My Journey to Becoming a Legal Executive

April 10, 2018

Source: Pexels

Becoming a registered legal executive was not my first or second choice. Are you shocked?

As of February, I have been studying for five years. I could have finished a law degree by now and have the title of Junior Solicitor or Barrister. So, what happened?

What twisted path did I take and how did I decide to become a legal executive?

I graduated high school in 2011 and, unlike all of my friends, took a gap year. I worked in a kiwifruit packhouse, as a waitress and kitchen hand for a catering company, and as a receptionist and cleaner for a campground. You see, I didn't know what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I knew I wanted to go to university, but choosing a degree that would shape the rest of my life intimidated me. So I thought about it, and thought about it, and thought about it.

Soon, my year was up and I enrolled in the same university as all of my friends under a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Linguistics and minoring in Spanish. I was happy, for a time. It took one and a half years (halfway through my degree) for me to realise that I was doing the wrong thing. I wasn't happy. The classes weren't engaging. The material was either too easy or to dull to read. The city was starting to drain the life out of me.

I stayed at the same university, but I swapped my degree. This time, I moved to a Bachelor of Communication with a major in Public Relations and a minor in Linguistics. Things began to make sense again. I loved my classes. I was engaging with the material. Even the lecturers were better. Funnier.

There was just these nagging sense of dread and doom that I just couldn't shake. It wasn't me. It wasn't my degree. It was the city. I had to escape. So, at the end of the semester, I applied to a new university in a different city and moved away. Just like that.

A year went by. I was loving it. I was thriving in my classes, making new friends, and generally having the time of my life. I had found a city that made my soul feel whole. Every fibre of my being felt like this place was always meant to be my home.

Then I met a boy.

Three months later, I found out I was pregnant.

All my classes were online, so I continued through the semester. I worked two jobs, maintained my grades and my social life, and still managed to have a nap when I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. That's when the complications set in. I moved home for support, swapped to a full timetable of online classes and kept soldiering on. I was doing five courses when the standard for a final semester student is two, just to give you a bit of context.

It was hard, but I did it.

Eight months later, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy.

A few weeks later, I received my Bachelor's Degree in the mail.

Six months went by. I was getting itchy feet. My baby was getting more and more demanding, but I missed the feeling of really using my brain. I started looking into online courses, law firms, and researching more about the legal and justice systems in New Zealand. I had always been intrigued, but this sparked a fire in my belly. On a whim, I applied to start a Diploma in Legal Executive Studies.

In February, the course started.

And, like I've said, the rest is history.

How did you become a paralegal or legal executive? What are you studying? What is your dream job? Let me know in the comments!

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24 comments

  1. Wow that's awesome - go you!

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    1. Thank you! It's hard, but it will be so worth it!

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  2. Wow such a long road but you’re on your way to a job that I never knew even how to get into! Good luck lovely!

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    1. Yeah, I wish I figured this out/had the lady balls to pursue this a lot earlier. Better late than never, right? Thank you! :)

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  3. Wow, congratulations- I think it's inspiring that you're following your gut no matter what. For me, I studied Film and Television but because that course focused on behind the camera I found I had that nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach as well. Turns out years later I've figured out that it's acting, in front of the camera that I love- and I'm currently doing a full time acting course!

    Julia // The Sunday Mode

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    1. Yes! Life is too short to be settling in any area of your life. I would have been happy in PR (and I might get into it later), but this definitely feels right. I have a fire in my belly and I'm going to chase this dream down until I catch it!

      Wow, acting is something I've always admired but have been too scared to try! Go you. That's awesome! :)

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  4. It's still my dream to become a lawyer one day. Thanks for sharing your story!

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  5. I love this blog post! I found out I was pregnant half way through my degree as well so I can relate! Kudos to you for going all the way and finishing up and starting this blog!!

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  6. Wow! Congratulations. I am sure it was not easy for you, but I am also sure that it was all worth it. It's amazing how you follow your gut!

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  7. Great job! You are a great example to your child of what hard work can do for you!

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  8. Well done, fellow human. Thank you for sharing your experience. Good luck with everything :)

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  9. You should be feeling really excited about what you are accomplishing in your career. I wanted to become an attorney when I was younger but I ended up being an entrepreneur. You never know where life will take you.

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  10. Wow! Congrats! What an accomplishment. You've done well and I hope you are proud of yourself. This is such a great story.

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  11. Good for you - and I'm sure you're an inspiration for others who hit a bumpy road in their career - and life (and by bumpy I don't mean negative - just bumpy as in not straight)

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  12. This is so inspiring, congrats and keep up.

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  13. I know this is off topic, but I’m so glad you kept the baby. Kudos to your family for helping you out. Congratulations on your degree and for finding a job. What a great way to work through your challenges.

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  14. What a great story. Thank you for sharing this. It's very helpful to others experiencing the same thing!

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  15. This was such an inspiring story. I loved how you kept at it and went the distance!

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  16. Wow, no matter what was thrown your way, you were able to overcome. Big props to you for finding what you love and sticking to it.

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  17. I totally get where your coming from here, life happens while you makes plans.Well done for persevering through the pregnancy, it must have been quite a challenge. I have changed my mind about career paths a few times now. I decided to be a counsellor 4 years ago, then change my mind two years in and decided to b a life coach instead. I been doing my diploma for the past couple of years and love what im learning. I don't know if it my dream job just yet but its pretty close!

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  18. I am so inspired by your story. You go girl! You got this and I can't wait to hear more.

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  19. This is a really inspiring and encouraging story - I'm glad you didn't give up on your dreams of working in legal. It's great to hear how you persevered and got through the struggles and the unexpected pregnancy too x

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  20. I had dreams of becoming a lawyer when I was young. I became a mental health counselor instead and.did that for 16 years. Now I hero job seekers by day and blog by night. One never knows what path is in store for us!

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  21. That is long way to go for your career. I hope that you find joy in the work that you do. Thanks for sharing your journey!

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