Question for lawyers/legal assistants about work as a legal assistant

I applied to law schools last year and got in but turned down my acceptance when I found out I was pregnant. There was no way I would be able to work full time (being DH and I just bought our house), go to school and be pregnant at the same time. I am going to be going out on maternity leave in a few months, my is due April 2nd. I was thinking about taking the Paralegal courses offered at Hofstra while I am home with the baby. I do not want to go back to my old job so I intend on quitting anyway. We have enough money saved for me to stay home for a few months. Than I thought after completing the courses I would be able to get a job either P/T or F/T (depending on ) as a paralegal and eventually (years from now) go to law school as I intended.

Do you think it is beneficial to get a Paralegal certificate? It seems from job ads not many law firms want to train a newbie. Just wanted to get your input and advice. Thanks!

Message edited 1/28/2007 4:59:20 PM.

Re: Question for lawyers/legal assistants about work as a legal assistant

I was an attorney at a large NYC firm before I had my DS and I can say that there was a push by the attorneys to hire more paralegals who had aspirations to go on to law school. We had hired a bunch of paralegals straight out of college - people saving for lawschool - and they were fantastic to work with. So I know at some firms they don't care if you have a paralegal certificate. If you explain your situation, and having been accepted into law school, I would think you probably wouldn't need the certificate. Its such hands on training anyway depending on who you are working with. But this is from my very VERY limited experience, and I don't know what the market is like on Long Island either.

Good luck whatever you do!!

Re: Question for lawyers/legal assistants about work as a legal assistant

I'm a Legal Assistant now. My firm does not require a Para Certificate. We hire straight out of college and/or look for people that have long term legal aspirations.

If you need more info let me just send me an FM...