You can gain paralegal experience through entry-level legal positions like law firm runners, court clerks, legal receptionists, or file clerks. Many paralegals start in these roles and advance through tuition reimbursement programs while working. Volunteer positions with legal nonprofits also provide valuable court exposure and advocacy experience.
Breaking into the legal field can feel like a catch-22: you need experience to get hired, but you need to get hired to gain experience. The good news? There are multiple entry-level positions in law firms, courts, and legal organizations that don’t require a paralegal degree but provide hands-on legal experience. Many successful paralegals started in these roles and worked their way up.
This guide explores three main paths to gaining paralegal experience: working with law firms, working with courts, and volunteering with legal nonprofits. You’ll learn what each position involves, typical salary ranges, what skills you’ll develop, and how these roles can lead to a paralegal career.
Why Entry-Level Experience Matters
It takes more than attorneys, judges, and paralegals to run a courtroom smoothly. Docket clerks are an essential piece of the puzzle—and that’s where Kristy Russell, now a six-year veteran paralegal, started her legal career.
“I started out as a docket clerk in the Attorney General’s office, typing stuff for their workers’ compensation department,” Kristy said.
She found her way into a paralegal role a bit by accident. “There’s a huge turnover at the Attorney General’s office,” she said.
“Everyone kept leaving, which meant I kept getting promoted. I came into the legal secretary position and realized how much I enjoyed it. They actually offered a tuition reimbursement program for me to go back to school, so I thought, ‘Well, I’ll get my paralegal studies degree.’ I did that, and then got promoted to a paralegal job in the public safety unit. It was kind of just getting moved up and ending up here.”
Kristy, who studied computer programming, never expected to land in a paralegal role. However, her early experiences as a docket clerk led her to realize she enjoyed the legal field.
It can be hard to know whether you’ll enjoy a certain type of work, let alone excel at it, before actually being immersed in the day-to-day. Dana Medley-Vogel, who has worked as a paralegal for ten years, suggests taking every opportunity that comes your way to get your feet wet in the legal field before committing to the career.
“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.”
— Dana Medley-Vogel, Paralegal with 10 years of experience
“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,” Dana explained.
It might feel like there aren’t many opportunities outside of a student internship to get a feel for what it’s actually like working in a law firm or court system without already having the training and education necessary to get hired on as a paralegal, but you’re not the first one to find yourself in this position, and you’ll actually find that there are lots of entry-level jobs in the legal field that can provide the kind of immersive experience you need to get a real feel for what life might be like as a paralegal.
Entry-Level Positions with Law Firms
Many law firms, process serving companies, and other legal services providers employ runners, file clerks, receptionists, court filers, secretaries, and office managers in positions that don’t require a legal background or degree, but that provide plenty of experience working side-by-side with attorneys and paralegals. These positions would involve plenty of scanning, data entry, auditing, and cataloging, of course, but they would also involve some document preparation, and you’ll often have a chance to get out of the office and interact with employees at the local courthouse when delivering documents.
Just as important in preparing to become a paralegal, these jobs often involve interacting directly with clients, answering questions, and keeping them informed of progress throughout the legal process. These client communication skills are essential for paralegal work.
Common Law Firm Entry-Level Positions
Legal Runners and Court Filers: These positions typically pay $28,000-$35,000 annually and involve delivering documents to courts, serving legal papers, and managing time-sensitive filings. You’ll learn court procedures, filing deadlines, and how to navigate the local legal system.
File Clerks and Records Specialists: With salaries ranging from $30,000-$38,000, file clerks manage document organization, maintain case files, and ensure proper record-keeping. You’ll develop strong attention to detail and a clear understanding of case documentation requirements.
Legal Receptionists: Earning $30,000-$40,000, receptionists handle client intake, schedule appointments, answer phones, and maintain the firm’s calendar. This position develops client service skills and knowledge of legal terminology.
