How to Become a Paralegal: Paralegal Schools & Careers
The paralegal profession is competitive and exciting with a wide range of careers and specific fields from which to choose. Education and training requirements vary by region, field, and between companies, but usually involve a minimum of two years of post-secondary study, sometimes culminating in an associate degree, as well as experience. Students can also earn certifications, a bachelor’s degree and even a master’s degree in paralegal studies.
This comprehensive guide includes information and data on education and training as well as key facts about salaries, job prospects and more.
What Does a Paralegal Do?
Paralegal Career Basics
Many paralegals work full-time in private firms, government agencies or corporate legal offices. They handle a broad range of administrative and research duties under the supervision of attorneys. For example, during the course of a day, they may organize and maintain legal files or draft documents, deliver or retrieve documents from the courthouse and conduct intensive legal research in preparation for court. Paralegals also investigate the background facts of cases, organize evidence and documents for attorneys to review, accompany lawyers to court, and manage schedules with witnesses and experts. Specific responsibilities can vary greatly, depending on the department, office or firm in which a paralegal works. Those who work for large firms might handle only one phase of a case, while those in smaller firms could work a case from beginning to end.
Paralegal Career In-Depth
Much like lawyers, paralegals can choose to specialize in a certain type of law, which can determine the actual tasks they will spend most of their time doing. Criminal law paralegals, for example, may prepare clients for trial, interview witnesses, research legal precedents pertinent to a case, and must have a wide knowledge of criminal legal issues.
Paralegals working in a corporate setting will assist in legal business transactions for companies, compose employee contracts, prepare financial reports and maintain benefit plans. Immigration paralegals typically work for government organizations, but can also be employed by a firm. They obtain foreign documents, research immigration case laws, prepare paperwork for citizenship and deportation, and handle client concerns. Specialists in labor law review and prepare contracts between companies and their employees, handle litigation from disputes in the workplace, and help to represent businesses or workers.
Paralegal Salaries
Paralegals work full-time and earned a median wage of $46,990 in 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10 percent of paralegal jobs pay $75,410 or more per year. Those who work for larger firms or in larger cities tend to earn more than paralegals who work for small firms. The highest annual wages were found in the federal government, followed by finance and insurance, then local governments.
Top 5 Highest Earning States/Areas for Paralegals
| State | Annual Mean Wage, BLS 2014 |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $74,930 |
| Alaska | $64,920 |
| California | $60,940 |
| New Jersey | $57,600 |
| Washington | $56,590 |
The map below shows details of the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentile earners for each state.
These salaries are the national average; salaries might change depending upon region, state, and city. The salary comparison tool below can help you sort through those factors to come up with a salary you could expect for your particular area.
Paralegal Salary Comparison Tool
Steps to Becoming a Paralegal
1
Select a Specialty
Though most paralegals work as generalists in a legal firm, some choose to specialize for a particular employer or sector of law. For instance, corporate paralegals work with attorneys to handle contractual issues such as shareholder agreements, stock option plans and employee contracts. Litigation paralegals work with attorneys that take on cases through the civil or criminal trial system. Choosing a specialty as early as possible allows students to take courses that are relevant to career goals.
Paralegal specialties include:
- Corporate paralegal
- Litigation paralegal
- Estate planning and probate paralegal
- Family law paralegal
- Immigration paralegal
- Intellectual property paralegal
- Real estate paralegal
- Debt and bankruptcy paralegal
- Freelance paralegal
2
Complete the Necessary Level of Education
Associate’s Degree
The most-common educational path to becoming a paralegal includes an associate’s degree. These two-year programs are offered through community colleges, universities, or online, and teach the basic skills and knowledge required of an entry-level paralegal or legal assistant.
Bachelor’s Degree
A four-year bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies may be a requirement for paralegal positions with major law firms, government legal departments or in corporate law. Those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field can consider earning a paralegal certificate, which can take several months to complete.
Master’s Degree
If you want to take your studies further, some colleges offer master’s programs in paralegal studies. Master’s degree holders can find success in highly targeted fields, such as intellectual property law and certain specialties in corporate practice. Master’s graduates can also become teachers of paralegal studies.
