Did you see this article available on the ABA journal website. Here is the article, make sure you review the responses and comments from attorneys and paralegals.
http://www.abajournal.com/news/battling_for_scarce_legal_work_associates_vie_for_paralegal_tasks
When one profession has the "full" scope of practice and another has a slice, there will always be this type of banter. Compare and contrast the attorney vs. paralegal arguments with physicians vs. nurses, psychiatrists vs. psychologists, etc.
I functioned somewhere between an associate and a paralegal in a large law firm where I worked as a staff attorney. Was it demeaning? Yes and no, because I was fresh out of law school and I needed the experience and the firm was more interested in my RN training and background than training me as an attorney.
I used the firm to obtain the experience I needed to propel my career forward. I can say this now but I certainly did not feel that way ten years ago. There are all sorts of titles in a law firm, and if you don't like your title, start your own firm. It will be easier to start your own law firm than trying to change someone else's law firm.
Hello,
I have been interested in starting a paralegal service freelance business. It seems like it is possible, but I need to speak with someone like yourself who has both been an attorney and and registred nurse. Your career path was charted by you, congratulations. Hope to hear from you soon.
Lisa Newell
Posted by: Lisa Newell | January 12, 2009 at 07:53 AM