How To Become a Paralegal: Steps, Jobs & Salary Show
Erin Gobler Updated August 12, 2022 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. 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:
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. Paralegal Salary Per StateParalegals 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. Top 5 Highest Earning States/Areas for Paralegals
The map below shows details of the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentile earners for each state. Paralegal Job Growth and OutlookThe 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. 5 States with the Highest Employment for Paralegals
Online Paralegal SchoolsFinding 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 LevelsStudents 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.
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 DegreesEarning 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 LawProvides 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
Legal Research, Writing, and Civil LitigationTeaches 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
Professional Responsibility and Legal EthicsCovers the basic principles of practicing ethical law for paralegals and lawyers. Paralegal Skills and Knowledge Gained
A Four-Year DegreeA 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 LawOutlines the definitions and elements of crimes against persons, property, and various legal defenses available to defendants. Paralegal Skills and Knowledge Gained
Patents, Trademarks, and CopyrightsOverview 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
Legal Document PreparationTeaches the practical skill of drafting, editing, and otherwise preparing legal documents through hands-on practice. Paralegal Skills and Knowledge Gained
Specialties in Paralegal StudiesJust 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. Advanced EducationThe 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 CertificationsSkills Gained at the Graduate LevelParalegal CredentialsParalegal 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 SchoolSkills of a Successful ParalegalCertain 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 Tools and Technology for ParalegalsSome 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.
Related Public Service CareersWhen 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
Judge
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
Witness Advocates (Social Workers)
Insurance Claim Adjusters
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Mediators
Post-Secondary Teachers
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:
Below are the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentile for wages of jobs related to and including paralegals. Paralegal and Related Job Salaries'\"Subject";"10th Percentile";"Median Salary";"90th Percentile"\n\"Paralegals";29420;46990;75410\n\"Lawyers";54310;113530;189595\n\"Arbitrators";34100;61280;137350\n\ "Judges/Magistrates";30060;115760;166880\n\"Secretaries";21910;35330;57750' Related Careers at a GlanceLatest PostsLearnHowToBecome.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. View the most relevant programs for your interests and compare them by tuition, acceptance rate, and other factors important to you. |