CAREER STRATEGIES
Writing your Resume
You only have a couple of seconds to catch the eye of your prospective employer before your resume lands in the reject pile. Writing a professional resume tailored to your audience is essential.
> Read More about Writing Resumes
> View Sample Branch Administrator Resume
> View Sample Branch Manager Resume
> View Sample Entry Level Resume
Interview Preparation
A good first impression makes all the difference. Read about the dos and don'ts of interviewing.
How to Resign
Resigning from a position is a stressful situation for all parties involved. Learn how to exit your current position professionally and courteously.
MY LEGAL CAREER PATH
Administration
Working in reception, accounting, office services are often the starting points for a career in a law firm.
Experience and training can move you forward in these areas or into working as a Legal Assistant.
Training in technology as well as education in the Legal Assistant program at SAIT offer further opportunities for growth.
Being technically proficient with computer programs and keeping up with changing policies and procedures within the field give you an edge.
Being a self-starter and working independently can lead to promotion and incorporation into the company bonus system.
Assistant
Legal Assistants at the junior, intermediate and senior level can specialize in an area of law and work towards being recognized as a paralegal.
Energy, communications and many other businesses recruit professional legal assistants for their legal departments and as executive assistants.
LESA (Legal Education Society of Alberta) offers courses when laws and policies change.
Professionalism is the key with in-house lawyers and clients. Clients frequently offer jobs to the legal assistants they have worked with on transactions.
An Assistant can expect to start at an average industry salary. Dedication and hard work for a firm will bring salary increases and incorporation into the firm’s bonus structure.
Paralegal
Paralegals work independently on files, completing transactions, sales, divorces, etc.
Law firms, the energy sector and many large businesses hire paralegals for their legal departments.
LESA seminars in your area of expertise.
Being professional and prepared with lawyers and clients.
The number of files that you can manage will leverage your income expectations.
Management
Senior management and executive positions are critical to all firms, if you have experience as an HR Administrator or Office Administrator within a law firm we can assist you in exploring new and diverse career options.
Management Certificate Programs and a background in legal work can help you to break into law firm management. Good communication skills, understanding processes and procedures of legal work, an ability to see the big picture and the unique culture will enable you to work in Administration.
The Calgary Association of Legal Administrator offers support and continuing education seminars for members.
Continually assessing current needs and future trends in technology as well as changes in procedure in the legal system and ensuring your firm is adapting and thriving in the competitive legal industry will direct your career path.
Being able to adapt, grow and thrive in the demanding role of legal administrator will drive your salary and put you in demand with mid –size and large law firms.
Lawyer
At Blue Chip Recruiting we assist lawyers who are interested in new opportunities or career paths explore their options with targeted searches and professional marketing services.
Law firms often are looking for lawyers with expertise in specialized areas of law. There are also many opportunities with companies looking for lawyers as advisers on legal issues and areas such as risk management.
LESA seminars offer updates on changing procedures and practices in all areas of law.
Professionalism, specialization and client focus are winning attributes.
With a wide array of specialties and expertise within the field, earnings depend entirely upon skill, experience and professionalism.