3
Pass the Certification Exam
Though certification for paralegals is voluntary, earning one can distinguish individuals from other job applicants. Some employer may require certification. Regardless, national surveys consistently show that certifications such as Certified Paralegals (CP) and Certified Legal Assistants (CLA) are used to determine and measure applicants’ abilities and skills.
Paralegal organizations such as the National Association of Legal Assistants offer the CLA and CP certifications, which require passing a test and then pursuing continuing education. The credentials have been recognized by the American Bar Association as a designation that marks a high level of professional achievement. The CLA or CP credential has also been recognized by over 47 legal assistant organizations and numerous bar associations.
4
Intern with a Law Firm, Corporation, Nonprofit, or Government Agency
Individuals could also opt for an internship while pursuing a degree program to gain experience and have more opportunities for applying what they’ve learned. Many employers look favorably upon job applicants who take internships during their college years.
5
Begin an Entry-Level Job
Students who apply for a range of positions and use their school’s career placement services have an increased chance of finding work as a paralegal. Entry-level positions will give students an opportunity to begin practicing the techniques learned in school and allows for increased responsibilities down the road.
Educational Paths for Paralegals
Students pursuing a degree in paralegal studies have many academic options. From certifications and associate degrees to bachelor’s and even master’s degrees, students are able to earn a basic or in-depth education based on their interests and career goals. Each subsequent level of schooling brings additional qualifications and skills, so it is important for students to consider what will be required of them in their chosen field. Paralegal degrees can be earned on campus, as well as online.
Below are some scenarios that show which educational options might be best for the student in that scenario. If more than one box is checked, it means either option would be beneficial or possible.
| Career Goal and/or Educational Needs | Associate | Bachelor’s | Master’s | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I want to gain a solid understanding of the paralegal field and establish a foundation for further education if I choose to continue in the future. |  |
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| I work a full-time job and/or have other responsibilities that would prevent me from being a full-time student, but want still want to pursue a degree in paralegal studies in order to advance in my career. | |
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| I work as a legal secretary or paralegal but want to further my skill set and knowledge so I have more opportunities in the future. | |
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| I want to take an accelerated program and earn a quality degree as fast as possible. | |
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| I know I am interested in a career as a paralegal and I want to earn a quality degree that will give me a competitive edge. | |
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An Overview of Paralegal Degree Levels
Different levels of degrees are available in paralegal studies. As the degrees advance, so do the curricula, skills, knowledge, and potential career opportunities. Below is a breakdown of each level to help prospective students decide which degree is right for them and their career goals.
Certificates and Associate Degrees
Earning an associate degree in paralegal studies gives students a strong understanding of the basic principles of the field as well as general education in math, science, social science, and English. Because an associate degree typically takes two years, about half the time it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree, AS or AAS degrees tend to be a more affordable and quick way to get a foot in the door for a legal career. Paralegal topics that are covered in most associate degree programs include introduction to law, legal research and writing, civil litigation, and legal ethics. Elective courses allow students to gear their education in the direction of their personal interests, ranging from criminal, environmental, and employment law to tax law and domestic relations.
Certificates are earned through the study of paralegal core and elective courses without the required general education courses, and can be earned anywhere between one semester to two years, depending on the program and the student’s pace.
Detailed below are descriptions for some of the courses required for associate degrees and certificates in paralegal studies, as well as industry skills earned in the classes.
Introduction to the Law
Provides a basic understanding of the law and the American justice system, and introduces the student to legal terminology and areas of law which will be studied in greater depth later in the curriculum.
Paralegal Skills and Knowledge Gained
- Understanding of the role of the paralegal in a legal office
- Understand basic aspects of American law
- Begin practicing legal research and writing
Legal Research, Writing, and Civil Litigation
Teaches students the processes and techniques necessary for handling cases from beginning to end. Arguably the most important course in paralegal education.
Paralegal Skills and Knowledge Gained
- Determine jurisdiction and venue
- Initiating and commencing a lawsuit
- Client counseling
- Investigation techniques and the discovery process
- Drafting summons, complaints, motions, briefs, and pleadings
- Settlement techniques
- Understanding of the trial process
Professional Responsibility and Legal Ethics
Covers the basic principles of practicing ethical law for paralegals and lawyers.
