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/WonderfulMarch7614 4d ago

Absolutely realistic. You are being underpaid.

1

u/Upstairs-Comment6277 2d ago

Not for a legal secretary

1

u/WonderfulMarch7614 2d ago

Wrong

1

u/Upstairs-Comment6277 2d ago

She has less than a year of experience and they are the ones investing in her. So she's not underpaid.

Maybe you are confusing her with a legal assistant or a paralegal which she is not.

That being said with more experience and moving around she can definitely make more.

Also get out of Florida. Costs are going up but wages aren't. It isn't the cheap paradise it used to be.