Paralegals are in demandParalegals

Bordwell & Associates

"Paralegals are energy cells.  They know

 what needs to be done and they do it."  

 

 

Have Questions? Call us at (949) 724-1466

 or email your question to Bordwell@wedolegal.com

 

Latest 2007 Paralegal Salary Survey

Paralegals are in demand - If you are looking for a new job, call us.  If you are not looking for a job, call us anyway.  

What Clients Look For in a Paralegal 

Writing and Research Skills - Law firms expect the best.  Work at improving your spelling, grammar and writing skills.  If you need help, get it. There are sites on the Internet that will help you.  Proofread everything, twice.  

Attitude, Interest, Enthusiasm, Dedication - Clients search for high-energy paralegals who are upbeat, flexible and capable of asking for projects.    

Computer Knowledge - Learn how to use the Internet and advanced features on software programs.   Most frequently used programs are Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Corel WordPerfect, Summation, Carpe Diem, Westlaw, Nexis-Lexis.  If you need help, visit our Testing and Resource Center.

Communication Skills -  Perfect yours.  You must have a clear understanding of what needs to be done, why you are doing it and when it is due.  No excuses.

Organization - Control your workload. Stay organized, learn to prioritize and be aware of time constraints.  Don't take on so many projects that you miss deadlines. 

Education and Experience - Most large firms require a Bachelor's degree and a paralegal certificate from an ABA-approved paralegal program.  People-related law firms such as personal injury, workers' compensation, immigration, family law and probate firms place more value on your experience and less on the degree.  

Note to legal secretaries:  

  • If you have a paralegal certificate, some firms will waive the Bachelor's degree requirement in recognition of your years of experience as a legal secretary.  

  • If you have a Bachelor's degree but lack the certificate, it's time to go back to school.  It might be easier than you think.  Taking a paralegal class will sharpen your skills and expand your understanding of the law.  

Continuing Education  - Every two years, commencing January 1, 2007, if you are working as a paralegal, you are  required to certify completion of

1.   Four hours of mandatory continuing legal education in legal ethics.

2.   Four hours of mandatory continuing legal education in either general law or in a specialized area of law.

All continuing legal education courses must meet the requirements of Section 6070.  Certification of these continuing education requirements is made with your supervising attorney.

It is your responsible to keep a record of your own certifications.  If the educational criteria is not met, you are in violation of the Business & Professions Code Section 6450(d).

Evaluations - Your value is based on what you know, what you can do, how well you do it, how long it takes you, what it costs the client and what it costs the firm.

Salary - Paralegals stay approximately 5-8 years on the same job.  The highest salaries go to paralegals with advanced degrees or those who have a CLA or CLAS credential.  They also have the highest bill rate.

Billing - Paralegals need to bill three times the amount of their salary for a firm to be profitable:   one-third salary, one-third overhead and one-third firm profit.

Are you profitable?  Enter an equation (no commas) and click "Calculate!" 

Equation for Bill Rate:   Annual Salary *3/Annual Billable Hours = Bill Rate


Equation Result

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Memo to new paralegals

  1. When you start your career you know nothing, even though you think you know everything. 

  2. There is no such thing as a forty-hour work week.

  3. Always have an attorney supervise your work.

  4. Respect the experienced paralegal; one day you will have that job.  

  5. Have fun.  "Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional." Source Unknown

 

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