Paralegal Careers

Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, are employed by law firms, banks, government offices and corporations. Some companies require paralegals to have a four-year degree and formal paralegal training, while others train case or document clerks to become paralegals. The paralegal field is a good choice for people with strong research and organizational skills who enjoy the challenges of legal work.

Function

Paralegals assist lawyers but are not permitted to give legal advice, present court cases or determine legal fees. Paralegals maintain all files relating to a case and complete research for lawyers, finding applicable laws, articles or judicial decisions. Their research is compiled into reports, which are presented to lawyers and used to build cases. When a case is being tried, paralegals help prepare motions, draft pleadings and arguments. They also assist lawyers during a trial and may obtain affidavits or interview clients. Depending on the industry, paralegals may also work with separation agreements, mortgage documents and wills or may be asked to draft contracts. Each legal department or office decides what functions paralegals will perform and flexibility is necessary to succeed in this career.

Types

There are several ways to obtain paralegal training. Many community colleges offer associate degree programs in paralegal studies and this is a common way to become a paralegal. If you have a four-year degree and want to become a paralegal, you can enroll in a paralegal training program and receive a certificate at the completion of your studies. Some colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree program in paralegal studies. Over 1,000 law schools, universities, colleges and other schools offer paralegal programs. Approximately 25 percent of all schools are American Bar Association (ABA) approved. Graduation from an ABA approved program isn't always a requirement for employment as a paralegal, but attending one of these schools can increase your chances of finding a good job after graduation.

Features

Before selecting a paralegal training program, take a look at the course offerings. A good school will offer courses in contracts, wills, trusts, torts, civil and criminal litigation, research, writing, legal history, professional practice and computers. There should be ample opportunity to complete an internship as part of your training and schools located in larger urban areas may provide you with the best internship possibilities. While an internship gives you real world practice, it is also a useful tool in meeting legal professionals who may consider you for a job in the future. If you are a career changer, your previous professional experience may help you when you are searching for a paralegal job, particularly if you worked in a technical field or have health care experience.

Considerations

While certification is not required by most law offices, becoming certified can help you to advance your career. The National Association of Legal Assistants offers a two-day certification examination. When you pass the exam, you can begin using the Certified Legal Assistant or Certified Paralegal credential. The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. offers a certification program for those paralegals that have at least five years of experience and meet specific educational criteria.

Benefits

Employment of paralegals is expected to grow at a faster rate than average, according to projections by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As more law firms hire paralegals to complete tasks once done by lawyers and legal demands of an aging baby boom population rise, the demand for these jobs will increase.

Resources

• National Association of Legal Assistants
• American Alliance of Paralegals