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| *Ostroff, Fair and Company>>>Law & Legal |
I have been employed with my company as an Escrow Assistant for almost 6 years now..? |
..right now, the market is really bad and layoffs have been taking place left and right. Fourtunately, I have been lucky enough to keep my job - but not sure as to how long. My boss mentioned to me that I might want to keep my options open. Here's my question: I was browsing the classifieds, and noticed that a position as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant is currently available at a law firm (that just so happens to be in the same building as I currently work). I pass all the employees on a day to day basis and chit chat with them on occasion. I'm thinking about asking about this position - but not quite sure if they will laugh in my face (due to lack of legal background training, etc.) DO ALL PARALEGAL/LEGAL ASSISTANTS have intensive training to work in this field? It really varies by the law firm. I suspect that if you've done six years as an escrow assistant, you probably know enough to do the job. What they will want to hear, though, is that you realize that not everyone does things the same way, and that you are willing to UNLEARN some of the things you have been taught. You certainly should know enough to do the job. The question is whether you can learn to do it a different way. Not intensive but Legal background must be present. All the paralegals where I work are great and they have extensive knowledge. Unless the position is more administrative where you enter time and you're an attorneys assistant. Work at a Law Firm. I work in the mortgage biz too and I truly understand what you are feeling - I say what do you really have to loose ? Ask if they are hiring ! when you started the job you work at now you didn't know the things you do now .....if they aren't hiring then you are in no different situation then you are now - so try ! Yes, they do have legal experience and education. There are some that might train, maybe you have a good chance because you know the people, but I have never seen any that do that. There are schools to get your certification on that out there also. My first job fresh out of college was as a paralegal and I had no formal legal background. As others posted it really depends on the organization and what they are looking for. I would certainly inquire about the job. You have nothing to lose. |
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