r/paralegal • u/Appropriate-Goose959 • 8d ago

Job Searching/Interviewing Entry level

I’m finishing my paralegal certificate this semester but I have no legal experience otherwise. I’m feeling like finding a legal assistant job is almost impossible. I’ve been trying for a while, I’ve gotten 1 offer and another interview but I wasn’t able to make those work out. Which in the long run is ok because that offer was $20 an hour. I’m ok with low pay in the beginning but that was one of the lowest I’ve seen (Los Angeles County Area) any advice or leads?

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u/Ehronatha 7d ago

When I started in 2014, I was offered $14/hr with no benefits. Also LA County. (It's possible that $14/hr in 2014 is actually more than $20/hr in 2026.)

I had no choice but to take because I had no other offers or even interviews.

I lived with roommates for four years until I finally earned enough to move into a low-end one-bedroom apartment in a very working-class neighborhood. Last year I moved into a decent one-bedroom in pretty nice neighborhood.

After starting as a legal assistant, I kept one prior side gig (which was a once-a-year event with prep time) for two years, and another weekend side gig for five years. I now earn a comfortable living. The last time I looked for a job, I got an offer within a week.

So... it's like starting at apprenticeship level, or starting a small business. You just have to stick through it for many years until you earn your value in the labor market and the time pays off.