Behind the Bar: Inside the Paralegal Profession

From a male perspective, and a paralegal student, this book was groundbreaking. I read the reviews and they were great (except for the one "mostly dissapointed". They obviously didn't "get" the book--the whole purpose was to show that being a paralegal is NOT mediocre! Would you want your doctor, accountant or lawyer to "just do the job well enough?" and to just "get by with getting the work done" instead of done WELL? I don't think so! (I only hope that person NEVER becomes a paralegal.) Anyway, I felt this book was just what the cover said...a good mix of information on education, what it takes to be a paralegal, but it went even further to show REALLY what it takes--diligence, STELLAR work ethic (not just mediocre), interpersonal skills, education, and work experience. I feel much more ready for this career after reading this book. Our noble profession (the law) should ALWAYS be upheld by the standards set forth in this book. I too, agree that this should be recommended or required reading in paralegal classes. Everyone can learn from it and take the bits and pieces of it into their own careers and lives--and be better for it. Maybe some thought it was too heavy on personal experience, but that's precisely what makes this book NOT textbook-y. If you really truly want to know what it's like, don't read Litigation or Real Estate for Paralegals, read this book.

This great book has become recommended reading in several college paralegal programs. Those entering the paralegal studies programs can really get a true-life rendering of the real world career of a paralegal. An interesting and informative read!!!

An easy read. I'm currently in the final semester of a paralegal program, and this book gave quite a bit of insight as to attorneys, co-workers, and what to expect, as I have not yet worked for an attorney. The music law explanation was pretty interesting, but I think I want to go to a large law firm. I agree, this should be required reading for paralegal programs, maybe in the intro classes. Recommended.

This book should be required reading for all considering the paralegal profession, and even those (like myself) who have been a paralegal for some time. Astl writes anecdotally, the book reads like a novel, with great quick tips and productivity improvement suggestions. She even gets somewhat psychological and offers some pairings of different personality types with areas of law that I found to be intriguing. I work in PI, and I really would like to be in a different area of law, and the book has given me some really valid ideas to consider. Paralegal programs should have this book as required reading - Astl is obviously a veteran with a lot to offer those of us in the profession. BTW, I know the author, she is the wife of an attorney who shares space with the attorney I work for. She did NOT ask me to write this.

A real world "no-holds-barred" look at the paralegal profession. Working for an attorney and/or a law firm is a unque experience in itself and the author has drawn on her life experiences and captured the humor, the drama, the rewards and the disappointments of being a paralegal. Anyone considering becoming a paralegal, or for those who are just beginning in the profession this book contains a wealth of practical knowledge and pointers not to mention a preview of what to expect in the world "behind the bar" as a legal assistant. A recommended read to ALL paralegals or those who want to be!