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.
Becoming a paralegal is a great career path for those who are highly detail-oriented and interested in the law. Paralegals are critical team members in any law office. They conduct research to help lawyers prepare their cases, and they draft reports and other formal statements. The day-to-day responsibilities of a paralegal may vary depending on the size of the office and the area of law, but their overall role is to support attorneys as they prepare for trials, hearings, meetings, or other events.
Job growth for paralegals looks favorable, too. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for paralegals is expected to grow by 12 percent in the next year, which is faster than average.
The path to becoming a paralegal is not as clear as it is for some other professions, though. Paralegals aren’t regulated at a federal level, and very few states have specific requirements that paralegals must meet to be employed. The qualifications for paralegals are set by employers, and some look for more rigorous education than others. Fortunately, this means that you have many options for which degree you can get to become a paralegal.
Becoming a Paralegal With an Associate’s Degree
While some law firms prefer for their paralegals to have a bachelor’s degree, many employers will hire paralegals who have an associate’s degree. An associate’s degree can be a great option for aspiring paralegals because it is more affordable than attending a four-year college and allows you to enter the field earlier.
Many community colleges offer associate’s degrees in paralegal studies or legal studies. These programs involve classes that are specific to the skills and knowledge a paralegal should possess, such as writing, research, and ethics. Most employers prefer to see an associate’s degree from a school approved by the American Bar Association, or ABA. You can find a directory of paralegal programs approved by the ABA on their website.
Becoming a Paralegal With a Bachelor’s Degree
The top law firms in any area may look for candidates with a bachelor’s degree when hiring paralegals. Your options should not be severely limited if you complete an associate’s degree instead, but a bachelor’s degree may open up some other opportunities or allow you to earn a higher salary.
Few colleges or universities offer four-year degrees in paralegal studies. Those who choose to earn a bachelor’s degree may have to select a related field of study for their degree and then complete an additional certificate program. However, some law firms hire individuals with only a bachelor’s degree and then offer on-the-job training to equip them to fulfill a paralegal’s responsibilities.
If you decide to pursue a career as a paralegal with a bachelor’s degree, you have a number of options for relevant fields of study. Many paralegals receive bachelor’s degrees in English, history, sociology, or business.
Becoming a Paralegal With a Post-baccalaureate Certificate
A certificate in paralegal studies can make you a more competitive candidate and a more educated employee. Paralegals often complete a post-baccalaureate certificate to learn the specific skills of the job after they finish their bachelor’s degree. Most certification programs take one year to complete, but they are only available to students who have finished a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school.
Licenses and Certifications
Paralegals aren’t required by law to earn a license or pass a certification exam, but some employers prefer candidates who have these qualifications. There are several national and state paralegal organizations that offer licensing or certification exams. By passing one of these tests and earning a license, you prove that you have the knowledge needed to excel as a paralegal
Important Skills for Paralegals
Paralegals often work in high-stress environments. This is especially true if you work for a litigator or a trial lawyer as time is of the essence when preparing for a case. If you thrive under pressure and enjoy a fast-paced working environment, becoming a paralegal could be a great career choice.
Attention to detail is another important quality for paralegals. The legal field is very precise and highly technical, so paralegals need to pore over every document to make sure everything is perfect. Paralegals should be very organized, too, as they may have to juggle documents for multiple cases at once.
Research and writing are two of the main components of a paralegal’s job, so you should be comfortable with these tasks if you want to be a paralegal. You may have to interview clients, research past cases, or conduct other investigations to prepare for a case, and you have to communicate your findings as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Working as a paralegal is an excellent career path. You can enter the field with a two-year degree, and you can make a comfortable salary with room for growth as you gain experience. Your educational options are broad since there are no specific requirements for paralegals, so you could choose to earn an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree. What’s most important is that you opt for a field of study that provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to feel at home in the legal world.
The road to becoming a lawyer is a long and difficult one, however, it is also an achievement that only the best talents can attain. The fact that you are even thinking about it shows that you have the determination and desire to succeed. Despite the difficulties, it is also a profession that will bring incredible job satisfaction and financial reward. If this sounds like your dream career path, here are five essential tips to reach your goals and become a lawyer.
1. Shine During High School
Excelling during high school not only can put you ahead of your competition when it comes to applying for colleges, but it also puts you in the correct frame of mind to pursue a career in law. You are going to have to work hard, so start working hard early. Get involved in extracurricular activities and take part in other activities that involve debating and meeting people as your personal skills will be key once you leave college.
