Ok guys I鈥檓 telling this because I really need some answers. When I mean answers鈥 need sensible ones. Please no insults. This is for real.
I鈥檓 32 years old, native from SouthAmerica and came to the States about 9 years ago. I went to law school for 5 years, so, in my country I am an attorney. I did graduate school in U.S.A. and earned the degree of Master in International Business about 4 years ago. I am a resident and all my documents are according to the law. I realized going for paralegal certification program would be a good start to pursue a legal career in the law firm, so I went for it and also earned a Paralegal certificate from a top University in this state. What happened next is that it was so harsh to get a job, I even went to get from 6.5 dollars an hour just to get trained, but it was impossible, they don鈥檛 want to spend time training a rookie. I tried the first solo attorney job ( a Chinese American) and she would not even say good morning to me, not even from the first day she hired me. The second job it was an African American lady attorney as well who was never in the office and kept telling lies to her clients, a month later she dismissed me giving me the routine that I am not good for her clients. Third job , a Mexican American attorney, as the Chinese one never say good morning and the paralegal over there said I was too slow to learn, ( I worked 10 hours a day and they never paid me for overtime). Fourth job, in an international oil company, It lasted for 3 days., my boss an Caucasian American lady told me I鈥檓 not even capable of making copies and that I also have no telephone skills. By the way I was working over 10 hours a day or more in all those jobs and they never at least said to me that I tried hard. I remember going to school, and to study big amount of hours a day and had a great GPA and they t are telling me than I am really bad at making copies? I鈥檓 not giving you anymore important details since this would really boring., but please help me to understand, Are lawyers that insensitive people that have no soul or something?. When I worked as a lawyer before I always gave people the chance to learn. Everyone deserves an opportunity to demonstrate capabilities. We are humans and we will day that way. I鈥檓 really seriously thinking of moving out this country, I am being consumed by frustration. Please, some advise or words would be really helpful. As you no doubt know, being a lawyer is all about communication and persuasion and twisting the letter of the law to your own benefit....and about making lots and lots of money, using your wits and your mouth.
I think these lawyers are giving you a chance because you're cheap and you have potential. They're taking a chance on you, hoping that you're a hidden gem. But, for some reason, you're not, and as soon as they realize it, they cut you loose. Without a doubt, it has something to do with your communication skills. It probably also has something to do with your attitude (as in the cultural mores you were brought up with)...perhaps you're a bit clueless about the way our society works, and you really can't be if you want to be valuable in a profession like this.
For whatever its worth, being a paralegal is NOT the way to break into the legal profession in the US. You have lots of responsibility, all the drudge work, but only the leftover crumbs when it comes to rewards and, realistically, few prospects for advancing beyond being a paralegal.
And having a great GPA (which shows you can learn and have good work habits), a master's in IBR, and experience with the legal profession in another country *should* be great, but you're definitely not leveraging it correctly by pursuing paralegal work...you're damaging your other career chances and your self-worth by trying to cram your well-rounded self into a fairly small square hole. People will wonder why you're settling for a paralegal career.
Face it. You will never be considered a very good duck, no matter how much you want it nor how hard you try to conform, if you were born a swan.
I don't know what your motivation is nor the constraints on where you live nor what you do, but you REALLY should be looking at a profession that is more suited to your skills and background. Have you considered applying for a UN job? I think you have to be under the age of 37, and you are. Have you considered contacting a multi-national company about employment? With your multinational legal training, multi-lingual abilities (and perhaps your contacts), you could be a terrific asset to a number of companies in a whole range of positions.
Finally, if you *really* want to stay in the legal field, consider working for a non-profit that serves an international population, perhaps in an advocacy role. Talk to some court clerks in your area for ideas and ask them for some advice - if nothing else, perhaps who you might talk to for more information and/or additional advice.
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Hmm, I just had another thought. Consider joining an amateur theater/acting group as your new hobby.
Why, you ask?
Because it generally attracts a friendly, chatty group of people - and you'll get a chance to stand around and socialize a lot and also to practice your speech habits with people who likely have an ear for language and/or an eye for behaviors. You've probably been focusing so hard on succeeding in learning and then succeeding in your career for so long that you've failed to pick up the nuances of how society works here.
Just be friendly, willing to help where you can, and flatter everyone outrageously. You'll be a hit and they'll reciprocate by relentlessly correcting your speech and inadvertant signals, all the while thinking how charming you are...In the process you'll also learn a lot about successfully presenting yourself in our society and just as importantly, how our culture ticks. It's also nice to have a sympathetic ear occasionally -- theater groups can be great at providing each other with emotional support. :) God Stop working for women. Too many issues on too many levels gowing on there. Some lawyers are insensitive. Some are just so busy that they don't really notice those around them. Some are racist.
But, to be honest, you may want to look into a different job. One or two people firing you is one thing, but all these people firing you might be reflective of your paralegal work. (I'm not trying to be mean, I'm just asking you to be self-reflective.) And, why would you want to work for this type of person any more after all these negative experiences? Lawyers in USA are generally Ice-cold scum bags. They are not a favorite of a lot of people. However, I love the ice-coldness of my lawyer; he's saved me a lot of cash and has spotted some scums that some people in the business world have tried to pull on my business.
All jokes aside. I believe that you should do your own thing. You were an attorney in your country of origin weren't you? You can have your own practice if you want to. You have a law degree, why are you a paralegal? You are selling yourself short.
Have you ever thought of becoming say an immigration lawyer or perhaps a lawyer that represents the rights of immigrants that are disadvantaged? You've got to be a little more tough ***, act confident even if you don't feel that way. If you want to survive in corporate America especially areas of law, business and finance you must act tough, otherwise people will always dismiss you and will not give you a chance to flourish. There is no point in moving out of the USA.
The problem is you will be taking you with you, where ever you go. Life may not be any different because you change your environment. The secret is changing yourself for the better. Perhaps, you could use those folks' criticisms to improve some of your qualities. Whatever does not kill you, can make you a better person, if you choose to learn from it. Well with your experiences in law, plus having Spanish. Why don't you try working in Europe. Plenty of work there. There is loads of opportunities here. Company lawyer, doing business with South America etc. Working in the EU office Brussels, Strasbourg, even in Ireland you could use your language skills. yeah, should have better luck working for guys. The lady boss probably jealous of something you have. Are you too pretty? |
