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You don't have to earn a law degree to play a meaningful role in the court systems. In fact, there are several key positions you can hold with just a couple years of manageable, concentrated training. The paralegal is one of them. These professionals are taking on more responsibility than ever before. Furthermore, paralegal requirements are designed to get you certified and practicing fast. Most paralegals hold an associate's degree.
Overview of Paralegal Education
Paralegal education focuses on researching legal precedent, investigating facts and preparing legal documents. As a paralegal, you'll work at the right hand of an established lawyer to ready him or her for the next court performance. After completing your paralegal education, you'll become a master researcher--mining for valuable evidence that supports a legal proceeding, formulates a defense or initiates legal action. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that paralegals and legal assistants held about 246,810 jobs in May 2009. They earned a median annual salary of $46,980, with the top 10 percent earning $75,700 and the bottom 10 percent earning $29,800.
Paralegal Education Requirements: Prerequisites
The BLS notes that more than 1,000 colleges and universities, law schools and proprietary schools offer formal paralegal training programs--approximately 260 of those programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). High school students and mid-career changers can prepare to meet paralegal requirements by taking courses in sociology, criminal justice, communications and English. SAT scores or ACT scores must meet entrance requirements as listed by various schools.
Paralegal Education Requirements: Classes and Coursework
Paralegal requirements consist of classes and coursework designed to prepare you for the rigors of the legal environment. Course titles include criminology, civil litigation, criminal court structure, matrimonial law, corporate law and estate distribution. Focused instruction includes methods of record-keeping and documentation, legal technology and accounting procedures.
Paralegal Certification and Compliance
You have several different options for certification and compliance, each with a different set of paralegal requirements. These include:
Paralegal Education Requirements: Specializations and Continuing Education
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment is expected to grow by 28 percent between 2008 and 2018--much faster than the national average. The largest employers of paralegals should continue to be private law firms, corporate legal departments and various levels of government--specifically the Federal Government, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Because the paralegal profession is highly-organized, there are several organizations and associations that provide networking opportunities, certification and continuing education. Learn more about paralegal requirements and other paralegal and legal secretary career-related information from:
Keep in mind that paralegal requirements may vary from state to state. Please check with your local paralegal professional organization or your State Bar Association for paralegal requirements specific to your state or locality. There are representatives that can assist you in applying to programs, financing your education and making the transition from classroom to career.
Resources for Paralegals:
These schools offer particularly quick info upon request, and we have written detailed profiles for each (click school names to see the profiles).
Request info from multiple schools, by clicking the Get Info links.
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