About Paralegal Education

Types of Programs

Generally, programs fall into one of the following categories:

·       Two-year community college programs, usually awarding a certificate or an associate degree.

·       Four-year baccalaureate programs with a major or minor in paralegal studies.

·       Programs offered by proprietary institutions, usually 3 to 18 months in length, awarding a certificate.

·       Post-baccalaureate programs, usually 3 to 12 months in length, awarding a certificate.

These diverse programs also have different admission standards, ranging from open admissions (a high school diploma or equivalent) to highly selective admissions, such as a baccalaureate degree with a 3.00 GPA. Some programs also require entrance examinations. Most institutions offer part-time evening programs for students who work; many also have full-time day or evening programs. Some programs are offered for college credit, some for continuing education credit and some are non-credit.

Two-year (Associate Degree) programs
An associate degree (Associate of Arts or Associate of Science) is conferred after the successful completion of two years (about 60 semester or 90 quarter units) of formal education. These programs are offered at community colleges and some four-year colleges and universities. The curriculum generally includes general education coursework such as English, mathematics, science, history, social sciences, and humanities in addition to 15 to 30 semester units of paralegal courses.

Four-year (Bachelor’s Degree) programs
A baccalaureate degree (Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science) is awarded after the successful completion of four years (about 120 semester or 180 quarter units) of formal education. A student usually majors or minors in paralegal studies taking 18 to 45 semester units in that area. The remainder of the coursework is comprised of general education and electives.

Proprietary programs
These programs are offered by private profit-making colleges (often business schools) which generally offer a certificate upon completion of the course of study. The length and curriculum of these programs varies widely, but may usually be completed in three to eighteen months. Most often, a high school diploma is required for admission.

Post-baccalaureate programs
Post-graduate programs, often offered through a college’s extension or continuing education division, ordinarily lead to a certificate and range from eight to 24 semester units in length. The general education component is fulfilled by a student’s having a degree at entry. Most of these programs may be completed in one year or less. Some colleges award continuing education units which are nationally recognized, standard units of measurement adopted for post-secondary programs and educational courses not carrying college credit. Other colleges have credit-bearing certificate programs at the post-baccalaureate level.

Curriculum

Most paralegal programs cover the following subjects in addition to requiring general education either as part of the program or before it. The depth of coverage of each subject varies according to the structure and length of the program:

·       A introductory paralegal course (Overview of law and the paralegal field)

·       Litigation or civil procedure

·       Legal research and writing

·       Legal ethics

·       Specialized courses in one or more areas, such as:

·       Real property/real estate transactions

·       Wills, trusts and estate planning/probate

·       Family law

Business and corporate law and practice
Other subjects frequently offered include taxation, bankruptcy, contracts, commercial law, family law and torts. Many schools also have one or more classes covering computer applications for legal assistants.

American Bar Association Approval

Seeking ABA approval is voluntary on the part of the institution. There are some quality programs that have chosen not to seek approval. However, the ABA guidelines are useful in evaluating a program you are considering, and in helping you to decide whether it will meet your needs. Of the estimated 650 paralegal programs nationally, 184 have been approved by the ABA as of February 1994. To be considered for approval, a program must meet standards adopted by the ABA Standing Committee on Legal Assistants. Briefly, the guidelines for approval require a college-level program which:

·       is part of an accredited educational institution. offers at least 60 semester or 90 quarter units (or the equivalent) of classroom work. These units must include general education and at least 18 semester (or 27 quarter) units of legal specialty courses. has an advisory committee with attorneys and legal assistants from the public and private sectors.

·       has qualified, experienced instructors. has adequate financial support from the institution in which it is situated. is accredited by, or eligible for accreditation by, an accrediting agency recognized by the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation.has adequate student services including counseling and placement. has an adequate legal library available.

·       has appropriate facilities and equipment.

How to Evaluate a Program

In evaluating the quality of a paralegal training program and whether or not it might suit your needs, consider these factors:

·       The educational objectives of the program should be stated clearly in the program literature, which should be available to you upon request.

·       General and specific training objectives should be provided. The reputation of both the umbrella institution and the program itself should be considered. Look to the educational standing of the program with the general public and the legal community. Admission standards and the level of education required for acceptance into the program will tell you the academic level of the program and whether or not you would be eligible. ABA Approval indicates that the program has met the standards set forth in the guidelines and Procedures for Obtaining ABA Approval of Legal Assistant Education Programs, as amended in 1992. This gives some level of assurance of quality and reputation. Membership in AAFPE shows that the program administration is interested in current developments in paralegal education and in offering a quality program. The qualifications of the program administrator and whether the staff is on campus full or part time will give you an idea of how much supervision and leadership the program has. Inclusion of experiential education such as internships or cooperative education. The placement record will tell you if graduates find paralegals positions, what type of work they perform, and firms employ them.

·       The composition and qualifications of the faculty will determine the content, level and quality of instruction. Look for experienced attorneys who utilize the services of paralegals, and experienced paralegals. The curriculum itself should include both theory and practical skills courses. Examine the required legal courses, the number of elective legal courses and the amount and kind of work required in courses. If you are interested in a particular area of law, be sure the school offers it. The student services which are available, such as orientation, student and alumni organizations, tutoring, and financial aid, may tell you if the program will provide you with the individual assistance you need.

