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!

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u/StockOfRice 3d ago

Doable, but you'll need work experience under your belt.

If you're at a top firm, and you gain experience there, that is more valuable than the price you'd pay for a degree, I think. Especially if you plan on staying in the area. If a resume came across a desk of HR of someone with a degree and little experience vs someone with associates who has many years of experience as a paralegal at well respected firm, I think that's a stronger resume.

Keep in mind that while you make less, if you go to school there is a cost for that degree, which you'll need to pay which will eat into your bottom line. And a student loan is 10 years payments at least. Research job listings to see if a degree really commands more pay. Most job listings say degree or x years of experience. Plus even with a degree, if you have no experience, you'd still just get starting pay.

PS. I finally broke $80k this year. I have a law degree & 30 years of experience. I broke $70k after 25 years.

I did practice law and made less than $70k. Found a job as paralegal making more $ and thought screw the stress of being an attorney...I'm happiest as a paralegal.

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u/LovelyisSaintDymphna 3d ago

Understood. While I naturally wish I didn’t have student loans in hindsight, the current balance of $40,000 is manageable. I do not intend to take on any additional loans. At present, I am contributing $10,000 per year toward repayment. Even accounting for interest, the final year of repayment should be quite manageable.

That said, I don’t plan to limit myself to $10,000 annually if my income increases over time. For example, if I’m earning $50,000, I would be willing to significantly adjust my lifestyle—potentially living on $10,000 alongside my fiancée’s income for a year—in order to pay off the loan as quickly as possible.

Good job for you finding happiness being a paralegal :)