Dana Medley-Vogel transitioned from healthcare to law after finding legal work offered better work-life balance for families. As a legal assistant with 10 years of experience in family law, employment law, and personal injury, she emphasizes that success requires flexibility, strong people skills, and the ability to handle frequent priority changes. A paralegal degree provides competitive advantages in hiring and compensation, even though job duties often overlap between legal assistants and paralegals.
Choosing a career in law doesn’t always follow a straight path. Many legal professionals discover their calling after exploring other fields, bringing valuable perspectives from previous careers. Dana Medley-Vogel’s journey from healthcare to law demonstrates how transferable skills and proper education can open doors to a rewarding legal career.
Dana holds a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies and currently works as a legal assistant for a law firm in Jefferson City, Missouri. After spending years in healthcare and teaching, she found her passion in the legal field ten years ago. Her experience spans family law, employment law, and personal injury law, giving her a comprehensive view of what it takes to succeed as a legal professional.
In this interview, Dana shares her experiences working in different areas of law, the challenges she’s faced, and practical advice for anyone considering a career as a paralegal or legal assistant. Whether you’re fresh out of school or contemplating a career change, her insights offer a realistic view of what to expect in this dynamic profession.
What is Your Role in Your Firm?
I worked as a paralegal for several years, and now I have the title of Legal Assistant. There’s a fair amount of overlap between the roles of legal assistant, paralegal, and legal secretaries. It’s nice to have the paralegal designation, but what every firm wants to call it and what the role is, is different.
In my role, I’ve watched the things that the two paralegals in our office do. Some of it is different than what I do, but some of it is not. It has to do with abilities and time. If a paralegal is overwhelmed with work and they need it done quickly, if it’s something I can do, I usually end up doing it. There’s not really a clear delineation between what the legal assistants and paralegals do. It’s kind of a grey area.
Do You Feel That Your Education Prepared You for the Day-to-Day Demands of the Job?
For me, having a paralegal degree helps with the understanding of the law. Lots of people with clerical skills, organizational skills, and secretarial skills can do the job of a legal secretary, to a point. But to have knowledge to understand what you’re doing and why you’re doing it sets you apart from someone who is just doing clerical work.
For me, this is not my first degree. I actually came from a medical profession into the law profession. As far as hire-ability, having the background in paralegal studies gives you an edge and affects your pay. Just having an understanding of the law, at least to some degree, and understanding how to go about finding information and doing research is helpful. In my education, I learned how to use tools to do that research. I think there’s a benefit to having a bachelor’s degree.
What Motivated You to Switch from Healthcare to Law?
Making the switch from medicine to law was motivated by my family—having children. In the medical profession, you have to work weekends, and work holidays, and it’s not really conducive to family life. I had gone from the medical profession to staying home with my children for a while, and then I had done some odds and ends jobs. I taught preschool for a while, and I landed in the legal world a little bit by accident.
I had a friend that said “Hey, I have an attorney friend who is looking for a legal assistant part-time, would you be interested?” So I thought, well, you know, it’s good hours, I wanted to make sure that I had the skills to do the work that they needed me to do. So I started out part-time, got interested, and then the full time person quit, so I started working full time as office personnel and I went back to school to get my second degree as a paralegal.
I was working in the field more as office personnel while I was getting my degree, but because it was a small firm with a single attorney, I learned a lot just in the doing. I had to learn a lot of things very quickly that you would expect a paralegal to do: drafting of documents, speaking with clients, lots of things of that nature.
What Was It Like to Be Working in the Field with No Prior Experience?
I learned very quickly out of need. When you work in such a small firm, you kind of have to be a jack of all trades. Also, because it was necessary that I do a lot of things, I had a lot of good teaching and understanding. We would sit over lunch and talk about cases, talk about strategies, why you would do this over this. I had a lot of one-on-one training as to why they would do things a certain way and what was required by the law. Again, since it was a small firm, I had opportunities to go to trial with the attorney that I worked for. Not all the time, but I did a lot of different things that gave me a broad base.
The attorney that I worked for wanted me to go to law school, but I didn’t think I could do it, factoring in the ages of my kids. This was kind of my solution to not going to law school but still being interested in the profession. I felt like in looking at the cost-benefit analysis and the ages of my kids, I wanted to help put them through school rather than go to law school. Not that I wasn’t interested in going to law school, but it just didn’t seem practical or feasible at the time.
Would You Recommend Working in the Field Before Getting a Degree as a Paralegal?