Duties You Can Expect to Perform as a Paralegal

Most people think of the role of a paralegal as an assistant to an attorney. The American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) defines a paralegal as someone who “performs substantive and procedural legal work as authorized by law, which work, in the absence of the paralegal, would be performed by an attorney. Paralegals have knowledge of the law gained through education, or education and work experience, which qualifies them to perform legal work. Paralegals adhere to recognized eParalegal-interview.jpgthical standards and rules of professional responsibility.” But what activities can one really expect to do each day as a paralegal?

The truth is, paralegals perform a large array of tasks, and no day is completely alike. However, there are some core functions paralegals commonly perform. Here are some of the common duties paralegals are responsible for on a day-to-day basis.

 

Legal Research and Presentations

One of the most important roles of a paralegal is to assist their attorney in preparing for trials, hearings, and closings. A large part of this consists of conducting legal research and gathering relevant information to the case. This includes researching the facts of the case as well as identifying the appropriate laws, judicial decisions, and legal articles relevant to the case. The paralegal gathers and analyzes information, then prepares a written report that the attorney uses to determine how the case should be handled. Often, paralegals also are involved in preparing presentations for the client.

Client Interviews

Interviewing is another important part of being a paralegal. A paralegal normally does not conduct the initial client interview where the attorney obtains information about the legal problems of the client. However, they are often present in order to observe the questioning and take notes so they are prepared to conduct subsequent interviews with clients and witnesses. After locating and interviewing a witness, the paralegal prepares a memo summarizing the testimony for the attorney.

Drafting Legal Documents

A large part of a paralegal’s day is spent drafting legal documents. This can include drafting correspondence and pleadings, such as complaints, subpoenas, interrogatories, deposition notices, pretrial orders, and legal briefs with various parties. Paralegal training in the art of written communication is essential.

Law Office Administration

In addition to these duties, paralegals are expected to handle administrative tasks such as filing papers, answering telephone calls, and maintaining and organizing reference files. Paralegals are often in charge of maintaining the schedule of their attorney, and spend some time of each day calling clients, lawyers, witnesses, experts and court personnel  to schedule interviews, hearings, meetings, depositions, and trials. Paralegals may also handle any needed travel arrangements.

In addition to these tasks, a paralegal often is present with their attorney as they attend trials, depositions, will executions, real estate closings, and court or administrative hearings. The work of a paralegal also varies based on the type of law in which the paralegal works. For example, a corporate paralegal may handle documents for shareholders while a paralegal working in criminal law may research police records extensively. Regardless of the area of law, a person with an organized mind and ability to multitask will find the day-to-day activities of a paralegal rewarding and challenging.

What are the Benefits of Attending a Paralegal Studies Program?

What Do You Learn During a Paralegal Studies Program?

In addition to general education courses and an elective course, you will master the foundational skills needed to succeed in the legal profession by completing the following classes:

Introduction to the Law

This course introduces the study of the law, the legal system’s organization, and a paralegal’s role. During this course, you learn about the law, its classification, and the steps in the litigation process. You also review contracts, torts, real property, constitution, and criminal law.

Legal Research and Writing I and II

A two-part course that introduces you to legal research techniques and legal terminology, including problem analysis, resource materials, research techniques, presentation of research, writing memoranda, and writing legal briefs.

Introduction to Civil Procedure

An introduction to civil lawsuits, pleading, and the most commonly used motions in court. The curriculum will help you assist trial attorneys in preparing for civil litigation.

Introduction to Torts

An introduction to the laws of negligence, intentional wrongs, slander and libel, product liability, strict liability, and other private wrongs. You also learn about theories governing tort law, systems and procedures used in tort cases, trial procedures, and appeal processes.

Professional Ethics and Liability

A course that allows you to examine and evaluate the ethical obligations and responsibilities of being a paralegal. You gain a basic understanding of ethical and legal conduct, the importance of ethics to the law, and the ethics and rules governing the law.

What are the Benefits of Attending a Paralegal Studies Program?

In the ever-evolving landscape of legal careers, the path to becoming a paralegal is straightforward but offers diverse entry points. While it’s true that one can become a paralegal without a formal degree, the benefits of pursuing a formal education in paralegal studies are substantial. They can significantly enhance your career prospects and capabilities.

Benefit #1: Competitive Advantage / Qualify for NALA CP Certification

Opting for a formal education in paralegal studies provides a competitive edge in a job market that values expertise and specialized knowledge. In a field where precision is paramount, employers often prioritize candidates with a solid educational foundation. A degree showcases your commitment to the profession and signals to potential employers that you have the skills to excel. In addition, an Associate of Arts degree may qualify for the National Association of Legal Assistants Certified Paralegal Examination (confirm current NALA eligibility criteria)

Benefit #2: Upward Professional Mobility

An Associate of Arts degree not only prepares you to meet employer expectations upon graduation but also opens the door to upper-level educational opportunities, like a bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, which can then lead to law school admissions in pursuit of a juris doctorate degree or graduate school for a master’s degree. The Associate of Arts is a springboard to unlimited opportunities.