Legal Secretaries: Often among the better-paid entry-level roles, with salaries typically ranging from $38,000-$55,000 depending on location and firm size. Legal secretaries prepare documents, transcribe dictation, maintain attorney schedules, and often perform light research. This role provides the closest preparation for paralegal duties.
The Internal Promotion Path
Depending on the turnover rate of the office, it’s possible to stay with the same employer and move up the ranks by going to school to get the education you need to qualify for a paralegal position. Many firms like to promote from within. Law offices have every reason to want to keep experienced staff and give them opportunities to advance since they’re already familiar with the office culture and some of the particulars of working in the area of law the firm specializes in.
As Kristy says, “Each law firm is different.” Most firms prefer their employees to be familiar with their unique atmosphere and workflow rather than hiring an outsider. Even if you’re starting out in an entry-level position, it can lead to a paralegal role. As Kristy explained, “My educational program gave me an idea of how things would be and kind of opened the door, but you have to do the job to be prepared. It seems like each law firm likes it if you get your experience from them—or working directly in the field—as opposed to a bunch of schooling. I’ve heard that quite a bit.”
Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing a paralegal certificate program, making it easier to advance while maintaining income.
Entry-Level Positions with Courts
Docket clerks and court clerks are usually found working for the courts directly, where they manage courtroom calendars, including trial and court appearance scheduling, notify litigants and attorneys of court dates, collect court fees and fines, maintain court records, and process and deliver everything from jury notices and subpoenas to bench warrants. This is a position that involves lots of face-to-face interaction with the public, communicating important information related to the hearings they’re involved in and their responsibilities afterward, answering questions and fielding phone calls.
Court clerk positions generally pay between $35,000-$50,000 annually, with higher wages in state and federal courts. Municipal courts typically pay at the lower end of the range, but all court levels provide valuable experience.
Skills You’ll Develop as a Court Clerk
Perhaps the best thing about working for the courts as a way to prepare to become a paralegal is all the opportunities you get to interact with judges, court employees, and attorneys. There is no better way to gain an understanding of what’s involved in litigation than to work with attorneys outside of the comfort of the law office. Most of these positions are available through municipal courts, though you can also find them with higher courts.
Calendaring and Scheduling: Court clerks master case management systems and scheduling software, skills that transfer directly to paralegal work. You’ll learn to manage complex calendars, track deadlines, and coordinate multiple parties.
Court Procedures: You’ll become familiar with filing requirements, court rules, and procedural timelines. This knowledge is invaluable for paralegals supporting litigation attorneys.
Professional Relationships: Even though Kristy started out her legal career as a docket clerk, she says she “learned the hard way” to “always be nice to the circuit clerks, or any of the clerks you talk to over at the courthouse. You might be a little unhappy with them or they might be a little rude, but always be nice to them, because they’re the ones that can get you what you need.”
If you choose to gain experience by working in clerking, you’ll be an essential piece of the courtroom’s puzzle by organizing files and maintaining schedules. Since calendaring is such a vital piece of the paralegal’s role, you’ll be learning essential skills that will only boost your chances of landing a great paralegal job. Court clerk experience can position you well for paralegal roles with competitive paralegal salary expectations.
Volunteering in the Legal Field
Working as a clerk or in an office position for a legal firm will help you gain experience directly in the field, but it’s not the only way to gain the kind of experience you need to maximize your chances of getting hired as a paralegal.
Nonprofit legal organizations provide great opportunities for anybody willing to volunteer their time. These organizations usually take pro bono cases related to everything from immigration to environmental concerns. Since they rely on grants and private donations, they are known for working on a shoestring budget and are usually eager to accept any help they can get.
Types of Legal Volunteer Work
A lot of the time, there isn’t anything terribly glamorous about the work you’ll do—picture basic office duties or working the phones to either contact people from a list of prospective donors or fielding incoming calls. However, it’s definitely worth looking for something that will provide even more valuable experience, like a volunteer mediator or a court-appointed special advocate position.
Organizations like the national nonprofit CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) offer particularly meaningful opportunities. In volunteer positions like these, you’ll actually get the chance to work with social workers and attorneys and communicate directly with judges.
