NRSOR: Lawyers come in please! (not asking legal advice)

[abcdefu]

I was going to post this on the 9-5 board, but I know there are a lot of lawyers here so I decided to try here first. Not Really Starting Over Related, but would you hire a paralegal/legal assistant who had over 5 years experience, but in a different state?

I am thinking of moving when my boss retires (he has been practicing over 40 years) so maybe in a few years.

I am thinking about moving out of state to be closer to better healthcare for me and to be closer to my extended family. I am afraid that I won't be hired in my field because I am only familiar with laws in my state. Is that an issue? Should I get a paralegal certificate in the state to which I intend to move?

Any advice is appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[Saint Monica]

1. would you hire a paralegal/legal assistant who had over 5 years experience, but in a different state-----Yes.


2.  I don't believe in paralegal certificates. (lol- I believe that certifications exist I just prefer school of hard knocks).


3.  I don't know about where you are but ime county to county can be really different so you gotta wonder how different things really are. But I get the concern b/c I am considering moving to a different state and I have the same concern that all of a sudden I would go into a courtroom in a different state and just flop over or something lol.

[abcdefu]

Apr 24, 2015 6:57:37 GMT -5 Saint Monica said:

1. would you hire a paralegal/legal assistant who had over 5 years experience, but in a different state-----Yes.


2.  I don't believe in paralegal certificates. (lol- I believe that certifications exist I just prefer school of hard knocks).


3.  I don't know about where you are but ime county to county can be really different so you gotta wonder how different things really are. But I get the concern b/c I am considering moving to a different state and I have the same concern that all of a sudden I would go into a courtroom in a different state and just flop over or something lol.

Awesome! I have a Bachelor's Degree in Law and Justice Studies. I don't have a certificate. I was just wondering if I should get one. Thank you!

[Deleted]

IME, I wouldn't bother with a certificate. I looked for experience vs. certification when hiring at my last firm. Someone who had worked consistently for X years was far more valuable to me than a recent grad with a paralegal certificate.

[jojoandleo]

I agree with other posters. The main thing you care about with paralegals is the experience. They will know you have the ability to deal with attorney BULLSHIT and not quit.

[abcdefu]

Thanks ladies! That makes me feel better! Lol jojoandleo! It's a special talent!