Benefit #3: Comprehensive Knowledge

Formal education equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, its intricacies, and the ethical considerations that guide it. A structured curriculum covers various legal areas, exposing you to civil and criminal law. This knowledge empowers you to make an informed decision about your specialization while fostering a holistic understanding of the legal landscape.

Benefit #4: Choosing a Specialization

As you delve into the diverse facets of civil and criminal law during your education, you gain insights to make an informed decision about your specialization. Your exposure to the nuances of each area allows you to align your strengths and interests with the path that resonates most with you, setting the stage for a fulfilling and purpose-driven career.

Benefit #5: Increasing Responsibility

With the expense of employing attorneys, many law firms use paralegals to take on tasks that attorneys once completed. As a paralegal, you can conduct case research, interview witnesses, and prepare cases for trial. Attorneys rely on paralegals to support the legal team with substantive legal work. This work requires knowledge of legal concepts, and paralegals with a formal degree will be prepared to take on this additional responsibility.

Benefit #6: Intellectual Stimulation

In addition to clerical work, many paralegals engage in high-level legal functions. Paralegals must stay current on changing laws and procedures, with continuous learning paramount.

Benefit #7: Opportunity to Make a Difference

If you want to make a difference in the lives of others, becoming a paralegal is an excellent way to help. For example, winning a court case may mean a parent gets custody of a child. Paralegals help those in need, and this role can be rewarding.

Benefit #8: Fast-Paced Schedule

As a paralegal, you will work on tight deadlines to prepare for hearings and court dates. There is never a dull moment, but this helps keep you engaged in your job. If you like working in a fast-paced environment, becoming a paralegal is your right career path.

Benefit #9: Value of Lifelong Career Services

Florida National University’s career services guide job searches, resume building, and interview preparation, giving you a head start in the competitive job market.

Benefit #10: Personalized Instruction

Florida National University’s Paralegal & Legal Studies Faculty provides instruction that is personally designed to streamline your mastery of the foundational skills needed to succeed in the legal profession.  

Is Paralegal Education Necessary?

The level of education needed to become a paralegal depends the kind of paralegal work desired and the length of a paralegal career. A recent college graduate who wants to be a paralegal to get into law school may not want to seek additional training. A person wishing to become a career paralegal would benefit from the additional training.

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Paralegals help make lawyers look organized. They typically sort, prepare, photocopy, and index documents, while also interviewing witnesses or conducting hearings. Most beginning paralegals should have a bachelor’s degree, according to the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).

 

Roughly 50 percent of paralegals do, with about 25 percent having two-year associates degrees. However, trends indicate that most potential employers expect entry-level paralegals to have a four-year college degree. Any additional training a paralegal might have, whether it be in medicine, another science, or social work, will help a paralegal to specialize and possibly make more money.

Programs exist to train paralegals. NFPA recommends a formal paralegal education program, which approximately 84 percent of current paralegals have.  Training programs consist of 24 semester hours in legal studies. NFPA offers the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam to establish and recognize high standards in the paralegal profession. In order to qualify for the exam, a paralegal must have a bachelor’s degree, have completed an accredited paralegal program, and have at least two years of paralegal experience. Paralegals who pass the exam are recognized professionally as a “PACE Registered Paralegal.”

For a small fee, a potential paralegal can obtain a directory of paralegal education programs from the NFPA.

The amount of training needed for a paralegal job can depend on the organization for which the paralegal will work. It may be useful to contact local law firms about their paralegal hiring practices. Some positions require a paralegal certificate, which requires additional training after a four-year degree program. Online directories allow registered users to search for hiring law firms, and most local libraries have a copy of Martindale Hubbell, an index of every lawyer in the country organized by city and law firm.

 

In general, the level of education needed to become a paralegal depends the kind of paralegal work desired and the length of a paralegal career. A recent college graduate, for example, who wants to be a paralegal in order to help her chances of getting into law school, may not want to seek additional training. A person wishing to become a career paralegal, on the other hand, would benefit from the additional training.

8 Reasons to Pursue a Career in Paralegal Studies

Do you have a passion for helping others? Do you also have a passion for learning about aspects of the legal field? Do you aspire to have a career with a promising salary and long-term job security? If you answered yes, these are some of the many reasons you should consider getting a degree in paralegal studies.

What are the Benefits of a Paralegal Career?

  1. Salary – The median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $51,740 in May 2019 and will continue to rise.
  2. Job Security – The outlook for the paralegal industry is extremely strong and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the paralegal profession is projected to grow much faster than other occupations, expanding by more than 12 percent by 2028.
  3. Work Environment – Becoming a paralegal provides flexibility in different areas you can work in outside of a courtroom. A paralegal can work in corporations, real estate, and hospitals. Paralegals can work as a discovery liaison, legal administrator of business, claims adjuster/investigator, tax preparer, list management, bankruptcy petition preparer, compliance, real estate and title insurance paralegal, government paralegal and nursing paralegal.
  4. Communication and People Skills – Being a paralegal offers the opportunity to enhance your communication and people skills. Being able to communicate well is at the heart of being a paralegal. A paralegal will always be communicating, whether via the phone, email, memo, letter, or in-person – communication needs to be concise and to the point. People skills will help you to listen better and be more attentive when dealing with clients.
  5. Opportunity for Growth – Paralegals can advance within the law firm as well as their career. Many paralegals advance to supervisor or management positions.
  6. Helping Others – Being a paralegal gives you the opportunity to help others, many of them suffering through a difficult experience in their lives. It is very rewarding to help someone during a difficult process and see the benefit they receive from your services.
  7. Self-Employment – Paralegals can choose to freelance as independent contractors under the direct supervision of an attorney. They can work from home or in an office and set their own schedule.
  8. Law School – For some paralegals, the love of law that they develop as a paralegal leads them to attend law school. Their paralegal background gives them a definite advantage over someone with no experience in the industry.