2. Consider Participating In A Clerkship
A clerkship can give you the opportunity to work for a law firm over the summer or part-time. This will give you essential experience and law firms will look favourably upon this attribute on your résumé. There is also the possibility that the law firm that is providing you with the clerkship may take you on once you graduate from law school. If you are struggling financially and need extra funds to help you with living costs during an internship or clerkship, you can consider personal loans from private lenders. Doing so will keep you financially stable until you start to make money.
3. Get Involved In College
Like with high school, you should be getting involved as much as possible while at college. If there are positions of responsibility available you should be applying for them. Take extra classes if you need them and try to foster good relationships with your professors, as it will be them who are writing your reference for law school. If you can find work experience, this will help you even more as it shows your willingness to put yourself out there and start learning early.
4. Don’t Get In Trouble With The Law
It might seem obvious, but it is worth emphasising that you should not get in trouble with the law as it could prevent you from having a career in law. Bar Associations usually put candidates through a moral screening process and any involvement with the law will not look good. The number one rule of becoming a lawyer is to stay out of trouble.
5. Network
Your network can never be big enough, especially in an industry as competitive as law. Start networking early and never miss the opportunity to do so when you are at college or completing an internship or clerkship. The mainimportance of networking is your connections as they could provide you with opportunities that will completely change the course of your career. Networking works both ways and, to maintain your network, you will need to be prepared to help others when they are in need. A good network will also be able to provide you with advice and support during your journey.
Facing criminal charges is daunting. It brings about the possibility of serving jail time. In the same vein, it can affect your reputation, tarnish your character, and put your future at risk even if you’re not convicted. With all the complexities of the criminal justice system and, pending outcomes that impact your future and your freedom, your first concern must be finding a qualified criminal defense attorney that will best represent you.
There are many factors to consider in order to land on the best criminal defense attorney. The below tips will aid in your research and help increase your chance for a favorable outcome.
1) Level of experience
Being accused of a crime is a very serious situation. You want to ensure that the attorney representing you and providing you with legal advice knows the law inside and out. Look for an attorney with experience in all courts (municipal, state, federal, superior) as sometimes jurisdictions of the courts overlap and your case may be heard in more than one court.
Equally as important as the level of expertise is success rate. There is no substitute for real-life experience, and experience without success means very little when you are facing the consequences of a crime. The best attorney has an impressive track record and verifiable success.
2) Avoid a public defender
It may be enticing to consider a public defender in order to avoid the cost of representation, but typically public defenders are inexperienced and loaded with cases. Because of this, they have very little time to address your case, answer your questions and are less likely to dedicate their attention to fight on your behalf.
3) Local connections
Having an attorney with local connections and established relationships is extremely helpful. Someone well connected will have a better understanding of local procedures, and first-hand experience with judges and prosecutors. They will know who entertains plea bargains, and which ones never consider them.
Armed with this valuable knowledge of the inner workings of the local legal scene, they’ll be more qualified to come up with a winning strategy to change the outcome of your case to the best possible one.
4) Board certification
Board certified criminal defense attorneys are the “best of the best”. You’ll be assured that your lawyer is proficient in the specialty legal field in which you have a legal need. Specializing in criminal defense, having a significant amount of jury trials, and an excellent reputation with judges and prosecutors increases the likelihood of a successful and aggressive defense.
5) In person interview
Researching websites, social media, reviews and testimonials of potential attorneys can provide useful information but nothing beats face-to-face. Take advantage of the free consultation most offer so you can form a personal impression, gauge whether or not the lawyer makes you feel comfortable, and get a sense if they are empathetic to your situation.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and check reviews, ratings, and references. Are they a trusted advisor you feel comfortable around and are you able to speak candidly with them? This is the time they will reveal their willingness to fight hard for you.
6) Accessible and available
Time is of the essence — time lost can mean case lost. Make sure your attorney is available not only to take your initial call, but promptly responds to your inquiries. An accessible and available attorney will arrange initial and subsequent meetings as soon as possible.
7) Fees
An attorney with the lowest fees is not always your best choice. Remember the old adage “you get what you pay for” – it is no different when it comes to legal representation. Subsequently, the highest fees aren’t necessarily in your best interest either. Generally, less experienced attorneys set lower fees, but be mindful when you come across an extremely low hourly rate.
An experienced attorney with a higher hourly rate may be able to resolve a case quicker and more suitable than a novice with a much lower hourly rate, thus being less expensive in the long run.
Bottom line
Be thorough, choose wisely. The imminent outcome and how your life will be once the case is closed depends on it. Invest the time and energy, do the homework and the research in order to select the attorney that is right for you. It is the most critical decision you’ll make, and choosing wisely makes all the difference in how your case will go and what the outcome is.
Fighting a criminal charge is not something you should leave to chance. The outcome of your case can change your entire future and it is important you get a good criminal defense lawyer to help you.
