Rose Turzak’s journey from a paralegal with dyslexia to a licensed attorney in two states demonstrates that determination and paralegal education can provide the perfect foundation for law school. Her 10-year paralegal career gave her the practical experience that made her a better lawyer, proving the value of working in the legal field before pursuing a law degree.
Rose Turzak never expected to become a lawyer. As a young student with profound dyslexia, her high school counselors discouraged college entirely, placing her in vocational food services instead of college preparatory courses. But one professor saw something different in her. Today, Rose is a licensed attorney practicing criminal and family law in both Ohio and Pennsylvania, with a reputation built during 10 years as a successful paralegal investigator.
Rose’s story illustrates both the challenges of entering the legal field and the remarkable possibilities that open up with persistence and proper education. She graduated from college magna cum laude from one of the first ABA-approved paralegal programs, built a thriving independent paralegal practice, and eventually worked her way through law school while supporting herself. Her experience offers practical insights for anyone considering a paralegal career, whether as an end goal or as a stepping stone to becoming an attorney.
In this interview, Rose shares her unconventional path, the realities of paralegal work, essential traits for success in the field, and what it’s like to transition from paralegal to attorney. Her perspective is especially valuable because she navigated the legal profession before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990, when few believed she’d succeed. Her determination and achievements stand as a testament to what’s possible with the right education and mindset.
About Rose Turzak
Rose Turzak is a practicing attorney licensed in both Ohio and Pennsylvania, specializing in criminal and family law. Her career path began in the early 1980s when she graduated from Dyke College (now Myers University) with a bachelor’s degree in economics and paralegal education from one of the first ABA-approved paralegal programs in the United States. After working independently as a paralegal for 10 years, she attended the University of Akron School of Law and passed the bar exam just before the Americans with Disabilities Act took effect.
| Career Milestone | Year/Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| High School | Late 1970s | Placed in vocational food services due to dyslexia, discouraged from college |
| Community College | Early 1980s | Business courses, discovered passion for law through Professor Elizabeth Boyer |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 1981 | Dyke College – Economics and Paralegal Education, graduated magna cum laude |
| Clerk of Courts | 1981-1982 | Cleveland, Ohio – Hand-transcribed dockets, learned courthouse operations |
| Independent Paralegal | 1982-1992 | 10 years providing investigative work and court filings for law firms |
| Law School | Early 1990s | Akron University School of Law |
| Bar Admission | 1990 | Passed bar exam day before ADA implementation |
| Attorney Practice | 1990-Present | Licensed in Ohio and Pennsylvania, criminal and family law |
Rose’s Journey to Becoming a Lawyer
Starting an Unconventional Paralegal Career
Rose’s path to the legal profession was anything but traditional. After being discouraged from pursuing higher education due to her learning disability, she proved her doubters wrong by excelling in community college and discovering her calling in the legal field. Her story begins with a chance encounter in a business law class.
How did you start your career as a paralegal?
Actually, it was a little backwards, down the road, around the corner. I happen to be profoundly dyslexic, so when I was in high school, they refused to let me take any college preparatory courses. So, they put me in a vocational food services.
When I graduated from high school, I went to a community college. I was taking business courses because I figured I’d better learn how to run a business if I’m going to run my own restaurant someday. I was taking a required business law class, and Dr. Elizabeth Boyer, who happened to be a lawyer herself and a historical novelist, called me in to her office. I was thinking, ‘Oh crap!’ Instead, she said I had an obligation to be a lawyer.
I said I could never be a lawyer because I’m not that smart, and she said, ‘Yes, you are, but you need a four-year degree.’ So, I got a two-year degree in business from a community college and graduated magna cum laude.
At that point, they helped me find a smaller college, which was Dyke College in Cleveland (now Myers University). They had one of the first ABA-approved paralegal programs, which made it convenient because if I ever wanted to go to law school, I had those four years under my belt. Because you have to have a four-year degree before you can go to law school, or they don’t even look at you.
Building Experience in the Cleveland Court System
After completing her paralegal education, Rose gained invaluable hands-on experience working in the Cleveland Clerk of Courts’ office. This foundation in courthouse operations and legal procedures would prove essential to her future success as both a paralegal and attorney.