How To Become A Paralegal: Responsibilities, Requirements And Salary

How To Become A Paralegal: Responsibilities, Requirements And Salary

Paralegals play a key role in helping lawyers prepare for cases and complete work for their clients. Paralegals perform their duties under the supervision of licensed attorneys in law firms, and they may also work in government agencies, for insurance firms or on corporate, in-house legal teams.

If you’re ready to start a new career as a paralegal, there are a few things you should consider first. In this article, we discuss how to become a paralegal, including what these professionals do and the requirements you’ll need to meet if you choose this career path.

What Does a Paralegal Do?

Paralegals are not clerical staff; they are an essential part of any legal team. Paralegals do much of the initial legwork for cases, and they continue to assist as attorneys prepare for court cases, consultations, appointments and other tasks.

As a paralegal, your responsibilities may vary according to the type of job you are doing and whether you work in a law firm or in a corporate setting. Depending on your situation, you may work with issues related to criminal defense, bankruptcy, divorce, tax law, corporate law, estate planning or personal injury, among other legal matters.

A paralegal’s duties may include:

  • Researching and gathering information
  • Interviewing clients, witnesses and other relevant parties
  • Drafting wills, correspondence, pleadings, motions and other legal documents
  • Writing summaries of depositions and testimonies
  • Managing case files
  • Tracking time and keeping financial records
  • Attending the execution of wills, depositions, hearings and trials

Paralegal Specializations

While paralegals can be generalists who are qualified to work in a variety of legal areas, many choose to specialize in particular facets of the law. By specializing, you gain extensive expertise in a certain area, which can help boost your career opportunities and earning power.

Paralegal specialties include:

  • Banking and finance
  • Bankruptcy
  • Corporate
  • Criminal defense
  • Estate planning
  • Family law
  • Immigration
  • Intellectual property
  • Litigation
  • Personal injury
  • Real estate

How Much Does a Paralegal Make?

Paralegals earned a median annual salary of $56,230 in 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The bottom 10% of earners made less than $36,410, and the top 10% earned more than $88,640.

The job outlook for paralegals is excellent, with employment expected to increase by 14% from 2021 to 2031. This rate is much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations nationwide.

According to the BLS, this projected growth is due to law firms increasingly hiring paralegals to do the work that lawyers would typically do. When comparing paralegals vs. lawyers, paralegals are much less expensive to employ, so this technique can greatly reduce costs at law firms.

How to Become a Paralegal

Since there are no national standards governing the educational or certification requirements for paralegals, each state determines its own requirements for how to become a paralegal. If you’re planning to become a paralegal, check with your state for more information about its specific requirements.

In most cases, prospective paralegals need to complete some form of paralegal training. They may also become certified. Below we explore some of the typical education and certification requirements for paralegals.

Paralegal Education Requirements

While there is no national standard for paralegal education requirements, you should expect to complete some type of paralegal education program. Most employers expect this, and it may be difficult to find a job without completing such training.

Paralegals typically have at least an associate degree, and many have bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, you may complete a master of legal studies (MLS) degree to prepare for your new career. MLS programs cover a variety of legal issues that a paralegal should understand.

Many paralegals opt to earn certification. Certification programs are available through proprietary schools and colleges across the country. Many of these certification programs take less than a year to complete. This article explores paralegal certifications in more detail below, but it’s important to note that certification programs often set education requirements for candidates.

Two popular national certifying bodies for paralegals are the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). NALA requires paralegals pursuing its Certified Paralegal designation to meet at least one of the educational requirements below:

  • A bachelor’s in paralegal studies
  • A graduate certificate in paralegal studies
  • A paralegal program consisting of at least 60 semester hours, 15 of which must be in “substantive legal courses”
  • A paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA)
  • An associate in paralegal studies

NFPA’s educational requirements vary by credential. The Core Registered Paralegal (CRP)™ designation calls for at least a high school or GRE diploma in addition to five years of substantive paralegal experience. CRP candidates with more advanced degrees don’t need as much professional experience.

The Registered Paralegal (RP)® certification, also administered by NFPA, asks candidates to have an associate degree and seven years of substantive paralegal experience. However, those with bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies need only two years of paralegal experience.

Paralegal Certification

Paralegals are not required to earn certification, but they may do so voluntarily through NALA, NFPA or another certifying body. Many states offer paralegal certifications as well.

Paralegals in Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina, Texas and Florida can become certified through their state bar associations. In Arizona, California and Washington, paralegals can become registered to provide some services, such as legal document preparation, without being under the supervision of a licensed attorney.

While certification is not required, it can give you an edge over other applicants in the job market. A reputable paralegal certification proves that you have a thorough understanding of the laws, regulations and legal principles you need to know to be competent in this demanding profession.

