How to Prepare for a Career As a Paralegal
A paralegal, also called a legal assistant, completes tasks assigned by a supervising lawyer. For example, a paralegal helps a lawyer prepare for opening and closing arguments of trials and conducts legal research. Also, a paralegal drafts pleadings and motions. However, before you can assist a lawyer, you must know how to prepare for a career as a paralegal.
Steps
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Seek post secondary education. You have 3 options depending on your prior education.
- An associate's degree in paralegal studies is a 2-year program offered at community and junior colleges. The program combines paralegal and elective courses.
- A bachelor's degree in paralegal studies is a 4-year program offered at colleges and universities. The program requires you take a combination of paralegal, general education and elective courses. You may have to complete an internship at a law firm.
- A paralegal studies certificate is an option if you already have a bachelor's degree in another field. The certificate is offered at community colleges and universities. The paralegal certificate courses provide you with intensive training in the field that can last from a few months to 1 year. You're only required to take paralegal courses. Some programs may require you to complete an internship.
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Meet with paralegals.
- Join local paralegal organizations and associations to network with paralegals.
- Talk with experienced paralegals about the job duties, any employment opportunities and information about advancement.
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Earn a certificate in paralegal studies. The certification is different from a post secondary certificate. You have 3 certification options.
- The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) offers 2 paralegal certificates: Certified Paralegal (CP) and Certified Legal Assistant (CLA). The prerequisites for the certifications are a combination of experience and education. You must complete a 2-day test to obtain the certifications.
- The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPI) offers an American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) designation. You must have about 5 years of job and educational experience and meet other qualifications to take the test.
- The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) offers the Registered Paralegal (RP) designation. However, you must have approximately 2 years of work experience to take the Paralegal Advanced Competency Examination (PACE).
- The certification options are voluntary. Therefore, you don't have to earn the certifications to obtain a job as a paralegal. However, becoming a certified paralegal may increase your paralegal employment options.
Warnings
- A master's degree in paralegal studies is an option if you're interested in additional training. The degree, however, is not a requirement to obtain, keep or advance to a paralegal position.
- Post secondary education is not required to obtain a job. However, most employers prefer a paralegal applicant with post secondary training and education in paralegal studies.
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