How to Become a Paralegal: Tips and Guidance from an Experienced Attorney

A paralegal, also referred to as a legal assistant in some jurisdictions, is an individual who works with lawyers to assist in their tasks. Paralegals perform various functions, including legal research, drafting legal documents, staying current on legal procedures, and assisting with trial preparation. They may work in law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, or non-profit organizations.

The terms "paralegal" and "legal assistant" are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. Generally, a paralegal has more education and training than a legal assistant. Paralegals often hold a certificate or degree in paralegal studies, while legal assistants may have a high school diploma or some college education. Paralegals often command a higher income, with a yearly income averaging between $53,340 - $108,350, whereas, legal assistants average between $47,760 and $62,598. However, both professions involve providing support to lawyers and performing similar tasks.

While someone can become a paralegal through self-study without a degree, obtaining employment in this field may be more challenging without a formal education. Many employers prefer to hire paralegals who have completed a paralegal education program or have a degree in a related field, such as legal studies, criminal justice, or political science. Employers such as big law firms and government agencies are starting to recognize the benefit of hiring paralegals with education and those with less education may have fewer job opportunities unless this lack of education is offset by real-world experience. This is because a formal education provides a foundation of knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective paralegal.

A paralegal education program can provide training in legal research, drafting legal documents, and understanding legal terminology. It can also provide exposure to various areas of law, such as civil litigation, criminal law, and family law, which can be beneficial in finding employment in a specific area of law. Additionally, obtaining a paralegal certification can demonstrate to potential employers that you possess competency in the field, which makes you a more attractive candidate and opens up high-level paralegal jobs. 

Moreover, having a proper education can open up more job prospects as a paralegal. While some law firms or legal departments may be willing to hire a paralegal without a degree, many larger firms or government agencies may prefer to hire paralegals to have a degree or certification. Additionally, having a degree or certification can lead to higher salaries and more opportunities for advancement in the field. For example, a paralegal with a degree will routinely earn thousands of dollars more per year than those without a degree.

If you're interested in pursuing a career as a paralegal, one of the decisions you may face is whether to attend school to obtain the necessary education and training. While some paralegals have gained skills through on-the-job training or short-term certification programs, completing a paralegal education program can offer many benefits.

Attending a paralegal program at an accredited university can provide you with a solid foundation of legal knowledge, including an understanding of the legal system, legal terminology, and legal research skills. Additionally, you'll gain experience working with legal documents and learn how to conduct legal interviews and investigations. These skills will not only make you a more competent paralegal, but they'll also make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

Beyond the technical skills, obtaining a paralegal education can help you develop critical thinking, problem-solving, legal ethics, and communication skills that are valuable in any career. In a paralegal program, you'll be exposed to various legal issues and cases, which will help you develop your analytical and problem-solving abilities. You'll also have opportunities to practice written and oral communication skills, which are essential in the legal profession.

Ultimately, the decision to attend school to prepare for a paralegal career will depend on your circumstances and goals. However, if you're looking for a comprehensive education and the opportunity to develop valuable skills, attending a paralegal program can be a worthwhile investment in your future due to the increase in lifetime earnings. 

Becoming a paralegal can be an excellent career choice for those interested in the legal field  that do not want to attend law school. A paralegal is a highly skilled professional responsible for assisting lawyers with various tasks, such as legal research, drafting legal documents, and communicating with clients. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a paralegal, there are several paths you can take to achieve your goals.

Understand the Difference Between Paralegal and Legal Assistant

First, it is crucial to understand the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant. While the terms are often used interchangeably, the two have some key differences. A legal assistant typically provides administrative support to lawyers, such as answering phones, scheduling appointments, and managing files. Conversely, a paralegal is responsible for substantive legal work, such as legal research, drafting legal documents, and assisting with trial preparation.

Complete a Paralegal Education Program

One of the most common paths to becoming a paralegal is to complete a paralegal education program. Community colleges, vocational schools, and universities typically offer these programs, and you can often obtain financial aid. Depending on the program, you may be able to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies.

There is no right answer to whether you should pursue an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. Pursuing an associate’s degree gets you into the workforce faster since the program is shorter. However, the coursework does not go as in-depth or cover as much ground as a bachelor’s program. Conversely, a bachelor’s program takes longer to complete but you can expect to gain more understanding about the legal field over the course of your studies.

In any program, you will learn about legal research, writing, analysis, and substantive areas of law, such as family law, criminal law, and corporate law. You will also learn how to provide a much-needed legal service to clients throughout the United States. While paralegals cannot provide legal advice to clients, they can still utilize their skills in the paralegal profession to assist attorneys in their law firms or work in a corporate legal department.

Obtain a Paralegal Certificate

You may choose to obtain a paralegal certificate instead of getting a paralegal degree. Paralegal certificates are offered through non-degree programs that provide specialized training in paralegal studies that allow you to start working as a paralegal quicker. You can start your career and begin earning faster with a certificate. These programs are typically shorter in duration than degree programs and may be available online or in person. Professional organizations like paralegal associations or national federations may also offer them. 

Consider Continuing Education

Completing a degree or certificate program is not the end of your educational journey as a paralegal. Laws and best practices that apply to your work as a paralegal can change, and continuing education courses will help you remain abreast of these changes in the field.