State-Specific Regulation of Paralegals

As of 2022, California is the only state that directly regulates individuals who use the title of “paralegal”. In California, paralegals must meet specific requirements, such as earning a certificate of completion through an ABA-approved paralegal training program, completing related college coursework or working under the supervision of a licensed attorney.

The state of Washington has established education and experience requirements for its “Limited License Legal Technician” designation, which paralegals can use. The State of Utah has also established education and experience requirements for its “Licensed Paralegal Practitioner” designation, also of use to paralegals.

Becoming a Paralegal: What You Need to Know BSC Blog Staff

When you’re exploring careers in the legal field, consider becoming a paralegal. These legal professionals play an important role in legal proceedings without having to spend years and a significant amount of money going to law school. When you’re a paralegal, you’ll be able to assist lawyers in a law firm or legal department with a wide range of responsibilities and duties to help legal proceedings, including trials and litigation, go as smoothly as possible.

Learning more about the role of a paralegal and how to become one can help you determine if this might be a good career option for you. Keep the following information in mind while considering this career path.

What Does a Paralegal Do?

A paralegal performs several tasks to help lawyers prepare for trials, hearings, and other legal proceedings as well as meetings. These tasks can vary depending on the type of law firm or legal department a paralegal works at, among other factors, such as whether they specialize in a particular area. Some of the tasks that paralegals are responsible for might include researching laws and regulations, drafting and maintaining legal documents, gathering facts for legal cases, and contacting clients and witnesses.

Paralegals might also arrange evidence, gather formal statements and affidavits, and summarize reports to help attorneys prepare for trials. These legal professionals might assist lawyers during trials as well by taking notes, reviewing transcripts, and handling other relevant duties. The duties you can expect to perform as a paralegal can vary based on the size of the law firm or legal department you work for. You might have a wider range of job duties and responsibilities if you work at a smaller firm. At larger law firms, your work might focus on a specific part of legal proceedings, such as researching laws and regulations or gathering evidence.

 

Legal Assistant vs. Paralegal

Legal assistants and paralegals both provide assistance in law firms or legal departments. However, their job duties and responsibilities are notably different. While paralegals focus on performing tasks that directly help lawyers with legal proceedings, such as drafting legal documents or reviewing transcripts during cases, legal assistants mainly handle clerical and administrative tasks. They might answer phones and direct calls, schedule consultations or appointments, and file paperwork.

Legal assistant and paralegal careers also differ in terms of education. Legal assistants do not need to have any formal degrees for this type of work. However, they can earn a diploma to help them learn the skills needed for this career, such as a legal office assistant diploma. Paralegals do not have any formal education requirements either, but earning an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, or advanced degree can be highly beneficial when competing for open positions. Many employers looking to hire paralegals prefer candidates who have a degree.

 

Paralegal vs. Lawyer

With paralegals responsible for performing a wide range of legal tasks, it’s helpful to know how they differ from lawyers. Paralegals can help attorneys and lawyers prepare for meetings, trials, and other legal proceedings. However, their duties are limited when it comes to their interactions with clients. Paralegals are not allowed to provide clients with legal advice or represent clients in court. Lawyers have the education and training needed to represent clients and offer legal advice.

The educational requirements for lawyers are also much more rigorous. Lawyers have to graduate from law school and pass the Bar exam. Bar exams and requirements for becoming an attorney are state specific in order to work as an attorney. Paralegals do not have to spend as much time earning a degree or need to pass the bar exam in order to work.

 

How to Become a Paralegal in 6 Steps

If you decide to become a paralegal, becoming familiar with the steps involved can help you understand what to expect. While the exact path to a career as a paralegal can differ, the following offers a general idea of how to become one.

1. Is Being a Paralegal Right for You?

Before getting started on the path to becoming a paralegal, first consider whether it’s the right career for you. Think about the kind of career you want to build and the skills you already have. Are you good at communicating with other people? Do you have strong interpersonal skills? Do you enjoy conducting research? Are you good at staying organized? Paralegals need to have solid communication, interpersonal, organizational, and research skills, along with other skills. Going through a degree program, such as a paralegal associate degree program, can help you develop or improve these skills.

Keep in mind that you’ll play a valuable role in legal proceedings, but you won’t have the authority to directly counsel clients or represent them. If you’re satisfied with this level of involvement, becoming a paralegal can be a good career path.

2. Find the Right Paralegal Education

If you decide to become a paralegal, having the right education is important. Although there aren’t any formal educational requirements to become a paralegal, earning a degree can help ensure that you develop the right skills. With many employers preferring to hire paralegals who hold a degree, this can also help you get your foot in the door when you need to find a job in this field.

When exploring education options, look for a degree program that provides you with the coursework needed to become a successful paralegal. An associate degree can help you learn the skills you’ll need and gain the right knowledge within a shorter timeframe compared to more advanced degrees. You might also have opportunities to do an internship, which gives you hands-on experience before you graduate.

3. Paralegal Certification

Do you need to be certified in order to work as a paralegal? There are no federal requirements for certification, and you won’t find certification offered at the national level. However, becoming certified at the state level can show employers that you have a strong commitment to this career, which can give you a competitive edge when you’re searching for jobs. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) also recommends certification for paralegals.

