How to become a paralegal
Paralegals work under the supervision of attorneys as essential and qualified participants of the legal team. They assist attorneys by conducting detailed legal research, conducting client interviews, preparing statements, maintaining finance office records, and performing various other equally challenging jobs.
Paralegal professionals come from many different backgrounds. Education, certification, and internships are critical to advancing in this profession. These requirements vary widely, but are typically related to the functions of the position.
Paralegal programs include general education courses, law-related courses, and legal specialty courses. Specialty courses are foundational programs that introduce students to domestic relations, legal research and writing, will and probate administration, business organization, and litigation. Students are encouraged to study general education and law-related courses before enrolling in specialty programs.
ABA (American Bar Association) accredited universities and colleges offer associate degrees (usually 2-year programs), certificate programs, and 4-year bachelor’s and/or master’s degrees in paralegal studies.
Paralegal internships are an integral part of many paralegal training programs. They offer students hands-on experience by providing work experience in professional fields such as law firms, attorney general’s offices, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. Paralegals also receive specialized training in other fields. People with naturalist backgrounds often work in environmental law, while paralegals in personal injury or medical malpractice may have received medical training.
A paralegal education and a law school education are completely different. Therefore, it is not possible for a person to become a lawyer after working as a paralegal. Paralegal graduates lack the qualification and eligibility to obtain a law license.
Paralegals work in private law firms, banks, insurance agencies, legal clinics, courts, government agencies, accounting and engineering firms, and legal aid offices. Their salaries differ, depending on their education and experience, the type of employer, and the geographic location of the job. According to the National Association of Paralegals? Paralegals reportedly earned a national median salary of $38,000 in 2000.