How to Become a Paralegal?

If you are good at doing research, clerical work and you enjoy the law, then you may want to consider a career as a paralegal. Paralegals do various types of work and have different levels of education, which may make it confusing to know exactly how to become a paralegal. However, getting into the career is fairly straightforward and most paralegals perform relatively similar types of duties.

Paralegals – Type of Work

Paralegals, or legal assistants, have a variety of tasks, but primarily they assist lawyers in communicating with clients and completing paperwork and investigations. Paralegals are not allowed to practice law and they cannot offer legal advice, but they do share many of the same duties as a lawyer.

Legal assistants can choose to work in a variety of law fields including, criminal, real estate, tax, and family law. Because there are so many types of law offices, the specific responsibility of a paralegal vary somewhat. Those who work in litigation may spend their days helping lawyers prepare for court by finding related case laws, acquiring affidavits, researching facts, creating case reports and assisting with depositions.

Paralegals who work for real estate, business, patent and copyright, or government offices generally stay busy drafting contracts, agreements, filing documents, and researching laws related to the company’s specific field.

There are also opportunities for legal assistants in community services that provide legal aid to those who cannot afford their own lawyer.

Becoming a paralegal can mean having an exciting and rewarding career. As a paralegal you will find that clients and cases are constantly changing, which helps to keep the work interesting and keeps your skills sharp. As you gain experience, you will likely be relieved of more routine tasks and rewarded with more challenging duties and increased pay.  Over time, you may even be placed in a managerial position where you supervise and delegate to other legal assistants.

On average paralegals make around $47,000, but that figure is often much higher depending on your level of education, experience, and the type of firm that you work for. Although the job market is tight in all careers, paralegals enjoy a much faster than average employment growth, which helps to increase your chances of getting a job.

How Do I Become a Paralegal?

You can sometimes find work as a paralegal or legal assistant without any formal training or just a certificate, but most law offices prefer you to have a degree in paralegal studies. If you are interested in working in a certain type of law, then you should gear your education towards that specific specialty. There are both bachelor and associate degrees for paralegals, but in today’s competitive job market, having additional education can set you apart from other applicants.

While there are many schools that offer paralegal degrees, online colleges are becoming increasingly popular for those wanting paralegal training. They offer the flexibility of being able to study during hours that are convenient for you, and they make it easier to earn your degree while still working or taking care of your family.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Paralegal?

If you have no previous college education then it will take about four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies and two years to earn an associate’s degree. If you already have a bachelors degree or have taken some college courses, then you may be able to finish your paralegal degree sooner as many online colleges accept credits from other colleges or universities. Additionally, those with bachelor’s degrees may opt to simply enroll in a certificate program, which can take less than a year. Becoming a paralegal does require a certain time commitment, but the salary is often higher as compared to fields requiring similar amounts of education.

No matter where you choose to get your education and learn how to become a paralegal, it is important to make sure that the school is accredited, endorsed by the American Bar Association, and that it offers some type of internship.  Today, many online schools provide these types of credentials and provide a quality education that is recognized by all law offices. With paralegal studies being so accessible, it is more convenient than ever to get a solid education and ensure that you have a long and profitable career as a paralegal.