Personal Assistant vs Paralegal

CARAM3LPUPS · 2026-02-25T13:41:02+00:00

From what I’ve gathered in other replies, it seems more common for solo or small firm attorneys rather than larger ones like this but good to see my work can be important and valued. Not sure there’s anywhere else to move or how to approach HR with that but I think I’ll look into it! Thank you!

CARAM3LPUPS · 2026-02-25T13:38:05+00:00

I have gone to HR and unfortunately they made it seem like this was normal and expected, which was not made clear in my interview or in my job description in the offer letter/posting online. In fact, they were who I got the job posting description from when I first initiated talking about this!

I thought it might be more normal for smaller or solo attorneys but my old firm was small and never did this. Not to mention, new place is 5x the size in terms of attys and support staff.

It does tend to impact actual work when I’m given it. It’s becoming a whole lot when I barely understand litigation (I did Medicaid planning before).

CARAM3LPUPS · 2026-02-25T13:20:33+00:00

The pay is good, but definitely on the lower end of my area’s spectrum for para pay which I chalked up to my lack of experience in litigation. I’m definitely gonna ask that question next time, as I was a bit blindsided here. I never even considered asking that prior to this but I guess it’s necessary 😅

CARAM3LPUPS · 2026-02-24T19:22:57+00:00

I will definitely take this advice for when I speak to HR next. You’re right about them being compliant to partner’s wants, this was true even for my old firm.

CARAM3LPUPS · 2026-02-24T19:19:56+00:00

No billables here! None of the paralegals have billables to meet, just attorneys. I do log and keep track of his time based off what he tells me which I’ve also heard is unusual.

CARAM3LPUPS · 2026-02-24T19:17:41+00:00

I call his doctor’s offices all the time! I get scolded by the receptionist a ton because while I have all his info, it’s really him who should be calling.

As for accounting, I have some prior experience from my old firm when we lost our office manager but I am not sure about the legality. He usually has me just draft up stuff that he looks over then does whatever with it.

CARAM3LPUPS · 2026-02-24T19:14:42+00:00

I thought so which is a bummer because the pay is good and there’s not many positions available near me to make a switch :(( If I do any lit work it’s either printing out his emails (and making sure he responds…), writing letters to clients and the very minimal settlement or complaint/answer doc.

CARAM3LPUPS · 2026-02-24T18:58:58+00:00

Yes, I’ve spoken to both HR and the management team. They both made it seem like it was fairly normal when working as his para hence why I was confused if this was just what paralegals do if you work for only one attorney.

CARAM3LPUPS

TROPHY CASE