Paralegal Skills and Knowledge Gained
- Understanding of the regulations of attorney and paralegal conduct
- Understanding of conflicts of interest, unauthorized practice of law, malpractice, and confidentiality, plus disciplinary measures
- Handling law office finances, including client funds, advertising, billing, and fee splitting
A Four-Year Degree
A bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies (offered as a Bachelor of Science from most schools) is earned upon completion of 120 credit hours, generally taking students about four years. Coursework includes required general education classes, core paralegal courses, and upper division legal courses.
After achieving a bachelor’s degree, graduates will have an intimate knowledge of the responsibilities of a paralegal, and know the techniques and processes necessary to assist lawyers in cases. Graduates are qualified to begin careers as paralegals in law offices, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and non-profits, or to pursue further education. Specific skills acquired include drafting and editing legal memoranda, motions, and other basic legal and court documents; ability to apply a wide variety of legal concepts to given tasks; and ability to perform advanced legal research and discovery tasks.
Below are some example classes students will encounter during their bachelor’s education.
Criminal Law
Outlines the definitions and elements of crimes against persons, property, and various legal defenses available to defendants.
Paralegal Skills and Knowledge Gained
- Understanding of the basic constitutional safeguards and procedures involved from arrest through trial
- Understand the prosecution process for any type of crime
- Understanding of the application of state and federal sentencing guidelines
Patents, Trademarks, and Copyrights
Overview of the various types of intellectual property, how to protect against infringement, and what defenses are available for infringement both in the U.S. and abroad.
Paralegal Skills and Knowledge Gained
- Recognize the different types of IP
- Recognize the various types of infringement
- Ability to apply defenses and remedies for infringement
Legal Document Preparation
Teaches the practical skill of drafting, editing, and otherwise preparing legal documents through hands-on practice.
Paralegal Skills and Knowledge Gained
- Draft sales and service contracts, real property contracts and deeds, wills, limited partnership or LLC operating agreements, prenuptial agreements, and other legal documents
Advanced Education
The educational options available to students after they achieve a bachelor’s degree include earning a post-baccalaureate certificate, a graduate certificate, or a master’s degree in paralegal studies. While it is not always necessary that paralegal professionals complete education beyond a bachelor’s, each advanced program offers different credentials and skills and prepares graduates for increased opportunities and responsibility.
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
A post-baccalaureate program and certificate will prepare students for transition into a graduate program for paralegal studies. This option will provide students with foundational coursework and help them meet some of the prerequisites necessary for a master’s degree. Students must have earned either a BA or a BS from an accredited institution, but it is not necessary to have a background or any experience with paralegal studies.
Graduate Certificate
Graduate certificate programs offer master’s level courses to students who wish to tailor their education and skill set to a certain aspect of the paralegal trade, for example, criminal law, tax law, or real estate law. Unlike a master’s program, which requires between 30 and 60 credit hours, graduate certificate programs only require between 12 and 18 credit hours and focuses on a very specific area of paralegal studies.
Master’s Degree in Paralegal Studies
A master’s degree in paralegal studies is the highest level of education paralegal majors can pursue. Paralegal studies masters programs generally take about two years to complete and many programs require that the student complete an independent project. Graduates will gain an in-depth understanding of the various areas of law and master skills necessary for work in a competitive legal setting.
Most schools offer master’s programs that can be earned with 36 credit hours, between one year (accelerated programs) and three years or more (flexible programs). Upon degree completion, graduates will be able to effectively conduct legal research and analysis in multiple areas of law; produce memoranda, legal essays, and other legal documents; and substantially contribute to the legal work performed at a law office, corporate legal department, government agency, or nonprofit organization.
Complex Research Skills
Students will learn to conduct complex legal research and analysis to help develop cases.
Proficiency in Document Preparation
Advanced study and practice of legal documentation, preparation, editing, and drafting gives students the knowledge needed to perform in a professional legal setting.
A Magnified Understanding of Law
As students study law at the graduate level and delve into their chosen concentrations, they gain detailed knowledge of the various aspects of the legal system and their role and responsibilities as a paralegal.
Team Contribution
Working in group settings at the master’s level, paralegals become a valuable part of a larger team, contributing and developing skills, knowledge, and unique experiences.
