When I first stepped into the legal world, my resume was as blank as a fresh sheet of paper. Despite this, I knew I had to start somewhere. I began my journey by accepting a job as a legal assistant/receptionist that offered a lower salary than I had hoped for $13/hour (yep!). However, this was a strategic move to gain the much-needed experience that would be my stepping stone to better opportunities.
Getting your foot in the door is often the hardest part of starting your career. It’s essential to be open to positions that may not pay as well initially, especially if they offer the chance to learn and grow professionally. In my case, the lower salary was a temporary trade-off for the valuable experience I gained.

Strategies to help you land a job, even if you don’t have experience:

Leverage Your Network: Connections can lead to opportunities that you might not find in job postings. Let your network know you’re looking for a job, and don’t hesitate to ask for referrals. This can be done through resources such as LinkedIn and other social media platforms. 

Focus on Your Transferable Skills: Highlight skills from other areas of your life that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. For example, attention to detail, time management, communication, and problem-solving are valuable in almost any job as a paralegal/legal assistant. 

Gain Experience Through Internships or Volunteering: These can provide hands-on experience and can sometimes lead to a full-time position. 

Consider Further Education or Certifications: Additional training in your area of law can make you a more attractive candidate. I would recommend this AFTER you try out your position and make sure that’s the area of law and/or career you wish to pursue. You can also consider law school, but that’s for another blog.

Start with Entry-Level Positions: (such as legal assistant or receptionist) These roles are often more open to individuals without experience and can be a great way to get started.

Be Willing to Learn: Show potential employers that you’re eager to learn and adapt. This attitude can sometimes outweigh a lack of experience.

Customize Your Application: Tailor your resume and cover letter for each job application to showcase how your unique background makes you a good fit for the position. It sounds like a lot of work, but it must be done, sorry. The same goes for law school applications. 

Prepare for Interviews: Research common interview questions law firms ask and practice your responses. Demonstrating your knowledge about the firm or area of law you’re trying to get into can make a strong impression.

After some time in my initial role (about 3 years with annual raises of course), I began to seek new opportunities that matched the skills and experience I had accumulated. With perseverance, I eventually landed a job that not only met my salary expectations but also offered a more fulfilling career path.