Your choice of paralegal school may depend on a variety of factors. If you want to specialize in one area of the law, you can find paralegal schools that offer coursework focusing on your area. Or, if you want to enter the field quickly, many programs provide a good foundation in law and legal research that you can complete in as little as a few months.
Here are some factors to consider when evaluating paralegal schools.
1. Program Accreditation
Find out if the paralegal program has accreditation by the American Bar Association or other regional accrediting body. Many non-accredited paralegal schools are dedicated to training competent paralegals, and not all markets have local schools with accreditation.
If the school is not accredited, it’s important to know whether it will fulfill the requirements to qualify for certification. Also talk to potential employers about the importance of accreditation; if school accreditation is important to them, you need to consider that before you choose a paralegal program.
2. Length of Study
Paralegal degree programs range from as little as three months to two years. Shorter certificate programs are appropriate for those who already have degrees or who have previous legal experience, perhaps by working as a legal secretary. Longer associate’s or bachelor’s degrees may be more desirable for recent high school graduates or others without a secondary degree.
Legal studies programs offer a certificate, associate’s, or bachelor’s degree, and differ from criminal justice programs—where your focus is specifically criminal law—and paralegal programs, which focus on application of the legal process—by giving you an education in civil, administrative, and criminal law.
3. School Location
Laws vary from state to state, and there is a definite advantage to attending a paralegal school in the location you want to work. It also gives you the chance to become familiar with state and local laws, as well as make contacts for future job hunting.
4. Flexibility
Paralegal schools offer a variety of options to suit students’ needs. You may need a paralegal program that allows you to work while completing your coursework, one that offers evening classes, or one that has both full-time or part-time study options.
If family or work obligations are a concern, you may need a program that offers online or home study courses. In addition to lifestyle flexibility, attending paralegal school part time allows you to spread the cost of your education over a longer span of time.
5. Curriculum and Faculty
Do the focus and philosophy of the paralegal school match your needs and interests? Is the faculty made up of practicing or former lawyers and paralegals? Both are important considerations.
6. Paralegal Internships
Find out if the paralegal program provides a variety of internships. Internships give you the opportunity to gain some real work experience, learn which areas of the law interest you most, develop contacts, and gain school credit.
If you are interested in a particular specialty area, ask the paralegal school’s guidance counselor whether they have placed students in law firms or other organizations that focus on your area of interest.
7. Career Services
Make sure you select a paralegal school whose faculty and staff are just as committed to helping you find a job as they are to teaching. The school should be able to tell you what percentage of its graduates take a certification exam and what their job placement rate is.
The paralegal plays an important role on any legal team. They help support lawyers during trial and to prepare for cases. The paralegal is the heart of a law firm as they are taking on more duties formerly given to legal secretaries and entry-level lawyers.
The increase need for paralegals and legal assistants is partially due to an increase in incarceration and the need for Internet savvy individuals. Become a paralegal or legal assistant and start a rewarding career helping others while being an integral member of a legal team.
Paralegal Duties
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegals and legal assistants help lawyers prepare for hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Paralegals use computer software for managing and organizing the increasing number of documents collected during a case. Paralegals investigate cases, conduct research, organize documents, gather evidence, summarize reports, draft correspondence, get affidavits, file legal documents and communicate with people involved with the case.
Paralegals’ Increased Duties
Paralegals and legal assistants are increasingly performing not only traditional paralegal duties but also some of the tasks previously assigned to legal secretaries. Also, paralegals can be a less costly alternative to lawyers despite performing a wide variety of tasks once done by entry-level lawyers.
Growth Rate of Paralegal Jobs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 10 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Many things are increasing the need for paralegals including an increase in incarceration and the Internet as a tool for research.
Increase in Incarceration
According to the National Academy of Sciences, the incarceration rate of prisoners in US jails has increased four times since 1972. The total number of prisoners in 2012 was 2.23 million, the highest in the world. The biggest increase has been seen in federal prison where they house people for federal crimes including robbery, fraud, drugs, weapons and immigration. This increase in incarceration has spurred the need for more legal assistance, lawyers, public defenders and paralegals.
The War on Drugs
One of the main drivers of the increased incarceration rate was the war on drugs that has changed legislation causing harsher penalties for drug abusers. According to the Drug Policy Alliance, trends in drug arrests grew sharply in the 1980s, when the federal government declared a war on drugs. “The number of people behind bars for nonviolent drug law offenses increased from 50,000 in 1980 to over 400,000 by 1997.” In the late 1980s, a political hysteria about drugs led to the passage of severe penalties that rapidly increased the prison population. We still see the effects of these harsher prison sentences today. This increase in drug arrests helped drive the need for legal assistance and paralegals.
