Do I need paralegal education?
March 18, 2011
The job of a good paralegal to ensure that the lawyers for whom they work give an appearance of organization. Their typical tasks involve document preparation, management and photocopying as well as conducting hearings and interviewing witnesses. According to the NFPA (the National Federation of Paralegal Associations) most new paralegals should prepare themselves by earning a traditional or online high school diploma and then completing a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Currently, this is true of about half of all paralegals, while around 25% have completed an associate’s degree (a two year option). Looking to the future, the trend is toward a greater level of preparation and most employers would prefer their entry-level legal assistants and paralegals to have completed a four-year paralegal school program. Paralegal students should note that additional training in any other specialization such as social work or medicine will add weight to the student’s curriculum and improve his or her earning potential.
There is a vast range of options when it comes to paralegal training, extending from online programs to campus-based university master’s degrees. The National Association of Paralegal Associations advises taking a formal, recognized paralegal education program, and around 85% of working paralegals have done just that. Such degree programs involve classes in legal studies for 24 semester hours.
Further Paralegal Qualifications
Some paralegal positions require applicants to have obtained a paralegal certificate. A paralegal certificate program is an additional training program that students do after a four-year program. To find a school near you that offers recognised paralegal certificate programs, click here.
The NFPA offers the possibility of becoming a “PACE Registered Paralegal”. To attain this qualification, the student must have completed a bachelor’s degree, have successfully finished an accredited paralegal program, have more than two years of work experience as a paralegal, and have passed the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam offered by NFPA.
The level of paralegal education you require will largely depend for whom you want to work. Different law firms will have different requirements. It is worthwhile to contact law firms in the area in which you intend to work to find out what their hiring policies are. There are many online directories of firms, but the most famous is that run by Martindale Hubbell (http://www.martindale.com/), hard copies of which will be available at your local library. This guide can help you seek out hiring firms by city, state and, if appropriate, specialty.
In the end your investment in paralegal education, both in time and money, will depend on your personal objectives. If your intention is use a paralegal qualification to smooth the path into law school, then a four year program plus certification might well be excessive. Contrarily, if you are excited by the prospect of becoming a career paralegal, then full accredited training, combined with certification and some additional specialization, will lift you above the crowd.
Top Paralegal Schools:
Build the life you want with training from Vatterott.
Programs:
- Paralegal Studies
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Manage your career and your life while earning your degree online.
Programs:
- Paralegal (Associate's)
- Paralegal (Bachelor's)
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Westwood College is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing quality, career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to launch, enhance, or change careers.
Programs:
- Associate Degree - Paralegal
- Associate Degree - Paralegal I
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For over 30 years, Keiser University eCampus Online has provided student-centered, quality career education.
Programs:
- Paralegal Studies, AA (Online)
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Berkeley College helps you launch your career in business.
Programs:
- AAS, Paralegal Studies
- Paralegal Studies Certificate
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Set your career in motion at Virginia College Online.
Programs:
- AS - Paralegal Studies
- BS - Paralegal Studies
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Make the most of your potential with a quality education from South University. Earn your degree online, on your own timetable, or at one of our five convenient campus locations.
Programs:
- Paralegal Studies (AS)
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Get the real-world education you need to succeed at Heald College.
Programs:
- Paralegal
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Are you interested in pursuing a high-tech career? Getting an education from ITT Tech is a great place to start!
Programs:
- AA - Paralegal Studies
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Leave that dead-end job behind with training from Everest College.
Programs:
- Associate of Applied Science - Paralegal
- Diploma - Paralegal
- Bachelor - Paralegal
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We Change Lives... One Person At A Time®.
Programs:
- Paralegal Studies
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Advance your career with an online degree from Kaplan University.
Programs:
- BS in Paralegal Studies
- AAS in Paralegal Studies
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Training for a successful future is easier than you may think! Northwestern College offers flexible career training to fit your busy schedule.
Programs:
- Paralegal
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Get your career started at Institute of Business & Medical Careers.
Programs:
- Paralegal
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South University offers excellence in education, online convenience, and more than 100 years of tradition.
Programs:
- Paralegal Studies (partially online) (AS)
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