In this episode, Ann Pearson speaks with Amy Elder. Amy shares her journey from being a file opener to becoming a paralegal at a mid-size Atlanta firm specializing in workers' compensation. She discusses how she landed the job and quickly progressed in her role by expressing her passion for the legal field and continuously seeking more responsibilities. Amy emphasizes the importance of having supportive mentors and colleagues who believe in your abilities and encourage personal and professional growth. She also highlights the satisfaction she finds in being a paralegal and explains why she decided to forego her initial plan of attending law school.

Throughout the conversation, Amy's enthusiasm for her work and the firm she works for is evident. She appreciates the support and recognition she receives from her attorneys and credits their guidance for her success. Amy encourages new paralegals to ask questions, seek out challenges, and surround themselves with people who push them to become better. Despite starting her career with doubts and insecurities, Amy's journey showcases the transformative power of mentorship and self-belief in carving a fulfilling and rewarding path in the paralegal profession.

 

Key Takeaways:

1. Pursuing a paralegal career without a paralegal certificate is possible.
2. It's important to maintain a close relationship with employers and expressing long-term career goals.
3. Assess your passion and enjoyment for your current role before considering further education or career transitions.
4. Receiving appreciation and recognition can boost your confidence and motivation.
5. Attorneys that challeng your thinking and push you to better yourself contribute to personal and professional growth.
6. Find someone, whether a supervisor, coworker, or friend, who can provide support and encouragement in career development.

Are you a paralegal who wants to skip the learning curve and kickstart your career?

The Paralegal Boot Camp offers online courses to fast-track your paralegal career, including a course on how to master your attention to detail. View our course offerings.  

https://paralegal-bootcamp.thinkific.com.

For more resources, visit our podcast page and blog.