How to Get Your Paralegal Degree

Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, do substantive legal work and earn $47,531 on average in their first five years on the job, according to the National Association of Legal Assistants. Attorneys have to trust and take responsibility for the work of paralegals, so a paralegal degree or certification is becoming a critical credential to find a paralegal job. In California a paralegal degree is required by law for practicing paralegals, and other states are considering similar requirements.

Things You'll Need

• High school diploma or equivalent

Instructions

1. Be sure you have the time and money to finish a degree. A paralegal degree program requires at least 60 semester credits. That adds up to four semesters or two years of full-time studies.

   If you already have an associate degree or higher, there are certificate programs that add a paralegal specialty to your degree. Certificates require at least 18 semester-hours.

2. Choose a quality program that offers the degree you want in an environment you like. The American Bar Association has a list of approved paralegal programs; follow the link in the Resources section. Other programs can be good, too, especially if they are offered by reputable, accredited schools. A paralegal degree can be an associate, bachelor's or master's degree or a certificate offered as a part-time or full-time program. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations recommends a four-year program to enter the profession.

3. Apply for admission and enroll before the deadline for the year you want to begin studies.

4. Take courses in litigation, legal research, and other specific areas of law practice as required by your paralegal program. Don't limit yourself, though. A paralegal program should include a broad basis in liberal arts and especially in written and oral communication. The American Bar Association specifically lists English composition and speaking skills as essential to paralegal education.

5. Ask at your school about internships and sign up for one. Most paralegal programs offer internships with practical law office experience. Many paralegals find their first jobs through their internships. The ABA specially encourages internships as part of paralegal education.

6. After you complete your degree and get a job practicing your paralegal skills, remember that the National Association of Legal Assistants and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations offer advanced test- and continuing education-based credentials for experienced paralegals. Continuing education, as required for lawyers, is also beneficial to paralegals, so keep in touch with lawyers, national organizations, and your school and keep on learning.

Tips & Warnings

• If lack of money is a barrier to your studies, ask at the school financial aid office. Government and private agencies provide loans and support to help you earn your degree.

• Programs approved by the American Bar Association or accredited by a regional accrediting agency are much more credible to employers than a fly-by-night school. You are more likely to learn essential skills and get support from a good school, too. Check Resources for the list of ABA-approved programs.

References

• American Bar Association: Guidelines For Approval Of Paralegal Education Programs (PDF)
• American Bar Association: California Regulates Paralegals
• National Association of Legal Assistants: 2008 National Utilization and Compensation Survey

Resources

• American Bar Association: Paralegal Approved Program Directory
• AllCriminalJusticeSchools.com: Paralegal Degrees And Paralegal Programs