Internet and the Law
Nonprofits and government entities have put almost all of the raw materials of American law online. Google is making that law easier to find. With more access to legal regulations and law, paralegals are expanding their skill set to Internet professional.
The increase of virtual law firms has also spiked the demand for paralegals. Much of what the virtual law firm needs is research, administrative support and client interface. More companies like Legalzoom and RocketLawyer have pushed the envelope on virtual law firms and the increased need for paralegals.
Both companies are usually hiring paralegals to join the company. What the paralegal position does at Legalzoom:
Thorough review and analysis of commercial contracts.
Implementation, management, and maintenance of the company’s contract management system.
Ability to review, understand, and synthesize common contract provisions.
Maintenance of legal department forms and contract clause library.
Work closely with technology, finance, and marketing to initiate, negotiate, and complete contracts and administer other legal department operations.
Craft summaries and communications for core corporate functions.
Assistance with production and organization of subpoena response materials.
Monitoring and assistance with regulatory filings
Assistance with regulatory compliance, due diligence, and legal support for our finance team
Letter preparation and event coordination
Final Thoughts
Now is the time to learn about the duties and responsibilities of paralegals. Whether it be the increase in incarceration rates or the increase in technology, there is a growing need for paralegals that will continue over the next 10 years.
Interested in learning more about the duties of a paralegal or legal assistant? The lawyer Paralegal Education diploma and degree programs in paralegal studies provides students with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the legal skills necessary to perform many paralegal functions including research, writing, investigation, and interviewing. Paralegal studies students gain knowledge of the paralegal and legal assistant’s role in areas such as tort law, litigation, criminal law, civil law, real estate, bankruptcy, wills/trusts & estates, and domestic relations. Theoretical and practical knowledge of how a traditional legal office operates on a day-to-day basis is also included as part of the training. Contact us today to learn more about becoming a paralegal or legal assistant.
Many have this idea that paralegal is equivalent to a lawyer. The real fact is not that. Paralegals are more like the assistant to the lawyer. They don’t have the authority to offer legal advice, as many may believe. However, they are trained to do many tasks which a lawyer normally doesn’t perform.
By assigning duties like drafting documents, performing legal research and writing, proofreading, or bookkeeping to the paralegal, the lawyer can take more time out and concentrate on other projects. Thus the lawyer can devote a maximum of his professional time to more crucial topics. This further helps in saving costs too since the paralegal’s time is usually billed at a much lower rate than the attorney’s.
Paralegal staffs work for lawyers who cover varied and huge practice areas. Thus law firms or legal professionals who handle fields like litigation, bankruptcy, family law, foreclosures, probate, and estate planning, collections, business/corporate, personal Injury, securities law can definitely benefit by hiring paralegal services.
Such services can be broadly divided into two parts, based on skills and specialization: There are certain paralegal services which are voluminous but demand low-end skills.
On the other hand, certain tasks are of qualitative nature and demand legal knowledge to a certain extent. Few common paralegal responsibilities include completion of forms, document management, proofreading, bookkeeping, data entry, title search and also extending legal editing and publishing supports.
Some of these tasks may appear very simple but the fact is that each service demands maximum concentration and seriousness. Employees of a busy law firm may find it difficult to handle these responsibilities on their own. This is one reason why the concept of outsourcing certain legal tasks has gained huge support from USA based law firms and legal advisors.
The recent economic slowdown is another reason why many US law firms have opted for outside services rather than investing on own infrastructure and resources.
While the US-based attorney usually charges an approximate of $200 -$300 on an hourly basis his counterpart from the offshore team charges quite a nominal amount of around USD 75-100 per hour. This straightaway results in saving up to 50%-90% of the cost which is really an impressive amount!
Thus hiring legal attorneys from the outsourcing company seem quite a practical and economical approach. Not only the law firm saves money but it can be sure of the best standard service within the limited time frame.
Highly successful investment companies don’t just create large profits for the business itself; they also ensure that each investor has a healthy-sized portfolio. There will always be highs and lows in the investment market, but proving that you have knowledgeable staff and secure methods will help you to retain your clientele. In addition to hiring attorneys to review and revise business contracts as needed, there has to be a support system in place to deal with the day-to-day dealings.
Perhaps you don’t need several lawyers, legal interns, paralegals, and legal secretaries to work at the helm of your company, but a well-trained legal professional with a degree in paralegal studies is essential. Realize that investment firms are bound by frequently changing regulations. Merely having the presence of a trained paralegal on your staff could keep your investment firm out of hot water while simultaneously benefitting its stable growth.
So Why Are Paralegals Essential In the Investment Industry?
