I really think that I'd love to become a paralegal, after working in a law office as a secretary for six months.\n\nI have just finished my associate of arts degree...and am going to a university that offers both two and four year paralegal programs.  Which would be the best bet, for the best pay...and so forth.\n\nWill I get more money and be more sought after, if I go for the four yr.?
201727
It depends on where you live.  I was a paralegal for 21 years and in Arkansas (where I live) you don't get much better than a really good legal secretary gets.  I live in a University town and there are too many law students willing to work for low pay so the attorneys around here don't pay much for paralegals.  I'm old enough to have been lucky to only have to  pass a state test (after being a legal secretary several years) and become a paralegal in Arkansas--that has changed now and you must attend a paralegal program.
129306
Hi i am studying in the UK, When i went to a law weekend, when i was 18 i was told that it is best to study up until 18 in the UK as our system is better. Then to study law in the US apparently your universities are better than ours (but the guy was an American professor!)\n\nOn employment i have no comparison, but I'm looking for work experience in the UK and its HARD! The US has a stronger litigation background so there are potentially more jobs as a lawyer there, especially in private client matters (eg. divorce/accident compensation)\n\nHope that helps.
231694
First you want to go to a college for your two year degree in Criminal Justice then onto a University for your 4 year degree in Criminal Justice. Then from there you will want to apply for the FBI school in the East. There is a couple of them. I am currently studying to go into that area of Law. Right now I am going to a college then I will be going into the Navy to take The Judge Advocate General program the Navy Offers. THat is another great place to start if you want to go into Law.. I wish you the best!!
304554
Couple of things:  1)  If you have the inclination, desire, motivation, work ethic and determination to go to law school then by God do it!  Law school is very, very hard.  If you have serious aspirations of attending then don't let anything like this stand in your way.  Even if you weren't allowed to get a license to practice law, the degree opens up many, many doors.  It is probably the most versatile and profitable degree available in America today.  A law degree can launch your career in one of any of a thousand directions.  You don't HAVE TO become a lawyer to take advantage of the degree.\n\n2)  The relony robbery conviction could hamper your chances.  However, if that is the only thing on your record and you've been clean since, then tenacity and the will to succeed will get you into our profession.  Don't let this hold you back.
242225
You sound like you are very marketable.  I got into law school with a BA in Communications.  Law school admissions is not completely focused on the degree you have, but a mix of your GPA, LSAT score, personal statement, work experience, and letters of recommendation.  As far as jobs are concerned, I don't have a paralegal degree, but started working as a real estate paralegal in 2004.\n\nFinding a job is always about chance.  No matter what your degree is in you just have to present yourself well and demonstrate your marketable skills.  Attention to detail is always important in all you do, especially when writing your resume and cover letter.  A first impression is a lasting impression.
595123
I am in the same position right now as you.  I have been a stay at home mom for 7 years now and have put my education on the back burner.  Now that 2 of my children are going to be in school full time it's time to go back and further my education.  I don't want to spend a lot of time going back to school, so instead of going to a regular college I am going to go to a trade school where I will just be learning the Trade and by pass all of the other stuff.  There are a lot of options for getting a degree in less than two years.  Medical assisting, dental assisting, massage therapy, billing insurance and coding, pharmacy technician, x-ray technician, paralegal, court reporting, legal assistant etc.  I hope everything works out for you.  It's tough when your out of school for so long and then go back. You'd be surprised at how much of the basics you forget and have to learn all over again.  It's worth it though to better yourself.  Best of luck!
272692
do you have any secretarial skills?  they help you get a paralegal position.  Also, some employers do not want to hire a person not finished with education.  They expect you will leave them for better job when you finish.
160794
Yes, law school is expensive and the loans do build up.  I know lots of people who are paying off these loans and feel they can't quit a job in law until they pay everything back.\n\nSalaries for first year associates in many firms in LA and NY just rose to $145k.  If you are just going to work for a large law firm, most top 100 firms pay about the same during the first few years.  Later on, the pay scales start to vary.  If you reach partner status, the amount equity partners can obtain differs greatly among firms.\n\nIt's hard to say what the most lucrative areas of law are.  There are a lot of variables, such as what kind of firm you would be working for.  Whether the firm you end up at pays bonuses based on hours billed, etc.  In that case, litigators bill tons of time.  I do transactional work and we typically bill less than litigators.  However, do you really want to be billing over 2400 hours a year?  That's basically living in the office.
555960
You can do it if you're prepared and eager about a few things, like studying for hours each day, and living as a student when others your age are in a different world.  Also accept the fact that not all firms will be open-minded when hiring you, even though by law they are allowed to discriminate.  They'll find loopholes.  Also be prepared for rubbing elbows with people younger than you at school, then possibly later at work.  You may have a boss younger than you.  I am sure you have the life maturity to deal with this, and some employers will be smart enough to appreciate that in you.  I went to law school in my late thirties.  I had a bit of trouble finding work.  I had to adjust to the age gap both at school and at work.  But there is nothing like pursuing your real passion.