So, would you say at the beginning, with the encouragement from your professor, that you knew you were going to be a lawyer?
No, I didn’t! I never thought for a minute that I had the brains and the smarts, let alone the money to go to law school. When I went to Dyke College, it taught strictly business. One of my professors there happened to be politically connected and happened to take a liking to me because I was stubborn, as I worked all day and went to school all night. That’s the way it worked; you had to work to go to school—you got to do what you got to do!
He got me a job at the Clerk of Courts in Cleveland. There, I learned how all dockets were maintained because at that time, they were all hand-written. So, the funny part about it was that I ended up being Bob Cratchit! I sat on a stool, and I would pull those big books down and take the pleading or the judge’s order and transcribe it into a docket. That’s what I did.
From there I went to interacting with the judges. One of the judges, Judge McGovern, was one of my professors, and he also kept encouraging me to go to law school. I graduated from Dyke College in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in economics and paralegal education, and I went and looked for a law firm. But many had collapsed when the Savings and Loans collapse. And I’m thinking, I have to feed myself! Well, I had made a lot of connections in the courthouse and with small law firms, and I knew they needed people at the time. Because it was pre-electronic filings, they needed someone who knew the workings of the courthouse to get papers filed, to look things up, to figure out things.
So, that’s what I did. I actually worked for myself. At the time, the paralegal was a brand-new field, and people didn’t know particularly what to do with them. It was often the administrative assistant or the legal secretary who did basically the same thing. That’s why the field has always been predominantly women because it transformed from secretary to administrative assistant to a paralegal.
So, I basically put pieces of the puzzle together and figured things out and did investigative work.
A Decade as an Independent Paralegal
And you did that for how many years?
Ten years. Somewhere at the end of those ten years, with the encouragement of one of my attorneys, who kept telling me, ‘You’re better than some of the attorneys I have working for me,’ I went to graduate school on a scholarship and majored in urban affairs. I didn’t finish that degree; instead, I went to law school at Akron University.
Were you content in your role as a paralegal, or were you always looking for something else?
Actually, I would have been content doing what I was doing, probably for the rest of my life, without thinking twice about it. However, there were two people who were instrumental who kept saying that I was better than some of the attorneys I was working for. One was a judge and the other was my great-uncle Charlie who told me when I was little as a pint, ‘There are only two places for you to be with your gift of the palabra: either on stage or in the courtroom, and you’re too damn short for the stage!’
I can see how a paralegal who has not been challenged by their attorney, who is not given the respect and the encouragement of the attorney that they’re working for or recognition for what they know, I can see them getting very frustrated. A lot of people also use the paralegal as the jumping off point to go to law school because they have to feed themselves!
Transitioning from Paralegal to Attorney
The Evolution of Paralegal Respect
Rose’s career spans a critical period in paralegal profession development. When she started in the early 1980s, the role was just emerging from secretarial work. By the time she became an attorney, the profession had gained significant recognition and respect within the legal community.
I’m interested when you talk about the paralegal who isn’t getting respect or recognition from their attorneys. Do you feel that attorneys respect paralegals?
I do now. It’s very accepted now. Every state has a bar association that has a paralegal section and the ABA has a paralegal section It is now acceptable, and you can make an awful lot of money just being a paralegal. I don’t want to say just being a paralegal. I want to say being the paralegal versus the attorney.
The Advantages of Paralegal Work
What are the perks of being a paralegal?
It ain’t your butt on the line! Plain and simple! [When I was a paralegal], I could go to the attorney and give them the options—here’s what I think we should do—and I would say, ‘I’m done and have a nice day!’
Facing Gender and Disability Barriers
Rose’s transition to attorney came at a pivotal moment in American history. She passed the bar exam just one day before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law, during a time when major law firms openly refused to hire lawyers with learning disabilities.
When you transitioned from a paralegal to an attorney, as a woman did you feel like you had to be all that much better than them? Did you feel you had to work all that much harder?
I felt more resentment from women as a female attorney. But that’s because I came from it from a different perspective. Even though I just graduated law school, I had been in [the legal system] for a while and everyone knew me.
I was fighting more the challenge of being dyslexic than anything else. Major law firms looked me square in the eye and said, ‘We’re never going to hire you, so don’t bother to apply.’ The day I finished my bar exam was the day before the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) came into play.