Professional organizations offer certifications for paralegals. Some certification options for paralegals include the Professional Paralegal certification from the National Association for Legal Support Professionals (NALS), the Certified Paralegal certification from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), and the Advanced Certified Paralegal certification from NALA.

4. Find a Job and Get Experience

When you graduate with a paralegal degree and earn certification, you’ll be ready to begin working in this profession. You can start looking for jobs before you graduate. If you’re able to do an internship at a law firm or legal department, you might be able to transition into a paid position afterward. Having a job as a paralegal helps you gain experience, which you can use to advance your career.

5. Specialize

Paralegals have the option to specialize in a certain area of law. While you don’t have to specialize, doing so might be a good option if you have a strong interest in a particular area of law. For example, you might choose to specialize in family law if you have a desire to play a role in helping families with legal matters, such as child custody. Other areas that you might choose to specialize in include corporate law, litigation, personal injury, immigration, real estate, intellectual property, or criminal law.

6. Advance Your Career

When you work as a paralegal, you’ll have opportunities to advance your career if desired. Doing so can open up new job opportunities and provide you with an even more fulfilling career, depending on your goals and interests. Advancing your paralegal career might involve learning new skills, going back to school for an advanced degree, or working toward earning a promotion. Some of the careers that you might consider pursuing include policy analyst, legal secretary, judge, law clerk, or attorney.

 

State-by-State Examples

Some states have local organizations that offer voluntary certification for paralegals. The requirements for these certifications vary by state, so it’s important to make sure you understand your state’s requirements. The following are a few examples of how these requirements might differ from state to state.

New York

The Empire State Alliance of Paralegal Associations (ESAPA) in New York offers the New York State Certified Paralegal Program for voluntary certification. A few of the requirements to become certified include being a legal New York resident, being employed as a paralegal, and meeting experience or educational requirements, such as passing the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) or having an associate degree in paralegal studies from an institutionally accredited school and six years of substantive paralegal experience. Keep in mind that you must meet at least one of the experience or educational requirements.

Ohio

In Ohio, the Ohio State Bar Association for Legal Professionals (OSBA) offers the OSBA Paralegal Certification Program for voluntary certification. The requirements you’ll need to meet for this certification include meeting the OSBA definition of a paralegal, providing at least three professional references, passing a written exam, completing continuing legal and paralegal education, and meeting education or experience requirements. Education or experience requirements include having a high school diploma and associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies along with a certain amount of experience working as a paralegal. This can be one year of experience for those with a bachelor’s degree, five years for those with an associate degree, or seven years for those with a high school diploma.

Virginia

The Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations (VAPA) offers the Virginia Registered Paralegal Program (VARP) for voluntary certification. To qualify for this certification, VAPA requires a paralegal to be a voting member in any VAPA member association or area liaison. Other requirements include completing a minimum of 12 hours of continuing legal education credits, which includes two hours of ethics every two years. Paralegals must also provide proof to VAPA that they have completed the continuing education hours to maintain certification.

Wisconsin

The State Bar of Wisconsin offers voluntary certification for paralegals. Becoming a certified paralegal involves meeting education or experience requirements; being employed or retained by a law firm, lawyer, agency, or corporation; being directly supervised by a lawyer licensed in Wisconsin; and passing a background check. Education requirements include having an associate or bachelor’s degree from a qualified paralegal studies program, meeting eligibility requirements if you haven’t graduated yet, or earning at least 21 continuing education credits. Work experience requirements include working at least five years as a paralegal, teaching paralegal studies for at least three years, having a high school diploma, and having three hours of approved continuing legal education.

 

How Long Does It Take to Become a Paralegal?

The amount of time it takes to become a paralegal can vary considerably depending on different factors, such as the degree program you complete and whether you become certified. Remember, many employers in the legal field prefer to hire paralegals who have a college degree.

Going through an associate degree program to become a paralegal can take a couple of years, or possibly less if you are in an accelerated program. A bachelor’s degree can take about four years to earn. And a more advanced degree, such as a master’s degree in legal studies, can take an additional one to two years.

 

Paralegal Career Outlook

Knowing more about the job outlook for paralegals can factor into your decision about pursuing this career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for paralegals from 2020 to 2030 is 12 percent.* This is faster than the average job outlook for all occupations in the U.S. What is behind this demand for paralegals? Law firms are expected to hire more of these legal professionals in order to lower costs and improve efficiency in their legal services.

The demand for paralegals isn’t just within law firms. Large corporations, such as insurance companies, healthcare companies, and finance companies, have also been focusing on expanding their in-house legal staff to keep costs down instead of hiring outside law firms.

*Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

How to Become a Paralegal | 10 Tips

[Featured image] A paralegal in a yellow jacket works on a laptop computer.

A paralegal assists lawyers with legal cases. Whether it’s for defending a person in a court case that’s going to trial or to present information at a city council meeting, paralegals research and prepare reports for lawyers to use in their work.

Paralegals can’t work alone—they must work under the supervision of a lawyer—and can’t give legal advice, but may work in a variety of settings such as law firms or government agencies, or for various types of organizations like businesses or nonprofits.