253760
I'm in the process of applying to a school right now. The way I feel if your a people person,And love to do hair then yes you can make money! Just stay professional and there are so many avenues you can take! You could teach at a hair chool in the future... you can open your own shop so you wont have to pay commission or booth rent. I don't know that much about it but I live to do hair its my passion I have the desire to learn new things!! Look around SOMEONE IS ALWAYS GOING TO NEED A BEAUTICIAN! I'm looking at going to Dudley's Cosmetology school you may want to try them or Rudy & Kelly!Im in Virginia so there is a great need for someone like me! I am confident Iam going to suceed!
419509
Law is NOT for you.  It's 4 years of undergrad then law school then the bar exams.  After that, most of the next 5 to 10 years is doing research for your law firm or company.  If you don't have the fire, you will get burned yourself.\n\nI suggest that you take a (gasp) liberal arts track for the first two years and explore what sparks your imagination.
415197
The term "paralegal" is actually pretty broad, and covers the spectrum from what is basically an office assistant all the way to someone who handles substantive legal work. \n\nThe more legal education you have, the better your chances of being hired, and the more interesting work you'll eventually end up doing. Generally, most large firms or corporations are going to want someone with at least an Assocaite's degree. If you already have an undergrad degree, many programs will allow you to transfer credits, and do what's effectively a 6-month or one-year program and get another undergrad degree.\n\nAs far as national certifications (CLA) or professional associations (NALA, etc.) those are mainly resume boosters. Local paralegal associations are good for networking, and finding job openings. National associations are good for continuing legal education (required in a few states) and general guidance.\n\nI don't know about BU, but I know that Hesser College has a good paralegal progam based out of the Nashua and Salem (NH) campuses. NALA and the National Federation of Paralegals also list many programs on their websites.\n\nGood luck, and feel free to write if you want any more info.
387757
If you have a chance to get hired at the local bar just go ahead and don't worry about certification, either way most of the income is tips, salary as you probably know is very little with or without the certificate, luck..☺
492121
LCSW will definitely take you farther. What it you decide you want to an executive director of a not-for-profit? Your LCSW is just as good as an MBA in non-profit management. I say being the boss is better than being an underling who is first to get cut when the funding goes. Also try University of Chicago's SSA (Social Service Administration) program with the LCSW option. Good luck!
424945
Perhaps thorugh some phony online scam. And most of those are just enticing you witht he words "degree in one year".\n\nHow many credits do you have now? The best you may hope for in a year is an AA if you work your tail off. BA-BS 2 to 4 years, the lesser if you have a lot of credits already. It at least needs to be a reputable online or campus oriented school. Phoenix online, last I heard, was close to $400 per credit though.
610757
I always thought I was going to become a Dr. and had headed down that path of study. However  after taking a law class in high school (about age 16) I decided law was a profession I could enjoy and do well in. I am currently in 3rd year at law school and am still confident that I have chosen the right path.\nFor me I picked law because it was challenging, logical, allowed for debate/argument and mean in the long-run I can help people (hopefully).\nSorry if this is long-winded and not at all helpful.
423917
You best delete the question and give more specific informations as to ;\nwhat your speciality is.\nwhat you have degrees in(minor and major) \nHow advanced your degree is\nwhat position you are seeking and what type of company.\nAre you lookin For a professional job(lawyer, doctor, engineering, rsearch, teaching ect?\nAre you seeking more in security, and retirement , and security and other benefits and can wait on higher salaries?\nAre you bi-lingual. and can you travel,\n\nThe best time for job searching is about 3 to 6 months before yuo graduate.\nResearch the companies you are interesting in working for. The more you know of them the better you will be able to make a favorable image of you and your knowledge in an interview. A job applicant who knows of the company;s business needs, products, or services has an edge over applicants who have no knowledge of the company.\nHave ready extremely good resumes listing yuor education,(a good grade average all th eway though school lif eis looke don very favorable by high paying companies, It shows good study habits which is good work habits, It shows origanization, and well as a willingnss to work on your own  for self improvement. the way companie see it  is that people who work to self improve their education all though their school years wil work for the comapny with the same zest.).\n\nOn your resume list all work experiences including vilunteer prohjests. It's still experience and I have known people who got good jobs because they started as volunteers geting their experiences.\nGet and maintain on yuor resumes references from any employors, tachers, and college professors, and professional friends such as doctors, business management.\nDecide just wehat you are most interested in and be prepaired to make several moves in your career if you work  for a company, state or the feds.\nFew people stay with one company long these days(10 years is long). If you are mnre worried about security  than federal, state, city or county is your best chance. With a degree in the right thing you have a good shot at a decent title and salary right off.\nBut big bucks ar ehard ot come by.\nUse everything a tyour disposal including the fact that you are female. It's an advantage  under the minority clause. use itr.  I fyou are anyother type minority such as indian, spainish, or black you have the advantage over non minority applicants. It iisn't right but remember women have never been treated right and it;'s payback.