Expert: Sally A. Kane - 1/28/2009

Question
I am a criminal justice major graduate with a bachelors degree.  I have always wanted to be a paralegal, legal assistant, or even a legal secretary.  However, I have been unable to find a job because I lack the experience, but cannot get a job to get the experience.  No one seems to have any answers as to whether I fit the requirements.  Is there more training or schooling I must attend first.  Please help me I have a family and I am desperate to begin my career so that I can better provide more for them.
Also when I was attending college I was told that I could also go into a social work career with my criminal justice degree.  Is that true or was I falsly informed?

Answer
Hi Krystin,

A bachelor's degree in criminal justice is a great foundation for a career as a paralegal.  However, many employers also want to see specific training in the paralegal field. I suggest that you obtain a paralegal certificate to compliment your bachelor's degree.  Paralegal certificate programs range from several months to several years in length and some can be completed online.

For detailed information on paralegal education, see:  
http://legalcareers.about.com/od/educationandtraining/a/paralegalprogra.htm

Information about online paralegal programs can be found at:
http://legalcareers.about.com/od/educationandtraining/a/distancelearn.htm

In the meantime, there are several ways you can jumpstart your career and get experience.  You might try temp work or even a part-time job with a law firm as a file clerk or court messenger to get your foot in the door.  For more ideas, see:  http://legalcareers.about.com/od/jobsearch/a/Test.htm


Hope this is helpful!
Sally A. Kane, Esq.
http://legalcareers.about.com/