Did you think of yourself as a trailblazer at the time?
No, I thought of myself as an idiot! What rational human being would do that?
Advice for Aspiring Paralegals
Choosing the Right Educational Path
Rose emphasizes the critical importance of selecting the right paralegal education program. Her advice is based on decades of experience in the field and understanding what makes paralegals valuable to attorneys and clients.
What words of advice would you give to someone going in the paralegal field?
Go to a bona fide college, check out the program, contact your Bar Association and see if you can shadow somebody for a day to get an idea of what field you want to go into. The idea of a general practitioner as a paralegal is slim.
So, do you choose to focus in a certain area of law in paralegal school?
No, it generally doesn’t work that way. You have to study everything from civil litigation to criminal; they may let you go off on and study other things.
Would you say your focus will depend on where you land your first job?
Not necessarily. If you have a degree in economics and a minor in paralegal studies, for example, you could parlay that into working for a nice law firm that needs paralegals with this knowledge. But you need a paralegal education. It’s no different from a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. You’ve got to remember that you are directly underneath a lawyer who’s relying on you. You’ve got to know your meats and potatoes, you’ve got to know the fundamentals, and you’ve got to have a good ethical grounding.
Essential Traits for Success
Beyond education, Rose identifies specific personality traits and values that separate successful paralegals from those who struggle in the profession. These characteristics reflect the demanding and ethically complex nature of legal work.
With that said, what traits do you feel a successful paralegal should have?
A strong ethical core—and I’m not just talking about the standard ethics course that says you’re not allowed to sleep with your clients and put their money in your pocket! I’m talking more of understanding right and wrong. It is not situational ethics! You can have someone in business get away with that, but this is the law, and the law is a very demanding mistress.
You have to have a sense of curiosity and an incredible sense of detail. And an incredible sense of right and wrong.
Understanding the Demands
Would you say your focus will depend on where you land your first job?
Hours! The demand of hours! Much like a doctor or a nurse, you might have set hours, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to get them! There are many times that I worked 24 hours straight.
Paralegal vs. Attorney: Key Differences
Based on Rose’s unique experience working as both a paralegal and an attorney, here’s a comparison of the two roles highlighting the key differences in responsibilities, education requirements, and career considerations.
| Aspect | Paralegal | Attorney |
|---|---|---|
| Education Required | Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from ABA-approved program | Bachelor’s degree + 3 years law school + bar exam |
| Time to Entry | 2-4 years | 7+ years |
| Licensing | Voluntary certification available (NFPA, NALA) | State bar license required |
| Personal Liability | Limited – work under attorney supervision | High – personally responsible for client outcomes |
| Work Hours | Long and demanding (including 24-hour shifts) | Equally long and demanding |
| Earnings Potential | $39,710 – $98,990 (10th – 90th percentile, 2024 BLS) | $66,780 – $200,000+ depending on specialty |
| Career Autonomy | Provide options and recommendations, attorney decides | Make final decisions and bear responsibility |
| Professional Recognition | Growing respect, paralegal sections in state bar associations | Established professional status |
| Specialization | Typically develop after first job placement | Can specialize during law school and after |
| As Stepping Stone | Excellent foundation for law school, earn while learning | Terminal career position |
Essential Paralegal Traits According to Rose
Rose identified several non-negotiable traits that successful paralegals must possess. These characteristics go beyond technical skills and speak to the ethical foundation required in legal work.
| Trait | Why It Matters | Rose’s Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Ethical Core | Legal work involves confidential information and significant trust | “Understanding right and wrong. It is not situational ethics!” |
| Attention to Detail | Legal documents require precision; small errors have big consequences | “An incredible sense of detail” is essential |
| Curiosity | Investigative work and research require genuine interest | “A sense of curiosity” drives thorough research |
| Dedication | Long hours and demanding deadlines are standard | “Many times I worked 24 hours straight” |
| Problem-Solving | Attorneys rely on paralegals to present options and solutions | “Put pieces of the puzzle together and figured things out” |
| Resilience | Facing rejection and challenges is part of the profession | Overcame dyslexia stigma and pre-ADA discrimination |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a paralegal become a lawyer without additional education?
