How can a paralegal get experience if the don't get hired for having no experience?

Keep looking for smaller practices. Larger firms may require more experience. However, smaller practices want to know just one thing- can you do the darn job? Also, to help w/ the experience factor buy some self-study materials and take the NALA exam. That will hold some weight w/ even larger law firms. Additionally, you might want to get some additional training, not a lot, but take a few courses in Law Office management and practice- they typically don't teach this in paralegal training. Learn to format and type legal correspondence. Learn to use the law version of WordPerfect, learn Excel, and build your typing speed to lightning fast! Even a law office procedures course would be great. Then, apply to a larger law firm and accept a legal secretary position w/ the idea of moving up as they learn to trust your skills and knowledge. Plus, having the additional skill set will even make you more valuable in a smaller practice. You can get hire w/o experience but I'd get the NALA exam under my belt and add that to your resume. Then, sell yourself. Tell them that initially they will be investing in you because you are new to the field and you may need a little assistance, but in return, you will be a loyal employee and intend on growing w/ the firm and making a long-term employment commitment to them. Good luck to you!