If you thought at all you were interested in a career in law, if you were able to start out even at an entry level, you would know pretty quickly if you found the law interesting or boring. Like kids going into college—they sometimes think they want to do something, and then when they get started, they’re like, “No, I don’t think so, this isn’t what I’m interested in.” Even working in clerking or something like that in the court system would be great to find out if you like it.
There are so many different types of law, and I’m not doing the same type of law as I was when I first started. My first position, we did family law. We did a lot of work that involved adoption, guardianship, and the division of family services. I liked it. It was very heavy work, very hard work, but also very rewarding work.
And then when I made the switch to a large firm, working with two different attorneys, we do employment law, civil law, and personal injury law, so I kind of switched focus entirely. However, some things about the law don’t change.
Did You Focus on a Particular Type of Law During Your Education?
My paralegal educational program gave me a taste of everything. There’s the research aspect, which is important for every type of law. We did bankruptcy law, family law, criminal law—we basically covered all the different disciplines on the law. Everybody had their kind of law that they were interested in. It was really beneficial to have the classes taught by attorneys, judges, and paralegals, because they were living it. It wasn’t just a professor saying “this is how it is,” it was people who had hands on experience and could say “this is how it works in the real world.”
I’ve had about ten years in the field at this point. For the first eight, I did family law and worked with children and did stuff like that. For the last two, I’ve done a different type of law. There weren’t necessarily things that surprised me, but that might be because I’m older and have seen more of the world than a college graduate.
I find the two places I’ve worked at different. For family law, I felt like it was hard, because we dealt with a lot of child abuse, and a lot of abused women and children. That was very hard, and very disturbing. At the same time, it was very rewarding to feel like you helped people. I very much like that aspect of it.
In what I’m doing now, I think it has more to do with an interest level in the uniqueness of some of the issues that we now face as a culture. In doing employment law, we deal a lot with discrimination—those topics that are facing society, whether you consider them moral or not, are working their way into the workplace. It’s interesting and it’s kind of cutting-edge, a lot of things that employers are now faced with.
I also find real-estate law interesting. I’m one of those people that likes to learn and I find a lot of different things interesting and fascinating. There are some aspects of my job that are not riveting work. We do a lot of contract type things. They are important, they are crucial, but I don’t find it quite as interesting as some of the other aspects of the job.
What is Most Challenging About the Profession?
Being a paralegal is one of those professions where you have to be okay with your work being critiqued and kind of ripped up and not be offended by that. It doesn’t mean you didn’t write it well—it means that the attorney may have something different in mind. Or, sometimes you start something and they change their mind by the time you finish it. For some people, that’s very difficult.
I do a lot of contract work. The attorney may give me a 45 page contract to do edits on, and I may spend hours doing it. Then, they may talk to the clients and change their mind, and I’ll spend a lot of hours undoing and redoing it. And that could happen a ton of times. It’s a little bit maddening and frustrating. It’s one of those things that you can’t take personally, if you know it’s part of your job and you do what has to be done, you’ll be okay.
It’s been my impression in looking at how some people come and go in the field, it can be really hard to have an attorney criticize your work, and they take it personally.
The other thing that’s really hard is that the attorney may come out and say, I need you to work on this. I’ll be in the middle of it and the attorney will come back out and ask me to do something else. And you get working on that, and there’s kind of a back and forth. If you’re geared towards starting Project A and completing it, not wanting to be interrupted, that can be hard and you can get frustrated.
It’s kind of one of those things that if you don’t overthink it, and you know there’s a reason you’re switching gears, it helps. Often it has to do with the client. Today, one of the attorneys I worked for said “Hey, I’ve gotten an email and a call from my client today, and I need to get this off my plate so that they’ll stop calling me.” So I had to get that done right away.
Sometimes, you don’t always know the reason, but the bottom line is that it doesn’t matter what the reason is, the attorney gets to call the shots, that’s their position. Your age and experience can play a factor in how you deal with that. The older you get, the more you realize that life doesn’t happen the way you want it to, and you’ve got to be flexible. If you learn to expect some of that, things get a little easier. For some people, changing gears is hard.
Are There Any Personality Traits That Are Important for Paralegals to Have?
Being a multi-tasker is important. You’ve got to have good people skills, because people can be difficult. They can be irritating, they can be frustrating, demanding. Learning how to deal with the customer/client and being able to manage them and not lose your cool with them or get flustered is important. It is a crucial aspect of the job. You will get repeat business if you can handle the customer.