CASA Volunteer Experience
Through CASA, volunteer advocates are appointed to specific cases of abused and neglected children until the children are placed in a safe home. These advocates are required to understand the details of the case and the case documentation to act in the child’s best interest and ensure that attorneys and judges are aware of important details related to the child’s situation.
A position as an advocate provides an up-close, in-depth look at the court process, which could be invaluable for a future career as a paralegal. While volunteer experience typically won’t substitute for paid work experience in paralegal certification requirements, it demonstrates commitment and provides concrete examples for interviews.
Entry-Level Position Comparison Guide
Not sure which entry-level position is right for you? This comparison can help you decide based on your current situation and career goals.
| Position Type | Education Required | Typical Salary Range | Key Skills Gained | Path to Paralegal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Law Firm Runner/File Clerk | High school diploma | $28,000-$35,000/year | Document management, court filing procedures, client interaction, legal terminology | 6-12 months + paralegal certificate program |
| Legal Receptionist | High school diploma | $30,000-$38,000/year | Client communication, scheduling, legal terminology, office management | 1-2 years + paralegal certificate |
| Court Clerk/Docket Clerk | High school diploma or associate degree | $35,000-$50,000/year | Court procedures, calendaring, case management systems, litigation process knowledge | 1-2 years + paralegal education |
| Legal Secretary | High school diploma or certificate | $38,000-$55,000/year | Document preparation, attorney support, legal research basics, client communication | 1-2 years + paralegal certificate |
| Volunteer Legal Advocate | Varies by program (typically training provided) | Unpaid (volunteer) | Case advocacy, client interaction, court observation, legal documentation | 6-12 months volunteering + paralegal education |
Note: Salary ranges are approximate and vary significantly by geographic location, firm size, and years of experience. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs for paralegal education, which can offset the cost of advancing your career.
How to Find Entry-Level Legal Positions
Ready to start your search? Here’s where to look for the entry-level legal positions that can launch your paralegal career.
Job Search Strategies
For Law Firm Positions: Check general job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor, but don’t overlook specialized legal job sites. Many firms also post openings on their own websites under “Careers” or “Employment Opportunities.” Start with smaller firms where you’ll get broader experience and more direct interaction with attorneys, then consider larger firms as you build skills.
For Court Positions: Visit your local courthouse’s website or your state’s judicial system site. Municipal and county courts often list clerk positions under government job portals. Court clerk positions may require civil service exams in some jurisdictions, so check requirements early in your search.
For Volunteer Opportunities: Contact your local legal aid organization, bar association, or search for CASA programs in your area. Many nonprofits actively recruit volunteers and provide comprehensive training. Your state’s bar association website often maintains a list of legal volunteer opportunities.
Application Tips for Entry-Level Legal Jobs
Emphasize transferable skills: Customer service, attention to detail, organization, computer proficiency, and written communication all matter significantly in legal support roles. Don’t undersell administrative or customer service experience from other industries.
Show genuine interest in law: Research the firm or court before applying and explain why you’re specifically interested in legal work. Mention any relevant coursework, even if incomplete, or personal experiences that sparked your interest in the legal field.
Mention your education goals: If you plan to pursue paralegal certification or are currently enrolled in courses, say so. Many employers view this as a positive commitment to the profession and may be more likely to invest in your training.
Be prepared for background checks: Legal employers typically conduct thorough background screenings. Be honest about any issues that might appear and be prepared to explain them professionally.
Highlight reliability and discretion: Legal work demands punctuality, confidentiality, and professionalism. Use examples from past work that demonstrate these qualities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any education to work as a legal clerk or runner?
Most entry-level legal positions require only a high school diploma or equivalent. Some court clerk positions may prefer candidates with an associate degree or some college coursework, but it’s not always mandatory. The key is demonstrating strong organizational skills, attention to detail, proficiency with computers, and professionalism. Employers care more about your reliability and willingness to learn than formal education for entry-level roles.
