The hidden job market for paralegals can be discouraging, but don't give up. The addition of a well-trained paralegal is a positive step for most law firms. The market for paralegals continues to grow, fueled by the mobility of the legal work force and the constant pressure for more efficient and cost-effective legal services. Jobs are available, and the following methods will help you find them.

Networking

The term networking is overused and sometimes oversold, but the fact remains that many paralegal jobs are the result of being directed to the right person at the right time. Just keeping in contact with the legal community maximizes the chances that you will be aware of potential positions as quickly as possible. Possible sources of information about paralegal job openings include:

• Fellow paralegal students. Keep in touch with the friends you made in school. These contacts are often the first to know of available positions, either because they are job-hunting as well or because they are employed and “in the loop” of information about job openings.

• Paralegal instructors. Most paralegal programs use practicing lawyers as instructors. They are often aware of unadvertised job opportunities or have suggestions about which employers might be receptive to receiving unsolicited applications from prospective paralegals.

• Internships. If your paralegal program offers an internship, consider using this as an opportunity to develop contacts that will help you in your job search. Internships often turn into job opportunities. Even if this is not so, you will have made contacts with lawyers, secretaries, and other paralegals who can help you identify job opportunities in your area.

• Paralegal organizations. Join the local paralegal organization. Most organizations have reduced memberships for students. Working paralegals have an excellent sense of the job opportunities available in the field. This information is particularly useful if you are looking for a specific type of position.

• Volunteering. Most local legal aid offices and public defenders are chronically short of help. Volunteer your time at one of these agencies, practice your paralegal skills, and make valuable contacts for information about full-time job opportunities.

Trade Journals

When legal employers advertise available paralegal positions, they seldom place these ads in the local newspaper. Legal job opportunities are more likely to be found in publications specifically targeted at the legal profession. Most state bar associations have a monthly publication with a section devoted to employment opportunities. Many of these publications are available at the local bar association library. These publications sometimes maintain a more current set of listing in an online form. Look for a Web site maintained by the state or local bar association.

Local Bar

Associations Local bar associations often maintain a list of job openings that may not be advertised. Even if the openings are published, the publications are usually distributed only to members. The administrative office of the local bar association will usually provide information on job openings to prospective applicants.

Legal Directories

If you are uncertain about what law firms are in your area, a legal directory is a great source of information. Most directories are available at the local bar association library. Legal directories contain information about law firms, including their location, area of practice, number of lawyers, and other data about the firm. The most commonly used legal directories are the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory and West's Legal Directory. Both have online versions as well.

Online Job Search Firms

Several job search firms cater specifically to the legal professional. These firms circulate your resume to prospective employers and can arrange for temporary job placements or permanent employment. These agencies usually operate online and post your resume for review by prospective employers. The agency charges a fee that is usually a percentage of your salary if you are hired by one of their employer contacts.