From Paralegal to Consultant: Applying Mission Experience
After four years as a paralegal for the Department of Justice (DOJ) Antitrust Division, I made a pivotal decision to transition into a consulting career focused on Federal clients. This shift wasn’t just a career change, but a strategic move that allowed me to apply my unique skill set and extensive understanding of Federal processes to offer helpful solutions as a consultant. My background has also helped me foster trust with our clients, which has led to successful collaboration.
My time at the DOJ taught me the importance of collaboration across various groups. At the DOJ, I frequently interacted with teams that included legal experts, economists, and special agents to achieve our objectives. This exposure taught me the value of interdisciplinary teamwork which has been essential in my current role. In consulting, bringing together different expertise allows for a more holistic approach to problem-solving that leads to innovative, comprehensive, and well-rounded ideas.
Establishing trust in client relationships is another area where my background is beneficial. As a paralegal, I worked closely with attorneys on sensitive matters, where I learned how to prove myself to be a trustworthy and reliable resource. This skill has translated into my consulting work, where establishing trust with clients is critical. As I learned at the DOJ, creating open lines of communication, asking intelligent questions, and delivering on tight deadlines all contribute to trust-building. When clients feel confident that their consultant understands their unique needs and challenges, it leads to more effective collaboration and ultimately, more successful outcomes.
My previous experience has made me an excellent navigator of the intricate Federal landscape. Within the DOJ, there are multiple levels of approval and review that require thorough oversight and accountability. Each task often requires collaboration with various departments, each with its own focus areas. This can seem overwhelming at first but grasping how offices are interconnected and establishing points of contact with each is essential to getting things done quickly in Federal projects. Now that I am a consultant for a Federal client, I recognize these intricate layers, and I can navigate them with a confidence I didn’t have before.
As I reflect on my journey to consulting, I recognize how pivotal my paralegal experience was in shaping my approach to client engagement. The combination of my understanding of Federal processes and the ability to foster trust has allowed me to make a meaningful impact in my new role.
For anyone considering a similar transition, I can attest that the skills gained in one sector can be valuable in another, and the ability to adapt and grow is key to a successful career evolution.
