There are several different ways that you can become a paralegal, just as there are several different degrees you can get to help prepare you for the field.
Many schools now offer an associate degree in paralegal studies, which tends to be a very well-rounded degree. Some colleges even offer a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field, although these are fairly rare. More often, an individual with a bachelor’s degree in a related subject will get a certificate in paralegal studies if they wish to pursue this career. In addition, some employers may train qualified candidates to be paralegals on the job.
Education and Training for Paralegals
Generally, an associate or bachelor’s program will give you both paralegal education and training in other academic areas like English, communication, and more. Typically, an associate degree takes a year or two to earn, while a bachelor's degree is a four-year program. As far as paralegal certification programs go, some take only a few months, while others may take a year or so to complete. These programs usually involve only paralegal classes since most individuals taking these courses already hold a college degree.
Paralegal programs vary in what they offer their students. Some help students to find jobs and prepare their resumes, while others only offer basic training for the job. Nearly all, however, feature some of the same courses.
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Every paralegal program includes classes in legal research, computer use in the legal world, and basic legal issues. Some of the programs feature internships that allow students to work in law firms, public defender offices, and corporate legal departments. These internships give students practical real-world experience and can help them secure a job after graduation.
Rather than send them to paralegal courses, some law firms actually hire college graduates with no legal experience and train them on the job. These students usually have a degree in a field related to the firm's area of practice, such as computer science, English, criminal justice, environmental issues or accounting. Lawyers need experts in these fields, so they hire and then train these individuals instead of relying on a paralegal with only passing knowledge of the subject.
There are close a thousand colleges and training schools in the United States that offer paralegal programs. Out of these, around a fourth are approved by the America Bar Association. While this approval isn’t necessary for a paralegal to get hired, it can give them an edge when competing for jobs. Some certification programs require students to have past college experience, while others accept students right out of high school or take work experience in place of education.
While not completely necessary, having a certification from a professional society such at the National Association of Legal Assistants is another way of edging out the competition for paralegal positions. Of course, it's best to check around to be sure the society is legit – several false societies exist to take your money in exchange for a meaningless certification.
Finally, online paralegal training exists, but again you have to be careful about scams. Paralegal courses are often advertised on infomercials and websites because becoming a paralegal is a great option for a second career. Carefully read through the curriculum of any online paralegal education program and check with the Better Business Bureau before signing up.
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