Every day in the investment industry, there are new deals negotiated, analyzed, and finally agreed upon. If you are comfortable in the boardroom, you can imagine how well-adjusted legal professionals may be in their offices ensuring that all of your investments go according to plan. Think of your expert paralegals as the players on your team who are capable of watching over everyone else while still being able to perform up to the task. Since they work together with your managers and attorneys, they are aware of what you are currently doing and what your investment firm wants to accomplish.
Tailoring Your Offerings to Clients from a Legal Point of View
If you want to begin offering new investments to clients, you first need to be certain that your ideas do not violate investment laws or trade rules. Whether your firm works in real estate investment or international trade there are various nuances to be addressed and satisfactorily dealt with before you can start to make new offerings to clients. Let your attorneys on staff deal with the larger issues, but also have your paralegals go over all of the finer details. You don’t want a misspelling or grammatical error to change the context of your investment offerings or to change the meaning in one of your business contracts.
Knowing About Changes in Investment Law As They Occur
While your investment firm needs to have an expert attorney to keep you informed of changes in investment rules and regulations as they are proposed and implemented, paralegals also have a stated purpose. If you have petitions that need amending, your paralegals will be able to make the appropriate revisions and get them to your lawyers so they may be submitted expeditiously. Remember that even staff attorneys can have periods of time in which they are unavailable. If they have many different tasks that they are responsible for, having paralegal graduates who obtained their degree can enable them to eliminate all potential oversights and keep your business running within the confines of the law.
If you are going to hire attorneys that understand fundamental investment regulations and have resumes to back up their expertise, you need paralegals that are also experienced. The legal professionals that you have working at your investment firm need to be capable of working within strict timelines (deadlines), as well as used to working with many different accounts. You will be able to keep all of your investment firm’s clients satisfied if they know that all parts of your company work on equal levels.
Here at ParalegalEducation.com, our Paralegal Studies graduates earn their Associate in Applied Science Degree after completing an 18-month program consisting of various law and general education courses, hands-on lab assignments, and a 300-hour externship. This ensures our students are fully prepared and successful as they begin their new careers in any area of the law they choose.
Becoming a paralegal says something about a person. No, not just “I like being verbally abused by lawyers all day.” It says you have some ambition, some drive. You like to work independently and you enjoy learning new things and managing projects. You’re not afraid of details and thrive under pressure.
In short, you have all the right qualities to become a small business owner.
And you picked the right field for it, too. Statista estimates that the entire legal services industry in the United States generates more than $250 billion in revenue, expected to increase to $288 billion by the end of 2018.
There’s a catch, of course; paralegals cannot practice law, so the most natural type of business to be in is one you can’t open.
But a law practice isn’t the only sort of firm in legal services, and the alternatives are becoming more and more widespread. The rise of Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs) is a doorway to business ownership for paralegals.
Today, you can start your own firm in a niche such as:
Document review
Litigation support
Discovery and e-discovery
IP management
As a contracted specialist, you won’t be practicing law, but you can enjoy the freedom and potential that come with being a business owner… as long as you follow these five important steps.
Find The Niche
Your niche is going to determine a lot of things about your business: who you market it to, how it operates, what kind of money you will make. But it’s going to depend a lot on your own strengths and what the local market demands.
Is it going to revolve around things that you have already been doing as an employee, or are you going to strike out in a new direction? Will you jump onto a current trend in legal services, like e-discovery, and try to ride it to riches, or will you invent the next big thing on your own?
These are big questions and will probably take up most of your planning hours when you are first thinking about your business.
Don’t waste those hours. Daydreaming is great but does your market research, too. Base your ideas not only on your inspiration but ground them in where the numbers lead you as well. You’ll find the right combination of lucrative and compelling after you have put enough thought into it.
Network, Network, Network
It’s great that you’re going out on your own, but don’t think for a minute that means you won’t need other people. You’ll rely on contacts in the legal community for everything—referrals, references, staffing recommendations, you name it.
So it’s a good idea to get out there early and start making those contacts. It’s never too soon to start. Even while you’re in school, fellow students, instructors, and internship interviewers are all good people to get to know. You never know where they’ll end up, or how you might be able to help one another.
Networking is a two-way street, so you need to be prepared to offer your own efforts in return. But when it pays off, it pays off for everyone, so think of it as a necessary investment.
The paralegal profession is competitive and exciting with a wide range of careers and specific fields from which to choose. Education and training requirements vary by region, field, and between companies, but usually involve a minimum of two years of post-secondary study, sometimes culminating in an associate degree, as well as experience. Students can also earn certifications, a bachelor’s degree and even a master’s degree in paralegal studies. This comprehensive guide includes information and data on education and training as well as key facts about salaries, job prospects and more.
