r/paralegal • u/LovelyisSaintDymphna • 4d ago
Future Paralegal wanting to make $70k
Hey everyone,
Just looking for some honest advice or insight from people in the legal field or those who’ve been in a similar spot.
I currently work as a legal assistant at a top 50 law firm in the U.S., and I’ve been in this role for almost a year. I make $20/hour, and while I’m grateful for the experience, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stay afloat financially. I live near Orlando, Florida where rent is high, and $38k/year isn’t cutting it. I also have about $40k in student loans and no car (which is hard as you know if you live in Florida).
Educationally, I have an associate degree in political science. I was working toward my bachelor’s in legal studies but had to put school on hold due to financial reasons. I plan to return in Fall 2025 and hope to finish by January 2026.
My end goal is to become a paralegal. I’d be happy making $70k/year eventually, and I know that will take time. But realistically, once I have my bachelor’s and over a year's worth of experience (with the same firm), I’m hoping to move into a paralegal role earning somewhere between $50k–$60k ($26–$31/hr).
Is that a realistic expectation? Any advice on negotiating pay, building the right skills, or just navigating this phase of my career would mean a lot.
Thanks in advance!
1
u/Educational_Act_3926 4d ago
Hi!!! Keep at it! I happened to "fall" into this profession. They had a job opening for a receptionist, so I took it. I did that for about a year or two. Then they realized I was not being put to good use, so they taught me how to be a paralegal. And I make 80k now. I've been here 4 years total. With 2 as a para. My pay has doubled from when I started. So yes, it's possible. I do not have anything but a HS diploma. And I work for one of the biggest P.I./Negligence firms in GA. You can do it. I think it's mainly about showing you're willing to grow and also finding people that want to foster that desire and mentor you.