I am currently in paralegal school in Metro Detroit Michigan. I would like to start looking for a job as a paralegal but I am not sure how to start going about it. What should I do or how should I start my search. Thanks for all your help!
Law & Legal - 5 Answers
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1
Check with some of the law firms in your area, see if they have an intern program for people who are in paralegal school. Some will allow you to gain a bit of experience and work on a part time basis. You would not get much pay but the experience would be good and if they are pleased with your work you might have an opportunity to work there once your training is complete.
2
The paralegal school you are attending should be helping you with this. There are very few available jobs in this vocational field. This is a rapidly, shrinking vocational field. An unpaid internship is all you will be able to find. The DOW may be on the rise, but jobs are not there. The field of Law has not recovered, and will not for some time. If you don't believe me, just do a search here on Y/A to see what other posters are saying about the status of the field of Law.
3
Find your local paralegal association. They usually have job banks available to members. Even if you don't want to join, try attending one meeting and networking. Since you are still a student, try internships. Draft a resume with the courses you are currently taking and courses you've completed and start pounding the dirt. You may get lucky and find a paid internship. Check out your state's legal aid department/DA's office/child support enforcement etc. They often take on interns.
4
I'm also in Michigan and i'll be finish with my paralegal degree this summer. I would just upload your resume on Monster.com and Career Builder and other job sites. Start cold calling. Check company websites. They usually have a career tab with a listing of job openings. Robert Half Legal is a great temp firm that may be able to get you in the door. The jobs are out there. I received a call regarding an interview the other day but turned down the opportunity because it wasn't the best fit. Good luck!
5
Ask your instructors for ideas. Get together a killer resume and send it out to all firms that do the kind of law that you want to work in. If you are willing to do an internship, mention that as well as a regular job in the cover letter. Not all jobs are advertised. Also, check newspaper ads and Craig's list. Join a paralegal association. Go to events that might have lawyers present to meet people. Volunteer at Legal Aid Society or other free/low cost legal clinics to gain real world experience. Ignore mailacco, he confuses lawyer with paralegal and he has a weird obsession that seems to come from inability to find a job as a lawyer.