Steps to Become a Paralegal
Step 1
Select a Specialty
Though most paralegals work as generalists in a legal firm, some choose to specialize for a particular employer or sector of law. For instance, corporate paralegals work with attorneys to handle contractual issues such as shareholder agreements, stock option plans and employee contracts. Litigation paralegals work with attorneys that take on cases through the civil or criminal trial system. Choosing a specialty as early as possible allows students to take courses that are relevant to career goals.
Paralegal specialties include:
Corporate paralegal
Litigation paralegal
Estate planning and probate paralegal
Family law paralegal
Immigration paralegal
Intellectual property paralegal
Real estate paralegal
Debt and bankruptcy paralegal
Freelance paralegal
Step 2
Complete the Necessary Level of Education
Associate’s Degree: The most-common educational path to becoming a paralegal includes an associate’s degree. These two-year programs are offered through community colleges, universities, or online, and teach the basic skills and knowledge required of an entry-level paralegal or legal assistant.
Bachelor’s Degree: A four-year bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies may be a requirement for paralegal positions with major law firms, government legal departments or in corporate law. Those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field can consider earning a paralegal certificate, which can take several months to complete.
Master’s Degree: If you want to take your studies further, some colleges offer master’s programs in paralegal studies. Master’s degree holders can find success in highly targeted fields, such as intellectual property law and certain specialties in corporate practice. Master’s graduates can also become teachers of paralegal studies.
Step 3
Pass the Certification Exam
Though certification for paralegals is voluntary, earning one can distinguish individuals from other job applicants. Some employer may require certification. Regardless, national surveys consistently show that certifications such as Certified Paralegals (CP) and Certified Legal Assistants (CLA) are used to determine and measure applicants’ abilities and skills.
Paralegal organizations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants offer the CLA and CP certifications, which require passing a test and then pursuing continuing education. The credentials have been recognized by the American Bar Association as a designation that marks a high level of professional achievement. The CLA or CP credential has also been recognized by over 47 legal assistant organizations and numerous bar associations.
Step 4
Intern with a Law Firm, Corporation, Nonprofit, or Government Agency
Individuals could also opt for an internship while pursuing a degree program to gain experience and have more opportunities for applying what they’ve learned. Many employers look favorably upon job applicants who take internships during their college years.
Step 5
Begin an Entry-Level Job
Students who apply for a range of positions and use their school’s career placement services have an increased chance of finding work as a paralegal. Entry-level positions will give students an opportunity to begin practicing the techniques learned in school and allows for increased responsibilities down the road.
What Does a Paralegal Do?
Paralegal Career Basics
Many paralegals work full-time in private firms, government agencies or corporate legal offices. They handle a broad range of administrative and research duties under the supervision of attorneys. For example, during the course of a day, they may organize and maintain legal files or draft documents, deliver or retrieve documents from the courthouse and conduct intensive legal research in preparation for court. Paralegals also investigate the background facts of cases, organize evidence and documents for attorneys to review, accompany lawyers to court, and manage schedules with witnesses and experts. Specific responsibilities can vary greatly, depending on the department, office or firm in which a paralegal works. Those who work for large firms might handle only one phase of a case, while those in smaller firms could work a case from beginning to end.
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Paralegal Salary Per State
Paralegals work full-time and earned a median wage of $52,920 in 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent of paralegal jobs pay $85,160 or more per year. Those who work for larger firms or in larger cities tend to earn more than paralegals who work for small firms. The highest annual wages were found in the federal government, followed by finance and insurance, then local governments.
The map below shows details of the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentile earners for each state.
Paralegal Job Growth and Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, projects paralegal employment to rise by 10 percent by 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Over 35,000 jobs will be added to the profession by 2029. Many large corporations will hire paralegals, with a new focus on hiring in-house counsel rather than retaining outside law firms. Paralegals with very strong computer skills should see the greatest opportunities.
To see more on employment or job growth for paralegals, select a state below.
Finding a school that offers a quality education with the flexibility needed to maintain a career and busy schedule can be difficult. Luckily, there are several online paralegal programs to choose from. As you sift through the options, keep the following criteria in mind.
Overview of Paralegal Degree Levels
Students pursuing a degree in paralegal studies have many academic options. From certifications and associate degrees to bachelor’s and even master’s degrees, students are able to earn a basic or in-depth education based on their interests and career goals. Each subsequent level of schooling brings additional qualifications and skills, so it is important for students to consider what will be required of them in their chosen field. Paralegal degrees can be earned on campus, as well as online.
Below are some scenarios that show which educational options might be best for the student in that scenario. If more than one box is checked, it means either option would be beneficial or possible.
CAREER GOAL AND/OR EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
ASSOCIATE
BACHELOR’S
MASTER’S
ONLINE
I want to gain a solid understanding of the paralegal field and establish a foundation for further education if I choose to continue in the future.
