You have decided that a position as a legal assistant (paralegal) would suit you well. But starting to hunt for a paralegal job can still be intimidating, especially when you are completely new to the legal industry.
Here is where to begin:
- Earn a paralegal qualification from an industry-recognised institution. You need to set yourself up for success, and that starts with your education. Gawie Le Roux Institute of Law has the best conveyancing course for legal assistants, a certification that reflects a commitment to ethics & professionalism. It also demonstrates proficiency in procedural and substantive law. The Institute recently launched other high-quality paralegal training such as Civil litigation and Debt collection.
- When trying to land your first paralegal job, don’t expect to start off in your dream job making great money. Often the best way to get your foot in the door and gain experience comes from working your way up from the bottom.
- Stick to what you know and keep an open mind when applying for vacancies. Apply for jobs in the field you have studied. During the recruitment process, make sure you use your studies to explain why you want to become a paralegal in a particular field. It would be beneficial to gain as much knowledge as possible by regularly attending webinars and staying informed with new developments in your field.
- Network with other paralegals. Networking is a great way to find entry-level paralegal jobs. Networking with peers often leads to learning about job opportunities in the legal marketplace. Social networking also provides an opportunity for legal recruiters, and HR managers at law firms to search for worthy candidates by reviewing your online CV. Keep your LinkedIn profile up to date.
- Draft a great paralegal CV. Shy away from advice to make your CV non-traditional. A common font on a light background will convey a more appropriate image. Make sure that both your CV and cover letter are thoroughly proofread and contain no grammatical or punctuation errors. The prospective employer will be able to quickly identify whether you have the right skills and attributes for the job you are applying for. On average, recruiters spend seconds reading a CV, so it is important to put the most relevant information at the top. Convey that you are eager to learn.
- Many firms are increasingly using industry-specific recruitment agencies to find employees, so make sure you sign up with legal recruiters. Education is one thing, but most employers are looking for experience as well. Many paralegals, especially those new to the market, are concerned about how to find the necessary experience as a paralegal. There are a number of ways to gain experience as a paralegal, including getting a job with a law firm as a file clerk, receptionist, typist, secretary, or any position that could lead to a position as a paralegal.
- An industry-recognised qualification is preferred by employers. Organisation skills, attention to detail, flexibility, coping with stress and having excellent people and management skills, are all skills that make a successful paralegal. Once you have an interview, do your homework and learn as much as you can about the position and then present yourself as a self-confident professional who is the right candidate for the job.
- How do you convince the attorney or HR professional who is interviewing you that you are the best candidate for the position, even if you have no experience? My advice for the first-time “newbie” paralegal, would be to expect anything – including nothing.
They will be interested in your education, past work experience, and particulars that will make you fit in well at the firm.
- Answer interview questions honestly and maintain eye contact with the interviewer.
- Do not bring your cell phone to the interview, or shut it off.
- Even if the law firm has a casual work atmosphere, dress formally for the interview.
- A positive attitude and a gracious smile will be remembered.
Never burn bridges and be respectful of current and previous work colleagues. Negativity spreads quickly and it may end up being communicated to a potential employer.
Being a paralegal is a great career. Legal secretaries (paralegals) are the soul and energy of a law firm and you should take pride in that.