Filthy Casual for Life

This is an interesting prompt. I do feel like it is geared more toward the young adult, though. I am already working in my career path and have no plans on changing careers any time soon. So, rather than write about a career plan, I’ll write about my current career and the path I took to get here.

I am a commercial construction litigation paralegal, e-Discovery manager, and arbitration case manager. I support four attorneys.

What made you decide to become a paralegal? I have my divorce to thank for my career path. After my ex-husband had an affair, I immediately gathered all of my documents and put them into a folder for the attorney. I made an appointment that afternoon. I handed him my folder and he looked at me with a serious face and asked, “Do you want a job?”

I was speechless. He then followed up with, “Have you considered paralegal work? I think you’re cut out for it.”

And, that is where my career path began. I moved back to Texas from Washington state. The local community college had a paralegal associate’s program. I graduated a year and a half later. I was hired as a paid intern before I graduated and upon graduation, I was offered a full-time position. I’ve been working for the same law firm for 15.5 years.

Do you have plans to change careers? Put simply, I don’t think it is in my current hand of cards. I recently graduated with another associate’s degree and a bachelor’s degree. Both are tailored toward my career as a paralegal. I bet there are other career paths that my education would support, but the intention was, and is, to remain a paralegal.

That being said, there are always obstacles in everyone’s road. Many of my paralegal friends lost their jobs during the Pandemic. That is what prompted me to go back to school to finish a couple of degrees. I am prepared for a career change, if needed.

What about you? What do you do and how did you get there?