I work a full-time job and/or have other responsibilities that would prevent me from being a full-time student, but want still want to pursue a degree in paralegal studies in order to advance in my career.
I work as a legal secretary or paralegal but want to further my skill set and knowledge so I have more opportunities in the future.
I want to take an accelerated program and earn a quality degree as fast as possible.
I know I am interested in a career as a paralegal and I want to earn a quality degree that will give me a competitive edge.
Different levels of degrees are available in paralegal studies. As the degrees advance, so do the curricula, skills, knowledge, and potential career opportunities. Below is a breakdown of each level to help prospective students decide which degree is right for them and their career goals.
Certificates and Associate Degrees
Earning an associate degree in paralegal studies gives students a strong understanding of the basic principles of the field as well as general education in math, science, social science, and English. Because an associate degree typically takes two years, about half the time it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree, AS or AAS degrees tend to be a more affordable and quick way to get a foot in the door for a legal career. Paralegal topics that are covered in most associate degree programs include introduction to law, legal research and writing, civil litigation, and legal ethics. Elective courses allow students to gear their education in the direction of their personal interests, ranging from criminal, environmental, and employment law to tax law and domestic relations.
Certificates are earned through the study of paralegal core and elective courses without the required general education courses, and can be earned anywhere between one semester to two years, depending on the program and the student’s pace.
Detailed below are descriptions for some of the courses required for associate degrees and certificates in paralegal studies, as well as industry skills earned in the classes.
Introduction to the Law
Provides a basic understanding of the law and the American justice system, and introduces the student to legal terminology and areas of law which will be studied in greater depth later in the curriculum.
Paralegal Skills and Knowledge Gained
Understanding of the role of the paralegal in a legal office
Understand basic aspects of American law
Begin practicing legal research and writing
Legal Research, Writing, and Civil Litigation
Teaches students the processes and techniques necessary for handling cases from beginning to end. Arguably the most important course in paralegal education.
Paralegal Skills and Knowledge Gained
Determine jurisdiction and venue
Initiating and commencing a lawsuit
Client counseling
Investigation techniques and the discovery process
Drafting summons, complaints, motions, briefs, and pleadings
Settlement techniques
Understanding of the trial process
Professional Responsibility and Legal Ethics
Covers the basic principles of practicing ethical law for paralegals and lawyers.
Paralegal Skills and Knowledge Gained
Understanding of the regulations of attorney and paralegal conduct
Understanding of conflicts of interest, unauthorized practice of law, malpractice, and confidentiality, plus disciplinary measures
Handling law office finances, including client funds, advertising, billing, and fee splitting
A Four-Year Degree
A bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies (offered as a Bachelor of Science from most schools) is earned upon completion of 120 credit hours, generally taking students about four years. Coursework includes required general education classes, core paralegal courses, and upper division legal courses.
After achieving a bachelor’s degree, graduates will have an intimate knowledge of the responsibilities of a paralegal, and know the techniques and processes necessary to assist lawyers in cases. Graduates are qualified to begin careers as paralegals in law offices, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and non-profits, or to pursue further education. Specific skills acquired include drafting and editing legal memoranda, motions, and other basic legal and court documents; ability to apply a wide variety of legal concepts to given tasks; and ability to perform advanced legal research and discovery tasks.
Below are some example classes students will encounter during their bachelor’s education.
Criminal Law
Outlines the definitions and elements of crimes against persons, property, and various legal defenses available to defendants.
Paralegal Skills and Knowledge Gained
Understanding of the basic constitutional safeguards and procedures involved from arrest through trial
Understand the prosecution process for any type of crime
Understanding of the application of state and federal sentencing guidelines
Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights
Overview of the various types of intellectual property, how to protect against infringement, and what defenses are available for infringement both in the U.S. and abroad.
Paralegal Skills and Knowledge Gained
Recognize the different types of IP
Recognize the various types of infringement
Ability to apply defenses and remedies for infringement
Legal Document Preparation
Teaches the practical skill of drafting, editing, and otherwise preparing legal documents through hands-on practice.
Paralegal Skills and Knowledge Gained
Draft sales and service contracts, real property contracts and deeds, wills, limited partnership or LLC operating agreements, prenuptial agreements, and other legal documents
Specialties in Paralegal Studies
Just as lawyers choose an area of law in which to practice, paralegals may choose a specialty or concentration during their schooling. Students who choose a concentration will take classes specifically geared to aspects of that concentration, and will focus largely on learning about that area of law and mastering skills relevant to the specialty.
Below are some of the most common specialties for paralegals.
