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How much education is needed to be a paralegal? and what re some good college programs?

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Kim’s Answer

Addie,

Paralegals do everything attorneys do, except set rates, give advice, and appear in court. That is to say, they do a lot of the research and writing. There are various education options. The most common is most probably an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies. People who already have a degree in other majors often go back to school for a Certification. There are also Bachelor Degree programs, and, even some Masters Level degrees.

Not all paralegal programs are created equally. You want to look for one that is approved by the American Bar Association. Use this link to search by state. https://www.americanbar.org/groups/paralegals/paralegal-resource-directory/

After you finish school and have some experience, you can get certified by Paralegal credentialing organizations. There are two, I believe, with one much more prestigious than the other. Here is information on the one that I believe is the industry leader: https://nala.org/certification/

Hope this helps!
Kim
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Peter’s Answer

Unlike attorneys, paralegals are not subject to any certification requirements in the US. As a result, there is wide variation in the educational background of paralegals. In some cases, law firms (typically smaller firms) will hire someone with a high school education and little to no background in the law. In some cases, legal secretaries at smaller firms take on paralegal duties and then change their title to paralegal on their resumes. More typically, entry level paralegal positions require a paralegal certificate, an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree. At larger firms, the paralegals tend to have 4-year bachelor's degrees, although the degrees do not have to be in a law-related area. At one of the law firms I worked at, a significant number of paralegals actually graduated from law school. In some cases, they were working as paralegals because they had failed the bar exam, but I met a few paralegals who had passed the bar but chose to work as a paralegal at a big firm because they made more money than if they worked as a lawyer at a smaller firm and there was less pressure on them.

In my view, if you already have a college degree (2 year or 4 year, regardless of major), you can and should apply for paralegal positions without attending a paralegal program. If you do not have a college degree, I would recommend at least enrolling in a paralegal certificate program before applying. I note that I have hired many paralegals over the years, and their backgrounds have differed widely. Of course, my philosophy is to hire the smart employee who is willing to learn and work hard rather than someone with a particular background/experience. In the past, I have hired a person with many years of experience as a legal secretary (but no college degree) and a PhD in neuroscience with zero legal background. Both worked out well and learned the skills needed to function effectively as a paralegal.
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Caryn’s Answer

Hello, I am not a Paralegal by education but I work on legal contracts for a living. I have a Bachelors in Business and also a Masters degree, but most of my legal knowledge has been learned through my jobs. If you want to work in a law firm, I would say definitely go the Paralegal education route. However, if you are interested in working on commercial contracts, getting something like a Business degree with classes in business law can be just as valuable. I know from speaking with recruiters and other professionals that many businesses will hire either Paralegals OR non-Paralegal contracts professionals for the same positions, as long as the person is knowledgable in the work. Professional certifications also exist for contracts management professionals. Hope this helps!
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Elaine’s Answer

Community colleges offer paralegal programs. Make sure that you find one that is ABA-certified. Once you are in your last semester, your best option is to get certified by NALA (https://nala.org/certification/) so you can work in any state. NALA also helps you can get a pay bump. The program for just the certification is 30 units in California (which is about 12-15 classes). It's 60 units to get an Associate's degree. If you already have an Associate's degree, you will need about 12-18 months of additional classes to get your certification.
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Lisa’s Answer

A paralegal should definitely graduate from high school! Some law firms are willing to train you to be a paralegal without further education.
However, the best route is to either complete a 4 year college program or a 2 year associates degree in legal/paralegal studies. It does not matter where you go to school. Just work hard and get good grades wherever you go!! Find a program that fits your life and budget. I agree with the other advice to make sure that the school is accredited.
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Patricia’s Answer

In Ireland, most paralegals need an undergraduate degree and this can be in any field (not solely a Law degree). A legal diploma (from a one or two year course) is normally enough. Then you can get an entry level paralegal job if you are lucky. However, you might need legal experience first as a legal executive or legal secretary for a year or two and then you could normally apply for experienced paralegal roles.
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Gina’s Answer

The educational requirements to become a paralegal can vary depending on the jurisdiction and employer. While some paralegals enter the field with just a high school diploma or an associate degree, many employers prefer candidates with formal education and specialized training. Here are some common educational paths for aspiring paralegals:

1. Associate Degree: Many community colleges and vocational schools offer associate degree programs in paralegal studies. These programs typically take around two years to complete and provide a comprehensive foundation in legal principles, research, and writing.

2. Bachelor's Degree: Some employers prefer or require a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or a related field. A four-year bachelor's degree can provide a more in-depth understanding of legal concepts and may offer additional opportunities for specialization.

3. Certificate Programs: Certificate programs in paralegal studies are available for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in another field. These programs focus specifically on paralegal skills and can be completed in a shorter time frame compared to a degree program.

When selecting a college program for paralegal studies, consider the following factors:

1. Accreditation: Ensure that the program you choose is accredited by a recognized accrediting body. Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain quality standards and that your education will be recognized by employers.

2. Curriculum: Review the curriculum to ensure it covers the necessary legal topics and skills relevant to the paralegal profession. Look for courses in legal research, writing, litigation, contracts, and ethics.

3. Internship or Externship Opportunities: Programs that offer internships or externships can provide valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities. Practical experience can enhance your job prospects and help you develop essential skills.

4. Faculty and Resources: Research the qualifications and experience of the faculty members teaching in the program. Additionally, consider the resources available to students, such as access to legal research databases, career services, and professional development opportunities.

5. Reputation and Alumni Network: Consider the reputation of the college or university and the strength of its alumni network. A strong reputation and network can provide valuable connections and job opportunities in the legal field.

It's also worth noting that professional certification, such as the Certified Paralegal (CP) designation offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers.

Ultimately, the best college program for you will depend on your individual circumstances, career goals, and personal preferences. Research multiple programs, visit campuses if possible, and speak with current students or professionals in the field to gather more information and make an informed decision.
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Jane’s Answer

To become a paralegal, you will typically need a post-secondary education. The specific level of education required can vary depending on the employer and the state in which you work. Here are a few options for education and training to become a paralegal:

-Associate's degree in paralegal studies: This is a two-year program that can be completed at a community college or vocational school. It will provide you with a broad introduction to the legal system and the skills you'll need to work as a paralegal.
-Bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or a related field: This is a four-year program that can be completed at a college or university. A bachelor's degree in paralegal studies or a related field such as criminal justice or political science can provide you with a more in-depth understanding of the legal system and the skills you'll need to work as a paralegal.
-Certification program: Some employers may hire paralegals who have completed a certification program, which can be completed in a matter of weeks or months. These programs are designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge you'll need to work as a paralegal, but do not provide a degree.

On-the-job training: Some employers may be willing to hire individuals without formal education or training, and provide on-the-job training to help them acquire the skills and knowledge they need to work as a paralegal. As for good college programs, some of the best paralegal programs are offered by American Bar Association (ABA) approved schools. ABA approved programs have met certain standards set by the ABA and are considered to provide a high-quality education. It's worth noting that this is not an exhaustive list and that many schools have good paralegal programs, it's always important to check the school's accreditation, location and curriculum to find the one that suits you best.
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Max’s Answer

I know for sure there are many great programs out there for paralegal certificate programs. Some of the best programs are definitely in the East coast, such as Boston University, University of South Carolina and Duke University.
Normally, you can achieve paralegal education via both certificates or degree programs, depending on the education you want. An associate, bachelors, and masters can all be earned in the field of paralegal studies and usually takes 2-5 years to complete.

Best of luck!

Max recommends the following next steps:

Search for the specific program you want! Then go from there for college options.
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