Chicago Legal Assistant job help/advice?
Hello, I’m 25F, live in Chicago and hoping to get hired as a legal assistant at a law firm. I have a BS in Criminal Justice and just received a Legal Secretary Certificate (so I could go into this field with some knowledge).
I have no legal assistant experience, only a little bit of administrative work experience, which is why I was hoping the certificate and degree could help me get my foot in the door. Long term, I want to become a paralegal in real estate or intellectual property and I’ve heard you have to gain some experience and then work your way up. So as of right now, I am trying to get hired for any legal assistant/secretary position.
So far, it’s been a bit difficult to get hired or even receive an interview (probably because they see I have no work experience) so I was hoping for some advice on landing a job in Chicago. Is it even possible to land this job!?! It’s a bit frustrating because I can’t even start to gain experience because no one will hire me without it! Does anyone have any advice or know law firms/solo practitioners in chicago that are currently hiring? I’m confident that I’d make a great assistant/secretary, I learn quickly, am used to working in fast paced environments, and believe I have the transferable skills that would make me a good fit in this career.
If anyone has any advice or even some words of encouragement that would be awesome! Thank you :)