First job: did I get demoted?
I started my first paralegal job about a month ago at a small elder law/probate firm, hired specifically to replace a Title 19 (Medicaid/Social Security) paralegal who had left before I started. The firm is run by two attorneys as well as a head paralegal who oversees myself, another entry level paralegal and a receptionist. I had been told since the beginning that I was doing really well. But recently, having only been at the firm for a month, the firm has reorganized roles: I was told I would be moved into a receptionist/intake position because I’m good with clients, while also being told I would do probate work on the side with the head paralegal. The other new hire would be replacing my role even though she had no experience in it. And the receptionist will take the new hire paralegal’s former role (estate planning).This came as a shock to myself and the other new hire. We had been told we were doing very well, and now being moved suddenly and without explanations that made any sense beyond the idea of cross training.
However, I’m struggling with the fact that reception will clearly be the priority due to constant phone calls and client intake demands, and I feel unsure whether I’ll realistically have time or consistency to build any meaningful paralegal experience. Notably, the former receptionist (who I am replacing) is being moved into estate planning—despite her reputation for poor quality work. I’ve lost my private office and now have to move to the front desk with constant interruptions. I’m concerned that my role is drifting away from paralegal work and toward primarily administrative intake, and I’m unsure what the right move is from here.
How common is this scenario—was I demoted? how can I handle it?
Edit: clarity