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curious 1 *
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| 05/02/2008 10:51 AM |
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I will be starting an internship this fall, and have interviews with both a private (one lawyer, I think) law firm which pays $10. per hour (so, I *might* be able to pay for gas to get there...*lol*) and with the local legal aid society, among others. (I'm not sure if this one pays or not, or if any government internship pays paralegals).
What are the pro's and con's of each one?
Is government work as boring as it sounds?
Is it as secure as people make it out to be?
Does a paralegal generally make more in the private or the government sector?
Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts and your knowledge!
~Christina
p.s. I am in Louisville, KY, if that makes a difference. |
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JR
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| 05/02/2008 11:00 AM |
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I dunno what pays more in KY, but here in Louisiana....there is a high demand for State jobs of all types because of the job security. People happily trade a buck or two an hour and some posh space with hoity toity people for the sick leave, vacation leave, time off, and secure job of being a Civil Servant!
Also....very glad I have a job lined up for post grad! |
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LyfeStyle *
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| 05/02/2008 11:38 AM |
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C1,
In General private pays more because, in some cases you can make overtime. However, (and this is a big however), what kind of life style do you want??? I live in L.A. so in private practice you work long hours and weekends (this includes holidays) and hang out with other pararlegals and attorneys for drinks and dinner, which is much better for the younger paralegals who are in search for experience and cash. (but it is work work work)
Government offers a Monday-Friday 9-5 job with pretty good benefits but more important time during the week with your family and weekends off. Better for paralegals with families or other side careers.
I hope this helps!! My 2 cents! |
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Curious1 *
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| 05/02/2008 03:25 PM |
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Both replies have been very helpful.
I do have family, and am living with a doctor/professor who is always home by 4:40 so it seems to me that government is the way to go. Plus, I kind of like to go in, get my job done, and leave. I really don't want to continually bring stuff home with me, unless it is very worth my while.
Are government internships generally paid or unpaid? If I do take a government job, would I be better off (financially) at the courthouse or da's office rather than working for the legal aid society? (I have a feeling I would be)
Thanks again for your well thought-out responses!
Have a great weekend!
~Christina |
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Lyfestyle... *
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| 05/02/2008 04:03 PM |
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Government interships general are unpaid....it's hard enough to ge a paid position...most legal aid societies run on a shoestring. The courthouse would be your best bet. |
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Kim *
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KYParalegal *
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| 08/25/2008 01:22 PM |
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Curious1, I also work as a paralegal in the state of KY. I can tell you that you will almost undoubtedly make more money in the private sector (although actual state employees are paid fairly well; I am a county employee and the pay is not so great!). However, as other members have pointed out, the government job is most likely the way to go if you want to have free time outside of the office. The benefits are also amazing!!
As far as whether or not your internship will be paid, I wouldn't count on it. Of course, as you may or may not know, every county in this state is different, but I work in the second-largest county, and the interns are not paid for their work here.
Good luck!!! |
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