2 replies to this topic

[DrumsRLRL]

Mr. Reape:

Could you give us an idea of a salary range for a California Certified Paralegal in the Family Law area (from say entry level to very experienced)?

Also, could you comment on the demand (or lack of demand) in this area?

Finally, any thoughts in terms of skills, traits, qualities, etc. your firm looks for when hiring.

Thank you in advance! -Mark

[Jim Reape]

I do not have any data specifically related to Family Law. I would surmise that the range will vary greatly from firm to firm and city to city throughout the state. The demographics within any given office is going to be pegged to the demographics of the community where the practice is located and then often times further geared to serve a certain segment of that market. For a market like LA you have lawyers and firms that are able to assist families with very modest means to firms that routinely handle marital estates in the hundreds of millions to billions of dollars. The income within those firms is going to vary greatly.
Some national figures I have from 2006 show that entry level paralegals may only make about $25,000 at a small firm to $30,000- $35,000 at a large firm. To translate the national figures to a regional market like LA or SF take the number and multiply it by 1.25.
With experience and being in the role of a senior or supervising paralegal the income varies form about $40,000 to about $75,000 again depending upon the size of the firm. These figures too have to be adjusted for major markets by once again multiplying them by 1.25.
We have home grown so to say many of our staff. In other words they mat tend to come to the office while still in school and work into certified paralegal and or lawyer positions. We look for a strong desire to work in this area of the law, excellent analytical ability and writing skills and a very calm temperament so that they can assist a client in being part of the solution and not part of the problem. We have also developed a firm Mission Statement that reflects why we choose to gather here daily and do what we do. One really has to embrace that to make it here. We picture ourselves as a major league team and you have to be able to perform at a professional level to be on the team.

[DrumsRLRL]

I have been wqorking (actually I usually reword and state that "I am employed by the government") for the government way too long. Comparatively high salary - with very few expectations.

Thank you for taking the time to respond and the insight.