If im a file clerk can i eventually move my way up to legal assistant at a law firm?

CAN I MOVE MY WAY UP WITHOUT A COLLEGE DEGREE?

If legal assistant is the same as a secretary, then yes. You do not need a college degree to be a legal secretary.

If the firm considers a legal assistant to be the same as a paralegal, then no, at least not in California - UNLESS you have met certain requirements prior to 12/31/03.

Business & Professions Code

搂6450. Paralegals-Definition; Scope and Limitations of Lawful Activities; Qualifications; Certification

c. A paralegal shall possess at least one of the following:

1. A certificate of completion of a paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association.
2. A certificate of completion of a paralegal program at, or a degree from, a postsecondary institution that requires the successful completion of a minimum of 24 semester, or equivalent, units in law-related courses and that has been accredited by a national or regional accrediting organization or approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.
3. A baccalaureate degree or an advanced degree in any subject, a minimum of one year of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks.
4. A high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, a minimum of three years of law-related experience under the supervision of an attorney who has been an active member of the State Bar of California for at least the preceding three years or who has practiced in the federal courts of this state for at least the preceding three years, and a written declaration from this attorney stating that the person is qualified to perform paralegal tasks. This experience and training shall be completed no later than December 31, 2003.

See:
http://calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar...

I would think you need to get a formal education in the legal background, even if just for a paralegal certificate.

You could possibly move up to Receptionist.Without more education, you won't be very useful in a Law Firm.

No, there is no lazy way I mean easy way to move up from a file clerk to a legal assistant unless the boss is desperate. A file clerk just files documents and files away which requires minimal skills. A Legal Assistant which is the same as Paralegal (not a secretary) requires an educated person to research, analyze, draft legal documents, be proficient in computers and litigation technology as well be knowledgeable of the federal rules of procedures. Even a secretary requires that you have some formal education so don't expect to move up by showing up everyday. Take some pride and earn a promotion by going to school to get your formal education.