No, paralegals must complete law school and pass the bar exam to become attorneys. However, paralegal experience provides an excellent foundation for law school. Rose worked as a paralegal for 10 years before attending law school at Akron University, and her practical experience made her a more effective attorney. Many paralegals work in the field while saving money and gaining experience before pursuing their law degree.
Is an ABA-approved paralegal program necessary?
While not legally required in most states, Rose strongly recommends attending an ABA-approved paralegal program. These programs meet strict educational standards set by the American Bar Association and are recognized by employers as quality training. Rose attended one of the first ABA-approved programs at Dyke College (now Myers University), which gave her credibility with attorneys and provided a solid foundation for her career. ABA approval also makes the transition to law school easier if you decide to become an attorney.
Do paralegals choose their legal specialty in school?
According to Rose, paralegal programs typically require students to study all areas of law, from civil litigation to criminal law. Specialization usually develops after landing your first job, based on the practice area of the law firm or legal department where you work. Rose specialized in investigative work and courthouse procedures during her paralegal career, and later focused on criminal and family law as an attorney. Your educational background can influence where you work (for example, economics knowledge could lead to corporate law positions), but broad legal education comes first.
What’s the biggest difference between being a paralegal and an attorney?
Rose puts it bluntly: “It ain’t your butt on the line!” As a paralegal, you research options and make recommendations to attorneys, but they make the final decisions and bear the ultimate responsibility. Attorneys face personal liability for client outcomes, professional discipline for mistakes, and the weight of making decisions that affect people’s lives. Both roles require long hours and dedication, but paralegals work under attorney supervision while attorneys carry the final burden of responsibility.
How has the paralegal profession changed since the 1980s?
Rose witnessed tremendous growth in paralegal recognition and respect. When she started in 1981, the paralegal role was brand new and often confused with secretarial work. Many law firms didn’t know what to do with paralegals. Today, every state bar association has a paralegal section, and the ABA recognizes paralegals as essential legal professionals. Paralegals can earn substantial salaries, with the top 10% earning over $98,990 according to 2024 BLS data. The profession has evolved from a stepping stone to a respected career path in its own right.
Can someone with a learning disability succeed as a paralegal or attorney?
Absolutely. Rose’s career proves that learning disabilities don’t prevent success in the legal field. Despite being profoundly dyslexic and told she wasn’t college material, she graduated magna cum laude from college, built a successful 10-year paralegal practice, and became a licensed attorney in two states. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed in 1990, now protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Rose passed her bar exam the day before ADA took effect, facing major law firms that openly refused to hire lawyers with learning disabilities. Today’s legal environment offers far more support and accommodation for lawyers and paralegals with learning differences.
What are the most important traits for paralegal success?
Rose identifies three essential traits: a strong ethical core, attention to detail, and curiosity. The ethical foundation is crucial because legal work involves confidential information and requires understanding right from wrong without situational ethics. Detail orientation is necessary because small errors in legal documents can have major consequences. Curiosity drives the investigative and research work that makes paralegals valuable. Beyond these, Rose emphasizes that paralegals must be prepared for demanding hours and must have solid training in legal fundamentals, describing paralegal education as similar to training for nurse practitioners or physician’s assistants.
Key Takeaways
- Paralegal education from an ABA-approved program provides a strong foundation for either a paralegal career or eventual law school, as Rose’s journey demonstrates.
- Working as a paralegal for 10 years gave Rose practical legal knowledge and courtroom experience that made her a more effective attorney after law school.
- Essential paralegal traits include a strong ethical core, meticulous attention to detail, natural curiosity, and understanding that legal work doesn’t follow situational ethics.
- The paralegal profession has evolved dramatically since the 1980s, now offering professional recognition through bar association paralegal sections, competitive salaries, and respect within the legal community.
- Paralegals work demanding hours similar to attorneys but carry less personal liability, making it an attractive long-term career choice for those who want meaningful legal work without ultimate decision-making responsibility.
- Learning disabilities like dyslexia don’t prevent success in the legal field, though Rose’s pre-ADA experience was more challenging than today’s environment with legal protections and accommodations.
Ready to Start Your Paralegal Career?
Discover ABA-approved paralegal programs in your state and take the first step toward a rewarding legal career, whether you plan to remain a paralegal or eventually pursue law school like Rose.
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.