Here’s what your duties as a paralegal might include:

 

  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Investigating information about a case
  • Researching information related to a case
  • Assisting lawyers during trials
  • Researching and learning about laws and regulations
  • Maintaining a database of records related to each case
  • Writing reports
  • Drafting emails, letters, and documents
  • Acquiring affidavits to be used in court
  • Helping prepare legal arguments
  • Preparing civil documents, like wills, real estate contracts, and divorce decrees
  • Communicating with clients

Types of paralegal jobs

The duties of a paralegal largely depend on where one works. For example, a smaller law office may give a paralegal multiple duties, while a larger organization may assign a paralegal to one phase of a case.

Paralegals can work in different aspects of the law just as lawyers do. Paralegal duties may differ depending on the field of law.

Types of paralegals What they help do
Probate •Write wills and planning estates
•Pay inheritance taxes and record deeds
Corporate •Work for a corporation rather than an individual client
•Research regulations, contracts, and improprieties
Family law •Deal with child custody and divorce cases
•May deal with foster care and adoption as well as work with social services
Immigration •Work with immigrants to file legal documents like visa applications
•May work for government agencies
Litigation •Work with clients who file lawsuits
•May specialize in a specific area of law like intellectual property
Government •Work for federal, state, or local governments
•May assist with community outreach and legal aid
Intellectual property •Work with trademarks, copyrights, and patents
•May work for a marketing firm
Real estate •Assist clients with the paperwork for real estate transactions
•May work on cases like foreclosures, boundary disputes, and zoning problems
Criminal law •Help build cases for or against criminals
•May work for prosecutors or criminal defense attorneys
Bankruptcy •Navigate the bankruptcy process for a client
•Negotiate with courts and creditors
Personal injury •Prepare personal injury cases for trial or settlement
•Act as a liaison between interested parties

10 tips for getting a job as a paralegal

There is not a singular path towards becoming a paralegal, though some states do require specific certifications or degrees. However, certain skills, education, and experience can make you more likely to find a rewarding position that offers competitive wages and long-term job security. Start by following these ten steps.

1. Brush up on these workplace skills.

Before you start your journey towards your career as a paralegal, make sure you have the workplace skills necessary for the job. These might include:

 

  • Communication: You’ll communicate daily with clients, lawyers, court officials, insurance companies, witnesses, government officials, and many other people, both verbally and through written correspondence.
  • Investigative skills: As a paralegal you’ll spend plenty of time researching, analyzing, and tracking down information. A good eye for relevant facts and being able to pay attention to detail are a must.
  • Comfort with technology: Law firms are increasingly seeking candidates who are comfortable with computers and common word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
  • Multitasking: It’s rare for a paralegal to work on one task at a time. You may make several phone calls, research law, and draft a document all within half an hour.
  • Teamwork: Paralegals rarely work alone. On a daily basis, you’ll likely work with lawyers, other paralegals, legal assistants, and legal secretaries.
  • Time management: There are many deadlines in the field of law. Your job will likely entail finishing your assigned tasks on time and knowing how to prioritize the most important ones.

2. Get your associate degree.

There is no rule stating that you need a degree to become a paralegal, and some firms will even train you on the job. However, as the field becomes more competitive, you’ll find that many law firms want you to have at least an associate degree. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer two-year programs in paralegal studies.

If you’re not ready to commit to a degree, try taking a course on law—such as the University of Pennsylvania’s course on American law offered on Coursera—to see if the field is for you.

3. A bachelor’s degree will make you more competitive.

Some law firms require you to have a bachelor’s degree before they’ll interview you for an entry-level position, so it’s a good idea to  complete your four-year degree if you can. Though there’s no requirement for what you study, majoring in subjects like criminal justice, pre-law, psychology, communication, or business can help prepare you better for your career and may even help you find a specialty that interests you.

4. A master’s degree can further your career.

Many paralegals go on to earn a master’s degree in paralegal studies or legal studies, which can boost earning potential and open doors to more senior paralegal positions. Law school is also an option if you’re interested in making the switch to become a lawyer.

5. Obtain certification.

No matter what level of education you pursue, a professional certification may increase your competitiveness as a paralegal. While they’re not necessary, some law firms prefer job candidates to have them. National organizations like the National Federation of Paralegal Associations offer exams you’ll need to pass to earn these certifications, as do some state bar associations.

6. Try to get an internship while you’re in school.

While you’re pursuing your degree, it’s a good idea to try to get an internship. Internships can give you valuable real-world experience and introduce you to professionals in the field to network with. You may be able to find legal internships at law firms, businesses, government institutions, or other organizations.

7. Consider joining a paralegal association.

Joining a paralegal association can be beneficial to your job search as a paralegal. They can offer several benefits, like scholarships for continuing your education, guidance on choosing the right schools and programs, discounts on exam fees and insurance, guidance on earning certifications, networking opportunities, and many other perks. You’ll find paralegal associations at the local, state, and national levels.

8. Learn a second language.

Learning a second language like Spanish can be useful as a paralegal. You might find it an especially sought-after quality in immigration law, but being fluent in other languages can help you conduct interviews or read documents for other specialties as well.