Strong Sense of Professionalism
Students will learn appropriate conduct in legal settings as well as legal terminology that will serve as a behavioral base for legal meetings, office settings, court, and other professional situations.
Specialties in Paralegal Studies
Just as lawyers choose an area of law in which to practice, paralegals may choose a specialty or concentration during their schooling. Students who choose a concentration will take classes specifically geared to aspects of that concentration, and will focus largely on learning about that area of law and mastering skills relevant to the specialty.
Below are some of the most common specialties for paralegals.
Corporate
In large corporations, paralegals often perform behind-the-scenes tasks such as contract and document review, research, and making sure the corporation complies with federal laws. Research and documentation skills are strongly emphasized in this concentration.
Estate Planning and Probate
Paralegals in this specialty help clients write wills, plan estates, distribute property, and work with probate pleadings and deeds. Compassion is a useful skill for professionals in this area, as clients are often grieving or preparing for eventual departure.
Family Law
This concentration focuses on custody disputes, divorces, adoption, and other family matters. Paralegal responsibilities include preparing pleadings, drafting documents such as spousal support agreements and prenuptials, sending correspondence to opposing counsel, attorneys, and the court, and communicating with the clients throughout the legal process.
Immigration
Provides in-depth understanding of immigration law in the US. Students learn about the different categories of non-immigrants as well as the laws governing visits to the US and gaining permanent resident status. Emphasis is placed on legal terminology relevant to immigration cases and how to work with an immigrant client.
Intellectual Property
This concentration focuses exclusively on trademarks, patents, and copyrights. Students learn about emerging intellectual property legislation and also learn how to correspond with clients and organize exhibits.
Litigation
Litigation covers a wide variety of specific legal scenarios such as debt and bankruptcy, corporate, or personal injury law. Usually the attorney and paralegal will be representing someone who is suing or being sued by another party.
Real Estate
This specialty looks at home sales, foreclosures, zoning disputes, boundary issues, and other real estate situations requiring legal assistance. Paralegals that also possess a real estate license are especially valuable in this area.
Online Paralegal Schools
Finding a school that offers a quality education with the flexibility needed to maintain a career and busy schedule can be difficult. Luckily, there are several online paralegal programs to choose from. As you sift through the options, keep the following criteria in mind.
Program Length
If earning your paralegal studies degree or certificate is a time-sensitive accomplishment, look for a degree program that allows you to complete the courses at a pace that fits your busy life. Accelerated paralegal programs through universities or community colleges are an option for students looking to graduate quickly. Online programs also offer speed and flexibility as just some of their many perks. Keep in mind that program length and program quality are mutually exclusive.
Faculty with Extensive Paralegal Experience
The best way to know if a school offers a high-quality paralegal studies program is to determine whether the faculty members are committed, established, and experienced in the field. The best way to learn about the faculty members is to review the bios shared on the school website. The best teachers will have real world legal experience, either as paralegals or lawyers from a variety of settings (such as large and small law firms, corporations, and government agencies), and will not only offer insight to the industry, but will be valuable networking contacts after graduation.
Accreditation
Accreditation is an important factor when choosing a school–online or campus-based–for paralegal studies. The American Bar Association (ABA) has given accreditation to about 270 out of over 1000 schools that offer paralegal programs. Because it is such a widely recognized institution, many law firms and companies prefer to hire paralegals who graduated with an ABA-accredited degree. Because the ABA requires that at least a portion of the degree must be completed on campus in a traditional setting, many fully-online programs have relinquished their ABA accreditation in order to cater to non-traditional students. Exceptional but non-ABA accredited programs can still be found.
Career Placement and Internship Services
Schools should offer student counseling and assistance with paralegal career and internship placement. Review the school’s career placement record and see where graduates have found employment and the types of positions they secured. There should be a variety of large and small law firms and companies, local and national.
Components of a Successful Paralegal Career
Certain skills and character traits make some individuals naturals for a career as a paralegal. In addition to solid legal knowledge and understanding, a successful paralegal will have the necessary credentials and be proficient in using the tools and technologies utilized by law firms and legal departments.
