My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: Georgia
A year ago I was fired - for theft - from my job as a paralegal.
Although I was an idiot/rotten employee/completely guilty, my employer did me a huge solid by making a deal: The stolen monies were immediately paid back and in exchange no charges would be filed. I signed an agreement that I would be honest with any prospective employers about the theft, which I have been - leaving out as many gory details as I can, but still being forthcoming. I haven't applied for any work in the legal field since the termination, but I would really like to get back to that kind of work. I enjoyed it and was quite efficient - up until I started stealing.
In the year since this happened, I've identified the negative correlations with my disgusting behavior and made some significant life changes and improvements, however, guilt and shame are somethings I still struggle with daily.
What I did was terrible, and I kick myself everyday for sinking to such a level. However, is it unreasonable to think that I could find work as a paralegal? Without the work experience from my previous employer, it is unlikely to be considered for such work, however, I'm positive that any prospective employers will want a reference from my previous employer...which will not be favorable to me - rightfully so, I suppose.
Should I resign myself to the fact that I will never gain employment in my desired field and just be thankful I didn't wind up in prison?

