I just got this job offer for a legal assistant position at a small law firm in NYC. I've been unemployed since last fall and getting this offer was like refreshingly great news. I've been applying nonstop since and stupidly relied on my savings, before applying for unemployment benefits as of last month.
So I missed out on 6 months of some income that would have helped me with my loans and my debt.
When I got the phone call I scheduled an interview the next day and got the offer 2 days later (It was an immediate hire role). The attorneys said the would need translation very much and since I speak French, Chinese, Creole and a lil bit spanish, I think that helped make me a stronger candidate. I have 1 yr post-grad of work experience under my belt(not counting undergrad part-time work), and wanted a legal assistant position to know if I wanted to make the leap for law school but it's apparently a very admin heavy role, which I dont really mind, but there is not much opportunity for court observation which I was hoping for.
The posted range was $26-28, and they offered me $27 an hour, and I'm wondering if I should advocate for a $30 an hour pay so maybe I could get that $28 an hour? But I'm a little wary they might just go with another candidate because the job market is so bad right now and a lot of people want this position. I have until next Monday(5/4) to make a decision but I planned to call tomorrow to ask about a potential wage bump. Is this a good idea? Should I even be asking for more?