Corporate
Estate Planning and Probate
Family Law
Immigration
Intellectual Property
Advanced Education
The educational options available to students after they achieve a bachelor’s degree include earning a post-baccalaureate certificate, a graduate certificate, or a master’s degree in paralegal studies. While it is not always necessary that paralegal professionals complete education beyond a bachelor’s, each advanced program offers different credentials and skills and prepares graduates for increased opportunities and responsibility.
Type of Certifications
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
Graduate Certificate
Master’s Degree in Paralegal Studies
Skills Gained at the Graduate Level
Complex Research Skills
Proficiency in Document Preparation
A Magnified Understanding of Law
Team Contribution
Strong Sense of Professionalism
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Paralegal Credentials
Paralegal positions don’t require a standard set of credentials. Instead, paralegals can pursue a handful of voluntary certification programs throughout the nation. Some of the most common certification programs for paralegals include (but are not limited to):
National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
NALA offers the Certified Paralegal (CP) credential program, which signifies that a paralegal can provide high-quality services to firms and corporations.
National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
The NFPA offers two paralegal certification programs:
The Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE): A certification for new and early-career paralegals with a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
The Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE): A certification for paralegals further along in their careers who want to further advance their careers.
Association of Legal Professionals (NALS)
The NALS offers several different certifications for paralegals and aspiring paralegals:
Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) is for students and entry-level professionals
Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) and Certified Legal Professional (CLP) are for paralegals with at least three years of legal work experience
Professional Paralegal (PP) is for students graduating from an ABA-approved legal studies program or those with five years of experience
Considerations for Paralegal School
Program Length
Faculty with Extensive Paralegal Experience
Accreditation
Career Placement and Internship Services
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Skills of a Successful Paralegal
Certain skills and character traits make some individuals naturals for a career as a paralegal. In addition to solid legal knowledge and understanding, a successful paralegal will have the necessary credentials and be proficient in using the tools and technologies utilized by law firms and legal departments.
Being responsible for such a wide variety of tasks requires paralegals to be very organized and skilled at multitasking. Those who have an extreme attention to detail and who enjoy working as part of a team, often behind the scenes, are ideal candidates
Excellent research skills
Professionals must be able to effectively conduct research as well as evaluate and analyze law sources in order to apply theories and principles to issues and cases. Research often also includes conducting interviews and investigations.
Communication skills
In addition to research and analysis, paralegals must also be able to draft correspondence and legal documents in a clear, concise and accurate manner. Additionally, paralegals interact efficiently and sometimes assertively with many different people, from lawyers to clients to witnesses to court personnel.
Tools and Technology for Paralegals
Some paralegals also function as office managers, conducting various administrative tasks to ensure that everything in a law office or firm runs smoothly on a daily basis. In order to do this, paralegals should have knowledge of legal administrative systems, billing practices and accounting systems. Computer literacy is also important as law offices become increasingly reliant on electronic databases, legal forums, and legal software for administration and conducting legal research.
Below are just some of the technology systems paralegals may encounter in the workplace.
CosmoLex, CoCounselor, HoudiniESQ, Amicus Attorney, CasetrackerLaw, Best Client Practice Management
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Related Public Service Careers
When you choose to become a paralegal, you will gain skills and education that could serve you well in related job opportunities. Related occupations such as claims adjusters, occupational health and safety technicians, secretaries and administrative assistants, or social workers performing as witness advocates could be a perfect fit for those who choose a career path similar to that of a paralegal. The average salaries and projected job growth for these related occupations according to the BLS are as follows:
Lawyer
Job Growth: 4%
Salary: $126,930
Education and Training: Doctoral or Professional Degree
Judge
Job Growth: 2%
Salary: $124,200
Education and Training: Doctoral or Professional Degree
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Job Growth: -9%
Salary: $40,990
Education and Training: H.S Diploma or Equivalent
Witness Advocates (Social Workers)
Job Growth: 13%
Salary: $51,760
Education and Training: Bachelor’s Degree and/or Master’s Degree, State Certification
Insurance Claim Adjusters
Job Growth: -6%
Salary: $68,130
Education and Training: H.S. Diploma, Vocational Training, or Bachelor’s Degree
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Job Growth: 4%
Salary: $72,530
Education and Training: Bachelor’s Degree
Mediators
Job Growth: 8%
Salary: $66,130
Education and Training: Bachelor’s Degree
Post-Secondary Teachers
Job Growth: 9%
Salary: $80,790
Education and Training: Master’s or Doctoral Degree
What Do Related Occupations Make?
Understanding what related occupations earn can help current and potential students and graduates get a better idea of what they can expect to earn if they pursue a career as a paralegal or transition to another field. Related occupations will perform similar administrative duties as paralegals such as document preparation, filing, and organization in legal settings such as:
Corporate paralegal
