How to Begin a Career as a Paralegal

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, formally trained and experienced paralegals have the best job outlook.

Paralegals help lawyers with everything not considered to be within the "practice" of law, including legal activity coordination, investigations, research and document preparation. Paralegal and legal secretary are used interchangeably for the same job. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 71 percent of paralegals work in law firms. Individuals interested in a career as a paralegal should expect to have excellent English skills, have legal knowledge, possess secretarial skills, be effective communicators and proficient analyzers.

Instructions

1. Enroll in and graduate from a paralegal education program. There are a number of options depending on an individual's circumstance. Community colleges often offer 2-year paralegal programs; colleges and universities generally offer 4-year Bachelor's degrees in paralegal studies; or people who already have a Bachelor's degree in another major can complete a short certification program.

2. Intern during your college or university education or arrange an internship after graduation, if possible. The Bureau of Labor statistics, while expecting job growth, also projects competition for paralegal jobs. An internship will help new paralegals stand out and secure employment.

3. Find paralegal jobs and apply for them. Often, colleges or universities have career placement services or a career center that is resourceful in helping graduates find jobs. Schools also offer their students opportunities to meet with potential employers at job fairs. Local newspapers, websites and calls to local law firms can also provide leads to future employment.

4. Apply for certification. Paralegals are generally not required to be certified or licensed to work. However, obtaining a national certification helps paralegals get better and higher paying jobs. National certification associations require a combination of education and work experience before candidates can apply; the details are available on their websites (see Resources). The certification or credential depends on the association. The National Association of Legal Assistants offers the Certified Legal Assistant credential or Certified Paralegal credential, and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations offers a Professional Paralegal credential.

References

• Madison Area Technical College: Paralegal as a Career Choice
• All Criminal Justice Schools Paralegal: Salaries for Cities and States Across the U.S.
• Fairleigh Dickinson University: Paralegal Studies Program
• Careertoolkits.com: How to Begin Your Career as a Paralegal
• United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics: Paralegals and Legal Assistants
• Virginia Jobs: Career Guide for Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Resources

• National Association of Legal Assistants
• National Federation of Paralegal Associations
• American Bar Association