Being responsible for such a wide variety of tasks requires paralegals to be very organized and skilled at multitasking. Those who have an extreme attention to detail and who enjoy working as part of a team, often behind the scenes, are ideal candidates
Paralegal Skills
Excellent research skills
Professionals must be able to effectively conduct research as well as evaluate and analyze law sources in order to apply theories and principles to issues and cases. Research often also includes conducting interviews and investigations.
Communication skills
In addition to research and analysis, paralegals must also be able to draft correspondence and legal documents in a clear, concise and accurate manner. Additionally, paralegals interact efficiently and sometimes assertively with many different people, from lawyers to clients to witnesses to court personnel.
Paralegal Credentials
Certificated Paralegal
A certificated paralegal will possess a certificate of completion of a paralegal education program from a college, university, or online program. This is different than being certified.
Certified Paralegal
Certified paralegals will have taken and passed a paralegal certification exam, such as NFPA’s Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE) or the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE). Becoming certified allows professionals to follow their name with their credential, i.e. John Smith, RP ®.
Paralegal credentials include:
- LDP (Legal Document Preparer) or LDA (Legal Document Assistant)
- CP (Certified Paralegal) or CLA (Certified Legal Assistant)
- ACP (Advanced Certified Paralegal)
- RP (Registered Paralegal)
- CRP (CORE Registered Paralegal)
- PP (Professional Paralegal)
- AACP (American Alliance Certified Paralegal)
Tools and Technology for Paralegals
Some paralegals also function as office managers, conducting various administrative tasks to ensure that everything in a law office or firm runs smoothly on a daily basis. In order to do this, paralegals should have knowledge of legal administrative systems, billing practices and accounting systems. Computer literacy is also important as law offices become increasingly reliant on electronic databases, legal forums, and legal software for administration and conducting legal research.
Below are just some of the technology systems paralegals may encounter in the workplace.
| Accounting Integration | MyCase, CosmoLex, Actionstep, PracticePanther Legal Software, HoudiniESQ, CasetrackerLaw |
| Billing and Invoicing | RocketMatter, BillQuick Legal, AbacusLaw, Amicus Attorney, Advantage Law, Knowify, BigTime Software |
| Case and Client History | CoCounselor, Clio, Gavel, Case Manager Pro, LegalXGen, Needles Case Management, CaseSync, EveryClient (Legal) |
| Client Database | Acumin by Dexco, BHL Insight, CaseLode, LegalTrek, MyCase, AbacusLaw, BigTime Software, Clio |
| Document Management | CosmoLex, CoCounselor, HoudiniESQ, Amicus Attorney, CasetrackerLaw, Best Client Practice Management |
Paralegal Job Growth and Outlook
According to O*Net Online, a site sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of paralegals is expected to rise between 15 percent to 21 percent by 2022, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth will be driven by increased efficiency and money-saving measures, including having paralegals perform job duties once performed by both legal secretaries and lawyers (except for certain job duties that may only be performed by lawyers). Over 9,000 jobs will become available each year for paralegals by 2022. Many paralegals will be hired by large corporations, which find it more advantageous to hire in-house counsel rather than retain outside law firms. Paralegals with very strong computer skills should see the greatest opportunities.
To see more on employment or job growth for paralegals, select a state below.
Top 10 States Experiencing the Most Growth
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1California
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2Florida
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3New York
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4texas
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5Illinois
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6Pennsylvania
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7North Carolina
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8Virginia
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9Georgia
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10ohio
Related Public Service Careers
When you choose to become a paralegal, you will gain skills and education that could serve you well in related job opportunities. Related occupations such as claims adjusters, occupational health and safety technicians, secretaries and administrative assistants, or social workers performing as witness advocates could be a perfect fit for those who choose a career path similar to that of a paralegal. The average salaries and projected job growth for these related occupations according to the BLS are as follows:
What Do Related Occupations Make?
Having an understanding of what related occupations earn can help current and potential students and graduates get a better idea of what they can expect to earn if they pursue a career as a paralegal or transition to another field. Related occupations will perform similar administrative duties as paralegals such as document preparation, filing and organization, and/or work in legal settings such as law offices, corporate legal departments, courtrooms or government agencies. Below are the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentile for wages of jobs related to and including paralegals.
Paralegal and Related Job Salaries
Search Paralegal Schools
It’s important to choose a paralegal school that will help you meet your educational and career goals. Use the search tool below to filter through available programs.