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How to Begin Your Career in the Paralegal Field?

Updated: 9/16/2019
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13y ago

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Paralegal professionals who are experienced and properly trained have the best employment options in this field. Therefore, individuals who are interested in paralegal studies should focus on gaining the best training, education, and experience that is essential to this profession.

What are the Educational Requirements to Becoming a Paralegal?

There are 3 ways in which you can obtain the requirements needed to become a Paralegal. Such options consist of the following:

1.Associates Degree

You can usually obtain an Associates Degree from any community or junior college that offers paralegal studies. This degree takes approximately 2 years to earn.

2.Getting Certified in Paralegal Studies

Getting certification in paralegal studies is ideal for the person who already has a degree, but would like to transition to a career in paralegal work. You can become certified in a matter of a few months with this type of training.

3.On-the-Job Training

Some lawyers will offer training to individuals who are working in their law firm. This experience immediately puts you ahead of the game, and is useful in your career objectives.

How Will Paralegal Studies Prepare Me For A Career As A Paralegal?

Paralegal studies will prepare you for various task and abilities needed to function as a professional paralegal. Specifically, paralegals need to be able to understand and communicate in legal terminology. They also should be able to perform investigative and research skills necessary that is essential for building a strong case. Most research will be conducted by use of various legal software programs, which will aid in litigation support and legal research. Therefore, it is recommended that a paralegal have a strong background in the use of computers also. More importantly, paralegals should be able to present their reasoning to their superiors effectively.

Advancement in the Paralegal Profession

As more career experience is gained, paralegals will become a valuable asset to their law firm. They will require less supervision and direction, while being given more responsibilities. At this stage, paralegals have the experience and training to work in a variety of businesses. Most paralegals will work for law firms, corporate legal departments, and governmental agencies.

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Q: How to Begin Your Career in the Paralegal Field?
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Related questions

How can one pursue a career as a paralegal?

You can pursue a career as a paralegal by completing an undergraduate legal study program. You can take these studies from universities such as Kaplan.


How can I gain a career in paralegal work?

To work in a paralegal field, you would have to obtain a university degree of some kind, then attend law school for a few years. It would be best to get a degree in Political Science. Experience at a government building would be best


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Where are some of the paralegal schools online?

One must get the correct paralegal qualifications for a paralegal career. One can get the education and certificates needed from the National Paralegal College. They enable one to get the Associates Degree Program and Bachelors Degree Program.


I have my associate's in Paralegal. What kind of bachelors would strengthen my education in this field?

If you are planning to stay within this field, there are some colleges and universities that offer a bachelor's degree in paralegal.


Have anyone taken Paralegal training at us career institute?

I haven't but it is one of the options that some of my friends have been thinking of. It is one of the schools out there that you can get a really affordable paralegal training. You can check out their website easily as all of the information are out there but for this field, paralegal training, you can also consider other schools/online providers for it. You can even check if your school or the training centers near you are already offering it.


What schools will let me achieve my paralegal degree online?

EarnMyDegree.com has a list of schools offering online degrees in the paralegal field. Check out http://www.earnmydegree.com/online-education/legal-paralegal/paralegal.html for more information.


The Occupation of Paralegal?

There are many jobs in the legal field. For example, paralegal work can be a good fit for someone interested in the law. Furthermore, a paralegal has many areas of law to choose from. An individual must first figure out what field of law he or she is interested in pursuing. The following contains information for someone looking at an occupation as a paralegal. A paralegal helps a lawyer in many ways. He or she conducts research, checks the accuracy of documents, and organizes the materials included in a case. A paralegal completes other tasks such as assisting a lawyer in finding judicial decisions that may help in a case. Typing documents and keeping records are also tasks of a paralegal. A paralegal completes work that'll assist a lawyer in handling a case in an effective way. A person who is a paralegal has the opportunity to select the type of law he or she wants to work in. For instance, a paralegal may want to work in real estate law or family law. Criminal law, bankruptcy, and personal injury are other areas of the law that paralegals work in. Regardless of the area of law, a paralegal's diligent work is important to the success of a case. People interested in entering the field often earn an associate's degree in a paralegal training program. Alternatively, a person with a Bachelor's degree may choose to earn a paralegal certificate. A beginning paralegal learns a lot on the job as well. An experienced paralegal can share his or her knowledge as well as some of the important details required in the work. Some paralegals are found working in large law firms with a team of lawyers. Other paralegals work in small offices with one lawyer. Therefore, the yearly salary of a paralegal is dependent upon work environment, a paralegal's experience, and level of education. The yearly salary of a paralegal generally begins at around $36,000.00. Of course, an individual must look at the circumstances of each paralegal work situation. Finally, an organized person who is enthusiastic about working with an attorney in a particular field of law should consider a paralegal career.


What are the requirements of accredited paralegal programs in the US?

The requirements of an American Bar Association accredited paralegal program in the US are, an Associates, a Bachelors, or a Masters degree in any field.


Give an example of what kind of research the field does for forensic?

kind of research a paralegal does for a lawyer


How to Choose a Paralegal School?

It’s no secret that law is a fascinating field in which to practice. Often, the fastest way to gain entry into the field of law is by becoming a paralegal. Indeed, paralegals are in demand and often garner excellent salaries. With such promising job prospects, many people are interested in enrolling in paralegal school. So, how exactly does one choose a paralegal school? Students have various routes to choose from in their journey to become a paralegal. The shortest path is that of obtaining a paralegal certificate. The coursework for such a certificate can usually be completed in a year or less. Another option is that of attaining an Associate’s Degree in paralegal studies. Such a program can take up to two years to complete. These programs are usually held at community colleges or career schools. An additional option is that of attaining a Bachelor’s Degree in paralegal studies. Though it takes at least 4 years to complete a Bachelor’s Degree, this option provides the student with the most career advancement opportunities. In fact, many paralegals with a Bachelor’s Degree decide to eventually further their studies and earn a law degree. There are about 260 paralegal programs in the U.S. that are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Graduates of ABA accredited programs often find the best job prospects, because employers look favorably upon the credibility that ABA accreditation bestows. In addition to programs at community colleges, career schools, and universities, many paralegal programs are now offered in an online format. These online options allow students who are working full-time or caring for family members to fit in paralegal education during a time that their schedule allows and from the comfort of their own home. In paralegal school, a student will likely take a wide variety of courses, covering topics such as legal writing and civil litigation. The paralegal school may also include more general business courses, such as marketing, finance, and ethics. Once a paralegal has graduated, he or she may obtain employment in a variety of settings, including: law firms, banks, accounting firms, insurance agencies, and corporations. The paralegal can expect to earn an average salary of $54,600. With such a promising salary and the wide variety of paralegal school options, many find the paralegal career very attractive.