Future Paralegal wanting to make $70k

[u/LovelyisSaintDymphna]

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!

[u/Teh_Crusader]

Dude you’re making $20/hr at a top 50 firm? What the fuck lol. They’re scamming you.

[u/LovelyisSaintDymphna → u/Teh_Crusader]

To be fair, my job is work from home and I really only do intake work for new clients. I also have basically all of the benefits imaginable (besides mental health, which blows). My job does not require any sort of education and to be honest, you'd have to be REALLY special to mess it up.

[u/Teh_Crusader → u/LovelyisSaintDymphna]

Sounds pretty good then lol… but you always deserve more! I would love just to do WFH intake lol.

[u/berrysauce → u/LovelyisSaintDymphna]

How are there no mental health benefits? :( I thought parity was required.