Can lawyers get hired as paralegals?

Question

Since the legal job market is so tight, can lawyers get hired as papalegals in order to stay in the legal industry? Or are they overqualified and thus automatically disqualified?

Answer 1

My experience in the Chicago market is No, although I do not understand why. If a licensed attorney wants to be hired into a law firm and there are no 'attorney' positions open, the common practice here is to hire them in as a law clerk. The licensed attorney/law clerk is then given additional responsibilities such as making simple appearances in court. Actually that is a win/win situation, the attorney gets that basic training which is lacking in law school, and the law firm gets a law clerk who is more knowledgeable and can do more.

I have heard that the reason an attorney is not hired in as a paralegal is due to the specialized training that paralegals get, at least they do in the Chicago area.

Answer 2

I can tell you from experience.

I changed states after being licensed. I couldn't work as an Attorney in the new state until after I got licensed there, but wanted to stay with what I knew, so I looked for jobs with law firms.

It was difficult to get work even as a paralegal since it was pretty likely that I'd pass the Bar exam in the new state and be gone once licensed.

Answer 3

Depends on the attorney, I suppose. I personally haven't heard of any attorney's working as paralegals, but I guess it's possible. They know the law better than a paralegal does, but again, they may be considered way over-qualified. I'd say to open your own practice if you are able.

Answer 4

Absolutely, but obviously not the same pay as a lawyer! I know a couple of attorneys who are paralegals. But why would you want to work as hard only to be paid less? have you thought of a contract attorney? pros: you make your own hours pretty much; cons: no health benefits, etc.

Answer 5

They kin also be paraplegic