It’s also important to have a level of compassion for your client and understanding, but being able to balance and say they don’t understand everything you do, kind of like going to a doctor’s office. At the doctor’s office, the patient might not understand all the medical language, and their life is on the line. So they get frustrated, irritated, they get emotional. And you kind of have to take a step back and say, what if this was me? What if I were getting sued? How would I be reacting? Is their reaction normal, understandable, and manageable?
Certainly we have clients that can go over the line, and it’s important to understand what the line is and how to manage that. You have to be a good communicator, have a lot of patience, and maintain composure. You need to understand confidentiality. Everything we do, you have to be so careful with everything that’s said or not said, and every document that’s provided. You have to take those things very seriously.
Has the Profession Changed Since You’ve Been a Paralegal?
Some of the law has not changed a whole lot over the past ten years. The issues of society are what change. The things that you see and deal with—what becomes more common, the social issues that are making headlines, whether it’s local courts or in Washington DC, those things certainly are changing the cases that come through. Some of the things we are seeing now we wouldn’t have seen five years ago, certainly not ten years ago. In that aspect, that is what’s changed. As far as the work itself, everything is more technically advanced. Everything is filed electronically across the board. As society changes, as social issues change, that affects law.
Any Other Words of Advice for Those Considering the Field?
Being a paralegal is one of those areas that is maybe not a unique profession, but certainly your work ethic, and how well you do the work can help you stand out in today’s marketplace.
Key Insights from Dana’s Experience
Dana’s ten-year journey through the legal field reveals several important truths about working as a legal assistant or paralegal. Her experience highlights what it really takes to succeed in this profession.
Education Makes a Difference
While it’s possible to enter the field without a degree, Dana emphasizes that formal paralegal education provides distinct advantages. A paralegal degree or certification affects both hiring decisions and compensation. More importantly, it gives you a deeper understanding of legal concepts, research methods, and the “why” behind legal procedures, not just the “how.”
Flexibility is Non-Negotiable
One of Dana’s most consistent themes is the need for flexibility. Attorneys frequently shift priorities based on client needs, court deadlines, or case developments. Legal assistants and paralegals must be comfortable starting one project, switching to another mid-task, and potentially revising work multiple times. This isn’t personal—it’s the nature of legal practice.
People Skills Matter as Much as Legal Knowledge
Technical legal skills are essential, but Dana stresses that client management abilities are equally important. Legal clients are often going through stressful situations—divorces, lawsuits, employment disputes. The ability to remain calm, communicate clearly, and show empathy while maintaining professional boundaries directly impacts client satisfaction and firm success.
Different Practice Areas Offer Different Experiences
Dana’s work in family law differed dramatically from her current employment law practice. Family law involved emotionally heavy cases dealing with child welfare and abuse, while employment law addresses cutting-edge social issues in the workplace. Understanding that different specializations offer different daily experiences can help you choose a path that aligns with your interests and emotional capacity.
| Practice Area | Characteristics | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Family Law | Emotionally demanding, involves children and families, high personal stakes for clients, very rewarding when helping people | Those with strong empathy, emotional resilience, desire to help vulnerable populations |
| Employment Law | Addresses current social issues, discrimination cases, workplace disputes, intellectually engaging | Those interested in social justice, evolving legal landscape, workplace dynamics |
| Personal Injury | Case-driven work, client advocacy, insurance negotiations, medical record review | Detail-oriented individuals, those interested in medical-legal intersection, advocacy-focused professionals |
Work-Life Balance is Possible
Dana’s primary motivation for leaving healthcare was finding a career compatible with family life. Legal work typically follows regular business hours (though this varies by firm and practice area), making it more family-friendly than many healthcare positions. For career changers with families, this can be a significant advantage.
Legal Assistant and Paralegal Salary Information
Understanding salary expectations helps you make informed career decisions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegals and legal assistants earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and specialization.
National Salary Overview
As of 2024, paralegals and legal assistants across the United States earn a median annual salary of $60,970. However, salaries range significantly based on experience level and geographic location.
| Experience Level | Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | 10th Percentile | $39,710 | $19.09 |
| Early Career | 25th Percentile | $48,740 | $23.43 |
| Mid-Career | 50th Percentile (Median) | $60,970 | $29.31 |
| Experienced | 75th Percentile | $77,460 | $37.24 |
| Senior-Level | 90th Percentile | $98,990 | $47.59 |
Missouri Paralegal Salaries
Since Dana works in Jefferson City, Missouri, it’s relevant to note that Missouri paralegals and legal assistants earn slightly below the national median, with a median annual salary of $54,800 as of 2024. The state employs approximately 4,530 paralegals and legal assistants.
