I am 16 years old, and I have a high school diploma and a paralegal certificate. I've researched this all over online, but I haven't found anything that says that a minor CAN'T be a paralegal or legal assistant (BTW, I live in SW Washington/Portland, OR area). I think the hardest thing would be getting someone to hire me at such a young age... But does anyone out there know if a minor can be employed as a paralegal?
2007-06-22 11:31:49 · 18 answers · asked by funkymonkeyduck 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Law & Legal
I don't see why this would be an issue, like you said getting someone to hire you at such a young age may be a problem.
2007-06-22 11:34:38 · answer #1 · answered by Darkkrystel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are old enough to have a paralegal certificate (I'm guessing that qualifies you to be a paralegal), then you are old enough to work as one. However, I doubt too many people will want to hire you because of your age. You'd probably be better able to get in somewhere if you knew someone who worked in a particular office who could help you get in.
Go ahead and put your resume in wherever you can. It won't hurt to try! You could also go to a particular office and ask to speak with someone about employment there. Once you get to talk to that particular someone, tell them your credentials (paralegal certificate and H.S. diploma), and also tell them that you realize that because of your age, you may not be qualified. Ask if there are any other 'lower' positions they could start you out at (for instance, administration/secretary). If you can prove to them that you are mature and a hard worker, they'll be more incliuned to promote you to paralegal. You must keep in mind however, that because of your age, you can't just be 'good' at the lower level job. Being an 'outstanding' worker at the lower level will give you a better chance to get promoted.
When going somewhere to apply, make sure you DRESS like a professional adult. If you dress and act like a 16 y/o then chances are they won't take you seriously. Don't go in there in an orange jump suit, if you know what I mean. The link below may help you with that.
On a resume, you do not have to provide your birthdate. If you get an interview, straight up tell them that you are 16. Then tell them why you think you are still qualified. Most interviewers like it when you put the skeletons on the table up front. Don't give a great interview and at the last second, "oh by the way I'm 16." Like I mentioned, if they say that you are too young, ask for a lower level position. Tell them why YOU personally would benifit their practice (in any position they can offer you).
I won't lie; this is going to be very hard for you! However, if you play the game right, you just might find yourself where you'd like to be. Good luck to you!
2007-06-22 11:49:37 · answer #2 · answered by Thinking 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would say that since you have a high school diploma and a paralegal certificate that i see no reason other than you age why you should not be a paralegal. the fact you have a high school diploma at 16 says alot about you. you may run into problems for your age but i say GO FOR IT. i'd hire you in a minute. i know of no such law that says you can't. at least nothing i found that says otherwise.
2007-06-22 12:35:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact local attorneys. It depends on the state's law regarding minors to work and on the attorneys in the area willing to hire a teenager. If Oregon has no prohibitions on allowing 16 year olds to work, then your only obstacle will be the legal firms who may not choose to hire a teen.
Apply in a mature manner, dress professionally, but not overdone. Use courteous behavior, state your qualifications accurately. Impress a prospective employer and you will improve your chances. Good luck.
PS. Go to college and law school. If you can achieve this much at 16, you can claim the world.
2007-06-22 11:39:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that's awesome. That's what I want to study also. I don't see why you couldn't be a paralegal as long as you're good at what you do, and the office or firm you were working for was okay with it. Where did you get your paralegal certificate? E-mail me some info?
Hey I got your e-mail. I appreciate that. :)
2007-06-22 11:33:55 · answer #5 · answered by i sharpen 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not sure of the working laws where you live. But here in Texas when age comes into play alot of youth go to workshops that is usually held at the Texas Department of Health Services or the WorkSource (a work source agency affilliated with various companies). I would start there first as they have legal and good advice to start calling potential employers.
BTW...Congrats and Good luck.
2007-06-22 11:37:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Legally, you probably can be hired as a paralegal if you've completed school.
Chances are, you probably won't get hired until you're a little older. Until then, maybe you can be a gofer (go to court house, lawyers offices, etc.)
2007-06-22 11:35:46 · answer #7 · answered by bookworm5767 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there's anything that makes it illegal but I doubt that you have the skills necessary to interpret the law which is a necessity.
The best thing is to go to a local lawyer and ask for the opportunity to try it out over the summer for minimium wage, my guess is that you will get to see what it's all about.
2007-06-22 12:49:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You may want to look in your area or state for an organization like the one that I've linked below. It's for the California paralegals association -- you could contact them, but it may be more relevant for you to look in your state.
2007-06-22 11:36:30 · answer #9 · answered by Shibi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would have problems with the security of someone who is underage to sign a contract looking a legal documents with possibly great consequences for me. But ask the people who gave you the certificate or the state people who issue them.
2007-06-22 11:35:11 · answer #10 · answered by Mike1942f 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