Paralegal roles are normally viewed as a stepping stone for aspiring solicitors to secure a training contract. But for many, working as a paralegal is more than a job, it is a career. Nevertheless, irrespective of what the title of paralegal means to you, it is an extremely competitive industry, with CV Library reporting 4,228 applications for one paralegal vacancy in July 2020.
While in theory paralegals require no formal legal training, many employers are now only seeking candidates who have a minimum of six month’s experience. With such high entry requirements for purported entry-level positions, many applicants are facing a conundrum – or indeed a catch 22 – namely how can you become a paralegal if you require experience to get experience?
Starting out
Despite the over-saturated market, there are still plenty of paralegal positions available especially in comparison to training contracts. Online legal job boards are a good place to start, with LinkedIn Premium Job Insights even detailing how many applicants have already applied. Setting Google alerts is a great way of discovering new openings as soon as they are advertised. I would recommend setting daily alerts at first and keeping the scope very broad (for example, ‘paralegal’ in your geographical region) to maximise results. Yet, it is still easy to miss potential roles, as adverts are often taken down fairly swiftly upon the company being inundated with applicants. Speed is definitely of the essence when applying, but make sure that you thoroughly review your application before submitting nonetheless.
A numbers game
Success is usually a numbers game – the more job applications you complete, the more likely you are to secure an interview. However, there is a balance to be struck between quality and quantity and you must still customise every application. Of course you need not start from scratch each time. Instead develop a basic cover letter template which can be adapted to explain why you feel your skills fit that particular role. If applying in a variety of practice areas or different types of organisations, then prepare a precedent letter for each.
Considering posts in areas of law which you have studied may also improve your chances, as not only can you demonstrate a verifiable interest in the sector, but you will also have the relevant background knowledge to hit the ground running. Remember it is always possible to move into another practice area, once you are more experienced.
Really take the time to consider the transferable skills, such as attention to detail and time management, which you could bring to a paralegal role. Such important competencies can be evidenced through providing concrete examples from non-legal work experience (and even hobbies) during interviews. In short, be prepared to sell the accomplishments you do have to compensate for your lack of legal expertise.
Stepping stones
Paralegal positions vary from employer to employer, with some being admin-based and others being fully fee-earning roles. Therefore job specifications which detail more admin-heavy duties and include operative words such as “ideally” or “preferably” may be more accessible. Keep an open mind and try applying for less competitive legal support roles to get your foot in the door.
Prove your ability by excelling at basic tasks and you may later be entrusted with more complex legal work. Take advantage of internal networking opportunities and speak to paralegals or colleagues who work in your preferred departments. This will not only raise your profile within the firm, but will put you in good stead to hear of new vacancies as they arise.
Keep calm and carry on
So you have set your job alerts, found some exciting paralegal opportunities, have effectively tailored your applications, but are not receiving any interview invitations (or even any responses at all) – what next? Rejections are tough, especially silent rejections, but it is important to continue developing your experience in the meantime. Seek interim solutions, such as part-time paralegal positions or temporary document review work.
Show eagerness though attending legal events or volunteering in advice centres. Utilise any contacts you may have or endeavour to make new connections by building your professional network. Ultimately, there is always going to be an element of right time, right place, but with a bit of perseverance, you will no doubt get there in the end.
Leah Caprani is a trainee solicitor at Buckworths and an executive committee member of the Junior Lawyers Division.
