How to Become a Paralegal Studies Lecturer

Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, perform tasks delegated by attorneys. Although on-the-job training for paralegals was common in the past, many paralegals currently obtain formal training through paralegal programs at two- and four-year colleges before they begin their careers. Paralegal studies programs generally focus on legal terminology and the major areas of the law overall rather than a specific concentration. Lecturers who teach in Paralegal Studies programs have advanced knowledge of paralegal skills through years of experience working as a paralegal or by supervising paralegals.

Instructions

Attorney

1. Attend an American Bar Association approved law school to earn your Juris Doctorate. Each law school has its own admission requirements. Generally speaking, you need a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and a qualifying score on the Law School Admissions Test to get into law school.

2. Take and pass a state bar examination after you graduate from law school to get your license to practice law.

3. Find a job practicing law as a civil or criminal litigator.

4. Supervise paralegals on your team directly. Set up and teach in-house training sessions for paralegals on your team. Document your syllabus and training methods for paralegals in a manual.

5. Write a resume that highlights your experience training paralegals and visit legal job search boards to search for an apply for full- or part-time paralegal teaching positions.

Paralegal

1. Enroll in an Associate's-, Bachelor's- or Master's-level paralegal studies program. Visit the directory of ABA approved paralegal programs to select and appropriate program. Join student divisions of professional associations for paralegals, such as the National Association of Legal Assistants, or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations to participate in special training and career networking opportunities.

2. Gain professional work experience through a paralegal internship or by working in a job with paralegal duties while in school. Work with your campus placement office to find a professional paralegal job when you complete your program.

3. Attend continuing education courses and seminars to add to your professional knowledge base.

4. Take and pass a voluntary certification exam to gain recognition for your professional knowledge. Bachelor's level paralegal studies students can qualify to take the NALA Certified Paralegal exam before graduation. You need several years of experience to take certification exams offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations and The American Alliance of Paralegals. Visit association websites to learn about specific eligibility criteria for exams that you want to take.

5. Communicate with other paralegals within your professional network to find opportunities to teach paralegal courses. Visit legal career search sites, and websites of schools that offer paralegal studies programs to find openings for paralegal studies lecturers with your background and experience.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Paralegals and Legal Assistants
• American Bar Association: Standing Committee on Paralegals
• American Association for Paralegal Education: Finding a Quality Program
• National Association of Legal Assistants; Certification: Application Form and Requirements
• National Federation of Paralegal Associations: Eligibility to Sit for PACE
• The American Alliance of Paralegals: Paralegal Certification Program

Resources

• University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Continuing Education: Paralegal Certificate Program
• The George Washington University: Master's Degree in Paralegal Studies -- Program Overview