, etc. Does this 25k job offer overtime? any benefits? weigh the entire package, not just the salary.
My advice if you take this position: Work hard, and try to learn everything you can while on the job. If you work for good people then they will appreciate whatever interest and enthusiasm you bring to the table (so long as its productive). This will be helpful to you in forming a basis and understanding of why you want might eventually want to go to law school. Paralegaling will also be helpful with a small portion of classwork, as you will have some practical examples to pair with much of the theory you need to understand and process.
Ignore all the naysaying on here. It's either spam/trolling, or just rude elitist attitudes. If you ever feel comfortable revealing your identity, I welcome you to send me a private message to discuss your situation more indepth.
Once again, congratulations and good luck!!
EDIT: I accidentally posted this as anonymous, but it's z0rk