9. Network as much as possible.

Networking is a common way to find a job. Having a large group of contacts at your fingertips means you have more resources when you need a reference, an introduction, or advice. If you’re not sure where to start, you can network by:

 

  • Getting to know your professors and classmates better
  • Taking an interest in any guest speakers your school invites to speak to your classes
  • Attending seminars
  • Connecting with alumni from your school
  • Reaching out through social media
  • Joining professional or legal organizations

10. Take an entry-level position.

Finally, when it’s time to look for a job, don’t shy away from entry-level positions. Entry-level positions can hone your skills and allow you to introduce you to different aspects of the paralegal career. It also looks great on your resume for when the time comes to apply for a promotion or look for a better job.

Majors to Become Paralegals

Paralegals work on both sides of the aisle and in criminal as well as civil courts. They investigate the facts of a case, conduct legal research, help draft documents, keep and maintain case files, draft correspondences and assist lawyers during trials. Like lawyers, paralegals often specialize in various areas of law, such as litigation, corporate law, immigration and personal injury, among others.

There are various educational paths you can follow to become a paralegal. While you can follow various paralegal programs offered at many colleges and universities in the United States, it is highly advisable to choose one that is approved by the American Bar Association.

Paralegal Certificate Programs

Paralegal certificate programs and paralegal certification are not one and the same. Paralegal educational or training programs at many colleges, universities and technical schools offer students a certificate upon the successful completion of their program, but this does not make them “certified paralegals.”

A certified paralegal has passed a certification exam from a recognized certifying organization, such as the National Federation of Paralegal Associations or the National Association of Legal Assistants. Some state bar associations also offer certifications for paralegals practicing in their states. While the American Bar Association emphasizes that certification is voluntary, many law firms prefer their employees to be certified.

Certificate programs for paralegals are listed by schools under the major of “paralegal studies” or “legal studies.” These programs have core academic classes, such as English composition, mathematics, science and social sciences, but the program is heavily weighted toward legal fundamentals, such as legal research and writing, civil practice and procedures, constitutional law, legal ethics and others.

Paralegal Associate’s Degree

According to Chere Estrin, editor-in-chief for “Know: The Magazine for Paralegals,” an associate’s degree is “sufficient in certain parts of the country – third and fourth-tier cities,” but is often not enough to make you competitive in major metropolitan areas and “definitely not in the major firms.”

Since associate degrees are available in paralegal studies, many students get an associate’s degree in paralegal studies and continue on to get a bachelor’s degree in a subject related to the area of law they are most interested in, such as psychology for family law, business administration for corporate law or criminal justice for criminal law. Many certificate programs require an associate’s degree as a prerequisite for entering their program. They don’t, however, require that it be in any particular major.

Bachelor’s Degree for Paralegals

Most employers prefer to hire paralegals with a bachelor’s degree and a post-baccalaureate certificate from an ABA-approved paralegal program. In fact, this is required by law in California. The bachelor’s degree does not have to be in paralegal studies; it can be in almost any academic subject, such as English, history, political science, psychology, criminal justice, business administration or accounting.

In California, the law specifies that a bachelor’s degree is required for paralegals (without specificity as to major) unless the paralegal already has a minimum of three years of related experience under the supervision of a California-licensed attorney prior to 2003. In such cases, the paralegal is required to have a signed declaration from the supervising attorney that she is qualified to perform paralegal duties.

Career Changes in Law

For many people, becoming a paralegal is their second or even third career. The average age of a paralegal student is between 36 and 38; they are returning to school for specialized paralegal training after spending many years in a different career, often with graduate degrees in other subjects. In large firms, paralegals typically work in a particular phase of a case, rather than on one case from beginning to end.

For this reason, this type of employer seeks out those who have special expertise in addition to paralegal certification. For instance, if a paralegal has a graduate degree in computer programing, she might play a major role in electronic discovery. It is no longer unheard of for technically skilled paralegals with master’s degrees or even Ph.D.s to make six-figure salaries, while the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median paralegal salary in 2019 was $51,740.

What Are the Education Requirements to Become a Paralegal?

Career & Education Information

Paralegals, otherwise known as legal assistants, help attorneys and lawyers by performing duties that might include legal research, interviewing witnesses, organizing the evidence and drafting documents. They might maintain information databases, prepare briefs for court or even help during a trial. Other tasks vary depending on the law firm and its speciality, which might be an area such as business law, civil or criminal litigation, or family law.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reports that formal training is not required to enter this career; however, most entrants into the paralegal field have an associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree combined with a certificate. The most common training leading to an associate’s degree is through a community college program. Applicants who already hold a college degree need only earn a certificate in paralegal studies.

Important Facts About Paralegals

 

Online Availability Full programs are available online
Continuing Education Renewal required every five years to maintain a certificate
Common Courses Law and litigation, criminology, corporate law, international law
Similar Occupations Lawyer, administrative assistant, claims adjuster

Certification

Earning a voluntary certification from a professional society enhances an applicant’s opportunities in the labour market. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) established certain standards for certification. A student who meets its standards is eligible to take a 2-day examination. Passing this examination allows the student to use the credentials of a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP). The American Alliance of Paralegals offers a voluntary certification program that leads to the credential of American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP). Five years of paralegal experience is required to take the examination.

Job Skills

Skills that can serve a paralegal well include attention to detail, persistence and organization, especially because they do a great deal of work with examining and creating documentation. They must also be able to communicate well, both in person and in writing. Finally, computer skills are also helpful in this field.