If you’re struggling to find a paralegal role or you’re not sure where to start, this can usually lead to anxiety and stress before you’ve begun your career. For me, it didn’t happen overnight, there were hundreds of applications involved, multiple tears and lots of coffee. If I had equipped myself with the right avenues to take, this would have saved me time and stress. Read on to uncover the six different ways you can find a paralegal role.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a great place to find a paralegal role. Often recruiters will post available positions from their company’s profile on their personal LinkedIn. Watch out for posts that have been shared by your connections and make use of their job section. A useful trick on LinkedIn is that you can see which of your connections are already working at those firms. You can reach out to your connections to ask for tips and advice during the application process. This is a great way to have that extra support and build relationships at your potential future firm. 

Make the most of the firm’s website

There will be times when paralegal roles will not be advertised on any website, other than the firm’s recruitment portal. It is up to you to make the most of the firm’s website to identify the positions they have available. These roles can be easily missed if you continue to look for positions on the same website. At times you may find roles that are advertised outside of the firm's recruitment portal, and then when you are directed to make an application using the firm's portal, you find other available roles. Don't just apply for the first position you see, you never know when a firm will have a more suitable role for you. 

Use recruitment agencies

There are specialist agencies out there that are dedicated to finding you paralegal work, such as FlexLegal. These can be great resources to find temporary legal roles over the summer, during your gap year and before starting your training contract. Recruitment agents will be able to discuss your experiences and refer you to suitable roles to help you get your foot in the door. Set up alerts with recruitment agencies so that you are notified as soon as a suitable role becomes available. This can save you time scrolling through websites to find temporary work. 

Start with a different role

Never be afraid to try a different legal role before applying to become a paralegal. If it’s proving challenging to secure your dream paralegal role, then consider making applications for legal secretary, legal assistant or legal advisor roles. These roles will not only be a stepping stone to a paralegal role, but they will also provide an insight into the work of a paralegal and solicitor. They are usually easier to attain and will help you to develop the skills required for a paralegal role. 

Consider other types of law firms

Don’t ignore opportunities to work at other types of law firms. Let’s face it, if we all look to make applications for larger firms, the competition for each role will increase. High street and niche firms operating under alternative business structures also recruit for paralegals, and fewer people are applying for these roles. 

Demonstrate your passion

Apply for roles that allow you to demonstrate your passion and experience. Any paralegal role you gain can be used as a route towards your training contract or qualification. If, for example, you’ve worked as an estates agent, this can be useful to demonstrate your passion for property law. It’s easy to close yourself off to roles where you don’t believe your experience matches the job description. An opportunity not tried is an opportunity wasted. If you don’t apply for a role then you are reducing your chances of being chosen for a position you may be perfect for.

Finally

I hope these tips will help you to find your first paralegal role. Remember to make the most of every opportunity as no matter what role you take on, it can act as a stepping stone to your future legal career. Good luck!