Paralegal School

One of the best ways to improve your chances of getting a job as a paralegal or legal assistant is by earning a degree from a paralegal school. However, as a simple internet search will prove, there are an array of schools offering paralegal programs and each one is a little bit different. With curriculum lasting anywhere from one month to two years, the choices can seem overwhelming.

Below, you will find explanations of the different types of paralegal programs and what you really need to know before enrolling in a paralegal school.

Is One School Better than Another?

Schools often advertise that through them you can earn a paralegal certificate, but this can be somewhat misleading since the schools themselves do not issue the certificates. In actuality, the only way to get a certificate is by taking an exam from a national agency.

The two most popular agencies are the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). Once you pass the appropriate test, they will issue you a certification.

The real job of the college is to prepare you for the test. Thus, you want to make sure that you attend an accredited school that is recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA). Schools with such identifications will better prepare you for the exam and for your career as a paralegal.

Types of Programs

Most paralegal schools offer two main programs: a degree program or a certificate program. The one that is best for you depends on your current level of education or experience.

Degree Program

• Lasts 2 to 4 years (earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, prepares student for certification test)
• Offered at community colleges, universities, and online colleges
• Requires students to take general knowledge and legal courses

Certificate Program

•  Lasts 4 to 18 months (prepares student for certification test)
• Must have a bachelor’s degree or several years of experience as a paralegal.
• Offered at community colleges, some universities, and online colleges
• Ideal for those who want to add to their education

Sometimes it is tempting to try and find the shortest route to earning a paralegal diploma, but certifying agencies have strict requirements on who can take their tests. Generally, you cannot sit for the exam if you haven’t graduated from an ABA certified program unless you have 4 to 7 years experience working as a paralegal. And today, most employers won’t hire paralegals unless they are already a certified paralegal.

Online vs. Traditional Colleges

You can expect a quality education from any ABA recognized college (whether traditional or online), so your first step is to weed out all the non-accredited colleges.  Once you narrow down your choices, you can then decide between online and traditional.

Brick and mortar schools offer more of the “college” experience. You can interact more with the professors and other students and it provides a more structured environment for those who like a lot of direction.

Online colleges are more flexible in how, when, and where you can study. Those who are strictly set on earning their degree, and don’t really need the college experience, will appreciate these schools. Many working people opt for online colleges because it is easier to keep your job while taking classes (since you can study during your free time). Also, since it is a virtual environment, most online colleges are less expensive than traditional schools, which have large overhead costs.

No matter what paralegal school you choose, getting an education and earning a certificate will drastically improve your chances of getting a job as a paralegal. Having a solid knowledge base will also ensure that you are efficient at your job and will help you to have a long and rewarding career.