While continuing education is not mandatory in all situations, it can help you remain competitive and knowledgeable throughout your career. If you are a paralegal in California, completing continuing education each year is a requirement to remain a paralegal in that state. In addition, if you become a certified paralegal, completing continuing education courses annually is a requirement to maintain your credential.

Become a Certified Paralegal

The paralegal profession is largely unregulated in most states, so many job seekers choose to get their professional paralegal certification to set themselves apart from others in the profession. While paralegal certification is not required to work as a paralegal, it can be a valuable credential. 

Although some use the terms “certificate,” “certification,” and “certified” as they apply to paralegals interchangeably, there is a difference between obtaining a paralegal certification and being a certified paralegal.. You obtain your paralegal certificate when you complete a paralegal certification educational program. 

A paralegal certificate can be obtained upon completing a paralegal education program, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that certificate holders are “certified” paralegals. There may still be other specific requirements that must be met. Several organizations offer certification programs for paralegals, such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). To become certified, you must typically pass an exam evaluating your legal concepts and procedures knowledge.

Gain Experience

Finally, it is essential to gain practical experience in the field. Many paralegal programs offer internships or externships that allow you to gain firsthand experience working in a law firm or legal department. Consider volunteering with a legal aid organization or nonprofit to gain experience and build your network.

Every law firm, government agency, or other employer who hires paralegals is different and will look for different characteristics in the paralegals they hire. The qualities that may make you an attractive candidate for a government agency may not be as highly valued by a law firm. You can get an idea for what a particular employer values in a prospective paralegal by carefully reviewing that employer’s job postings, website, and other promotional material.

In general, when looking for paralegals to hire, employers want to find a candidate who has a demonstrated ability to multitask and a strong attention to details. A willingness to learn is also desirable, as every employer’s processes and culture is different and even experienced paralegals will need to be open to learning new things when starting with a new employer. Finally, a successful job candidate will be able to show they are highly organized and that they can fit in with the office’s culture and existing team members.

The job description for a paralegal typically includes a range of responsibilities to support lawyers and other legal professionals. These duties may include conducting legal research, drafting legal documents such as pleadings and contracts, organizing and maintaining case files, and assisting with client communication.

Paralegals may also be involved in preparing for trial, including coordinating witnesses and preparing exhibits, and attending trials and hearings to aid attorneys. In some cases, paralegals may be responsible for managing administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings, answering phone calls, and organizing office supplies.

Overall, a paralegal's job is to support lawyers and other legal professionals, helping ensure that legal proceedings run smoothly and efficiently. The duties of a paralegal may vary depending on the size and type of law office or organization they work for, as well as the particular needs of their clients.

The job prospects for those seeking to become a paralegal are positive, and you do not have to attend law school. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 14 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by increased demand for legal services and a desire by law firms and other employers, such as government agencies, to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

In addition, the BLS reports that the median annual wage for paralegals was $56,230 or $27.03 per hour as of May 2021. However, this can vary depending on location, industry, and experience level. For example, paralegals working in the federal government tend to earn higher salaries than those working in other types of employers.

It is also worth noting that some employers may pay paralegals higher salaries  than other employers due to demand or job requirements.  For example, paralegals working in the federal government tend to earn higher salaries than those in private law firms or those that choose to work for a government agency.

Overall, the job outlook for paralegals is positive, with a growing demand for legal services and opportunities for career advancement. However, as with any profession, it is essential to stay informed of industry trends and to continually update your skills to remain competitive in the job market.

Some colleges and universities offer paralegal studies programs, but some of the top-ranked institutions include:

1. Tulane University

2. George Washington University

3. Duke University

4. Boston University

5. Louisiana State University

6. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

7. Emory University

8. University of Texas at Austin

9. University of San Diego

10. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill^[2] 

These schools are known for their strong paralegal studies programs, which typically provide students with a solid foundation in legal concepts and procedures and direct experience through internships and other practical learning opportunities. However, it is essential to note that many other colleges and universities offer high-quality paralegal studies programs, and students should consider factors such as cost, location, and reputation when choosing a school.

Continuing education and professional development are crucial for paralegals who want to advance in their careers and stay current with the latest trends and developments in the legal industry. Fortunately, many paralegal associations offer a variety of resources to help you continue your education and develop your professional skills.

Continuing education courses are an excellent way to learn new skills and stay current with changes in the legal field. Many paralegal associations offer these courses online, making it easy to access them from anywhere. These courses cover various topics, from legal research and writing to litigation support and e-discovery.

In addition to continuing education courses, paralegal associations also offer networking opportunities to help you build relationships with other professionals in the industry. These events can be a terrific way to learn about new job opportunities, stay current on industry trends, and connect with other paralegals and legal professionals.

Professional development opportunities, such as workshops and seminars, can also be valuable for paralegals looking to advance in their careers. These events provide opportunities to gain experience and new skills, develop your leadership abilities, and gain a deeper understanding of the legal industry.

Becoming a paralegal requires education, certification, and skills development. By obtaining a degree or certificate in paralegal studies and developing persuasive communication, research, and organization skills, you can pursue a successful career in the legal field and do great public service.

When job searching, consider the type of law firm or organization you want to work for and what areas of law you are interested in specializing in. These steps allow you to become a competitive candidate and advance your paralegal career.