| Location | Employment | Median Annual Salary | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri (Statewide) | 4,530 | $54,800 | $57,700 |
| Kansas City, MO | 1,950 | $59,220 | $62,690 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 2,140 | $55,840 | $59,210 |
Factors Affecting Salary
As Dana mentioned in her interview, education significantly impacts earning potential. Other factors include:
- Education Level: Bachelor’s degrees typically command higher salaries than certificates or associate degrees
- Certification: Professional certifications like CP (Certified Paralegal) or PACE can increase compensation
- Years of Experience: Salary increases with experience, as shown in the percentile data
- Practice Area: Specializations in corporate law, intellectual property, or complex litigation often pay more
- Firm Size: Large law firms generally offer higher salaries than small firms or government positions
- Geographic Location: Urban areas and states with higher costs of living typically offer higher salaries
Salary Disclaimer: 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Paralegals and Legal Assistants reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant?
As Dana explains in her interview, the distinction between paralegals and legal assistants varies by firm. Generally, paralegals have more formal legal education and handle substantive legal work like research, drafting legal documents, and case preparation. Legal assistants may focus more on administrative support, though there’s significant overlap. Many firms use the titles interchangeably. Having a paralegal degree or certification typically provides advantages in both hiring and compensation, regardless of your official title.
Should I work in a law office before getting a paralegal degree?
Dana recommends getting entry-level legal experience if possible, even in a clerical role. Working in a law office or court system helps you determine if legal work interests you before investing in education. However, she also emphasizes that formal paralegal education is valuable—it provides deeper understanding of legal concepts and improves both hiring prospects and salary. The ideal path often combines some practical experience with structured education.
How long does it take to become a paralegal?
The timeline depends on your educational path. Certificate programs typically take 6-12 months, associate degrees take about 2 years, and bachelor’s degrees take 4 years. Dana earned a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies while working part-time in a law office. Many programs offer flexible schedules for working adults. Professional certifications like the CP (Certified Paralegal) require passing an exam after meeting education and experience requirements.
What personality traits are most important for paralegals?
Based on Dana’s experience, successful paralegals need: flexibility to handle shifting priorities, strong multi-tasking abilities, excellent people skills for client interaction, emotional resilience to handle work criticism constructively, patience with demanding clients, ability to maintain confidentiality, and strong communication skills. Being comfortable with frequent interruptions and project changes is particularly important, as attorneys often shift priorities based on client needs and court deadlines.
Is paralegal work stressful?
Dana describes several stressful aspects: frequent priority changes, having work critiqued or revised multiple times, dealing with difficult clients, and managing emotional subject matter (especially in family law). However, she also notes that stress becomes manageable with experience and the right mindset. Compared to her healthcare career, legal work offered better work-life balance and more regular hours. The stress level also varies significantly by practice area and firm size.
Can I switch careers to become a paralegal?
Absolutely. Dana successfully transitioned from healthcare to law in her 30s after having children. Career changers often bring valuable skills from previous fields—Dana’s medical background proved useful in personal injury and medical malpractice cases. The key is obtaining proper paralegal education (certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree) and being willing to start at an entry level to gain legal-specific experience. Many paralegal programs are designed specifically for working adults and career changers.
What’s the job outlook for paralegals and legal assistants?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 4% from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by law firms and other organizations seeking to increase efficiency and reduce costs by hiring paralegals to perform tasks previously done by lawyers. Technology has changed how legal work is done (Dana mentions everything is now filed electronically), but it has also created new opportunities in areas like e-discovery and legal technology management.
Key Takeaways
- Formal paralegal education provides competitive advantages in hiring, salary, and understanding legal concepts, even if you start working before completing your degree.
- Flexibility and multi-tasking abilities are essential—attorneys frequently shift priorities based on client needs, requiring paralegals to switch between projects and accept work revisions without taking criticism personally.
- Strong people skills matter as much as legal knowledge. Successfully managing stressed clients, maintaining composure, and communicating effectively are crucial aspects of the job.
- Different practice areas offer dramatically different experiences. Family law involves emotionally heavy cases, while employment law addresses cutting-edge social issues—choose based on your interests and emotional capacity.
- Career changers can successfully transition into paralegal work. Previous experience in fields like healthcare, teaching, or business often provides transferable skills that enhance your effectiveness as a legal professional.
- The profession offers better work-life balance than many careers, typically following regular business hours rather than requiring weekend and holiday shifts common in healthcare and other fields.
Ready to Start Your Paralegal Career?
Whether you’re considering a career change like Dana or just starting your professional journey, explore accredited paralegal programs in your state to find the right educational path for your goals.
