Also, what are the main differences? I am getting my paralegal certificate this December (currently a legal secretary). Should I do the switch to a big firm?
For people working in the legal field – Is it easier to work for a small law firm or a larger one?
02
Jun
chdixon511
June 2, 2010 at 7:12 am
Small firms are much better. You get a better sense of pride and accomplishment with a small firm with one or two lawyers. Large firms may pay better, but will work you longer hours and treat you like a number not a person
spadezgurl22
June 2, 2010 at 7:46 am
larger firms, there are more room for groth and promotiona as well as a more competitive salary. small firms are more personal and not as “slave” driven with the long hours and committment. so i would say if u want to be appreciated small firms, if ur willing to trade that in for a bigger salary and longer hours than go for the big firm.
VicSEO
June 2, 2010 at 8:40 am
The issue is not whether a small firm is less likely to be a “factory” when compared to a “large” law firm. Unfortunately, a paralegal certificate often removes bonuses which would normally be part of a legal secretary benefit package, i.e., a merit or Christmas bonus. And there is the consideration that you may be assigned a lot of overtime assignments which will require long work hours which may run through the weekend. Again, what is the paralegal certificate embody as a course of study. A specialized paralegal certificate in intellectual properties, litigation are the most highly prized certificate. And we have to take into consideration the fact that the bulk of paralegal billings are to generate higher fees for partner reviews and therefore, many law firms [big and small] will overwork paralegals to gain financial rewards for themselves while causing a great deal of stress and health problems to paralegals.
Scorch
June 2, 2010 at 8:50 am
I work for a medium-to-large firm (60 attorneys) and this is by far the best place I have ever worked. The benefits are great and the firm is very genuine — staff is treated great. My worst experiences were working for a sole practitioner and a small firm of four attorneys. That’s where I was worked like a dog. Plus I was hired on as a legal secretary, then made to do all the office managerial work in addition to my regular duties. I worked 60 hours a week most weeks. I do work OT now, but I get paid for every second of it. Smaller firms want you to do the work but not pay you for it (usually) and they just can’t compete with a larger firm’s benefits.
On the other hand, in a smaller firm it is unlikely you will work for more than two attorneys. In a large firm, you may very well work for four or more.
Sara
June 2, 2010 at 9:34 am
Weel, I work in a small firm and a lot of my friends who work with bigger firms say the benefits and the pay are way better than working a small firm. Although, in a larger firm, you kind of go back to high school with the gossiping and the cliques, you get paid better. In a smaller firm, you almost have to get along with everyone BUT you get paid less. So, it’s kind of your opinion, would you want to work somewhere with less money and like everyone, or get more money and have a few good friends at work. My philosophy, I’m here to work, not make friends.