How long should I work in an entry-level position before applying for paralegal jobs?
Most legal professionals recommend 6 months to 2 years of entry-level experience before transitioning to a paralegal role. This timeline varies based on whether you’re simultaneously completing paralegal education and the complexity of your entry-level role. Legal secretaries often transition faster (1-2 years) than file clerks because their work is closer to paralegal duties. Combining work experience with a paralegal certificate program typically takes 12-18 months total and provides the strongest foundation.
Can I become a paralegal without going back to school if I have enough work experience?
It depends on your state and employer requirements. While some small firms hire based solely on experience, most require formal paralegal education from an ABA-approved program or at least a paralegal certificate. California is one of the few states with specific mandatory education requirements for paralegals. Some programs may recognize prior legal experience when evaluating candidates, but formal credit or advanced standing is uncommon and varies by institution. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement, making it easier to pursue education while working. Check your state’s specific paralegal requirements, as regulations vary significantly by location.
What’s the typical salary for entry-level legal positions?
Entry-level legal positions typically pay between $28,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on the role, geographic location, and firm size. Law firm runners and file clerks generally start at $28,000-$35,000, receptionists earn $30,000-$38,000, court clerks make $35,000-$50,000 (with higher wages in state and federal courts), and legal secretaries typically earn $38,000-$55,000. These positions often include benefits like health insurance and paid time off, and many offer tuition reimbursement for paralegal education programs. Urban areas and larger firms typically pay at the higher end of these ranges.
Will volunteer experience count toward paralegal certification requirements?
Volunteer legal experience can strengthen your resume and demonstrate commitment to the field, but it typically won’t substitute for formal work experience requirements in paralegal certification programs. Certification bodies like NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants) and NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Associations) generally require paid work experience under attorney supervision. However, volunteering with organizations like CASA provides valuable exposure to legal procedures and gives you concrete examples to discuss in job interviews. Some employers may view substantial volunteer experience favorably when hiring entry-level paralegals.
Which entry-level position provides the best preparation for becoming a paralegal?
Legal secretary positions generally provide the most comprehensive preparation for paralegal work, as they involve document preparation, attorney support, and some research. However, court clerk positions offer excellent exposure to litigation procedures and case management systems. The best choice depends on your interests: if you’re drawn to litigation and trial work, court clerk experience is ideal; if you’re interested in general practice, corporate law, or transactional work, a legal secretary position may be a better fit. Any of these roles combined with formal paralegal education will position you well for success.
Can I work remotely in these entry-level legal positions?
Entry-level legal positions typically require in-person work, especially roles involving court filing, document management, or direct client interaction. Positions like runners, file clerks, and court clerks are inherently on-site roles. However, some larger firms began offering hybrid arrangements for administrative roles, such as legal receptionists, after 2020. Remote opportunities are more common for experienced legal professionals than entry-level positions. It’s worth asking about flexible schedules or occasional work-from-home options during interviews, but expect most entry-level legal work to be in-office to facilitate training and supervision.
Key Takeaways
- Entry-level legal positions like law firm runners, court clerks, and legal receptionists provide valuable experience without requiring a paralegal degree, with salaries ranging from $28,000-$55,000 annually, depending on role and location.
- Many successful paralegals, like Kristy Russell, started in entry-level roles and advanced through employer tuition reimbursement programs while working, making the transition both practical and affordable.
- Court clerk positions offer strong exposure to litigation procedures, calendaring systems, and case management skills that directly transfer to paralegal work, particularly for those interested in trial support.
- Legal secretary roles provide the most comprehensive preparation for paralegal duties, with salaries typically ranging from $38,000 to $55,000 and responsibilities closely aligned with paralegal work.
- Volunteer positions with organizations like CASA offer meaningful legal experience and direct court exposure, though they typically don’t count toward formal work requirements for certification.
- Most entry-level positions require only a high school diploma, making them accessible entry points to the legal field regardless of your educational background or prior work experience.
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