Overview

Paralegals play an important role in the legal system, as they often work behind the scenes to assist lawyers with legal cases. Think of them like the superhero sidekicks of the legal world. Every case takes tons of legal research, document preparation, talking to clients, and making sure everything’s organized. Paralegals often take on the brunt of this essential work, which ensures that legal proceedings can run smoothly and efficiently. If you’re excited about becoming a paralegal, keep reading to find out more about the profession and the steps you’ll need to take to get there. 

Paralegal Education: Pathways & Requirements

Let’s start by digging into all of the ways you can prepare for a career as a paralegal, from high school all the way to online courses. This section will describe some suggested preparation methods, as well as the required milestones you’ll need to become a paralegal. 

High School Prep and Courses to Get Ahead

Only some high schools will have a Law-related elective course, but there are some standard classes that will set you on your path with a solid foundation. Here are some to consider: 

1. English & Writing courses: Paralegals are responsible for a lot of document preparation, and building superb writing skills early on is a great idea. 
2. Civics or Government: These social studies courses will give you a glimpse into how the legal system functions.
3. History Classes: Take advantage of any courses that teach research skills, as you’ll be doing a lot of it when you become a paralegal.
4. Debate Club: This is typically an extracurricular, but it’s a fantastic way to learn analytical skills in practice. 

Stepping into College: Degrees & Special Programs

What kind of educational degree do you need beyond a high school diploma? Good question. As you head into higher education, there are a number of pathways tailored to becoming a paralegal: 

1. Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies: This is a 2-year program that provides a comprehensive introduction to the legal industry. 
2. Bachelor’s Degree: If you decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree at a 4-year university, you can major in any field and earn a subsequent paralegal certificate. While a bigger commitment, this option may allow you to earn a higher salary or have a better chance at standing out to top legal firms for paralegal positions. 
3. Certified Programs: There are many programs specifically endorsed by The American Bar Association. Completing one of these programs could give you a leading edge in the paralegal profession. 

Online Courses & Remote Learning

1. Online Degrees: There are many paralegal education programs available online, some offered by highly reputable schools. Consider an online degree if you are already working or juggling other priorities. 
2. Short Courses: Popular online course companies like Coursera or Udemy offer short courses on legal, research, ethics, etc. These could be great resume boosters — the more knowledge you have, the better! 
3. Webinars & Workshops: It’s a great idea to seek out live webinars, talks, or interactive workshops that may not only offer great information but a chance to network with other legal professionals.

There are lots of educational resources and options out there when it comes to becoming a paralegal. Take your time evaluating those options to find the best educational pathway for you. 

Paralegal Certification Programs

If you’re on the journey to becoming a paralegal, earning a professional paralegal certification is one way to elevate your career. So why should you consider one, and how do you find the right one?

3 Benefits of Earning a Professional Paralegal Certificate

There are technically no formal training or licensing requirements to be hired as a paralegal. Nonetheless, earning a professional certification is a smart move in a competitive job market. 

1. Competitive Edge: This certification will help you stand out from a large pool of candidates and may give potential employers more confidence in hiring you. 
2. Skill Enhancement: These programs are designed to expand your knowledge and help refine your skills so you can be better prepared for the responsibilities of a paralegal. 
3. Salary Boost: Oftentimes, a certification can serve as leverage for negotiating a higher salary. 

Popular Paralegal Certificate Programs

There are many highly respected certification programs to choose from, including:

1. NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP) Program: The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) offers this comprehensive program.
2. NFPA’s Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE): This program is run by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. 

NAL’s Professional Paralegal (PP) certification: A program by the association for legal professionals, focusing on a broad range of legal knowledge.

Continuing Education in the Paralegal Profession 

As in many fields, continuing education in the paralegal profession ensures you are at the top of your field. Staying up to date with the latest legal precedents, technological tools, and best practices is really important. Keep in mind that many paralegal certifications require periodic renewal, which is in line with the legal industry’s emphasis on consistent learning. 

Exploring Paralegal Career Paths & Specializations

For those heading down the career path of becoming a paralegal, there are a variety of avenues available. Paralegals’ work is hugely important across many sectors of the legal industry. Let’s explore the benefits and challenges of some of the major legal specializations to help you figure out which type of paralegal you want to be. 

Family Law Paralegals

Being at the heart of deeply personal circumstances – from prenuptial agreements to custody battles – can be both a benefit and a challenge. Many lawyers and paralegals find it rewarding to help families work through difficult times. It’s certainly a huge challenge to be both sensitive and resilient when working on cases where emotions run high. 

Corporate Law Paralegals

If the idea of being involved in large business deals and working in a fast-paced corporate environment sounds exciting to you, becoming a corporate paralegal has its perks, often including compensation. At the same time, long hours and high-pressure situations typically come with the territory. 

Criminal Law Paralegals

Maybe your dream of becoming a paralegal is rooted in your fascination with the courtroom or a passion for criminal justice. Working as a paralegal in criminal law, either on the defense or prosecution, you’ll get to experience the thrill of supporting attorneys’ arguments in court. On the other hand, the high stakes and distressing reality of criminal cases are serious challenges to be aware of. 

Environmental Law Paralegals

If climate justice is a passion of yours, becoming a paralegal in environmental law may allow you to advocate for the planet through your work. Balancing between government and corporate interests with environmental concerns is a huge challenge. 

Immigration Law Paralegals

Paralegals who work in immigration law experience the reward of helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of immigration policies while on their path to a better life. One challenge of this specialty is how constantly immigration laws change, requiring extreme scrutiny. Moreover, the emotional tax that comes from cases of separated families, for example, can be difficult.

There are many other specific areas of law that paralegals may work in, including real estate or intellectual property. Choose your path wisely, and really consider what kind of work you want to be doing as a paralegal. 

Job Hunting Tips for Aspiring Paralegals 

Now that you know the education you need and you know which sector of the law you want to enter as a paralegal, it’s time to prep for the job hunt. Here are some key tips to start with: 

1. Craft your paralegal portfolio. Showcase any legal documents you’ve drafted or research you’ve done in the past. If it’s your first job, consider creating a sample or include work you did for your certification program. (BTW, make sure to highlight your certifications clearly in your resume)
2. Networking is key. Anyone you meet in the legal world is a valuable asset to your network and can help guide you in your job search. Join paralegal associations and attend seminars if you can. 
3. Search in all the right places. Don’t limit yourself to just one job posting site. Check popular online platforms like LinkedIn for paralegal listings. Also, consider making a list of firms you’d like to work for and keep an eye on their website for openings. 
4. Ace the interview process. Practice your answers to common interview questions for paralegals. The more you practice out loud, the better. Make sure to study the ins and outs of the firm – their values, work, achievements, etc. On the day of the interview, dress professionally (it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed). You got this! 

Conclusion

Wherever you’re at in your journey to become a paralegal, you’ve made another inch of progress by finishing this article. This career path is so important in the legal industry. Feel empowered to go out there and make a difference in the world as a paralegal!

If you have any more questions about how to become a paralegal, get them answered on CareerVillage by real professionals.