ALT-2 How to become a Paralegal
Many different types of jobs fall under the single job title "paralegal.". What any paralegal actually does during his or her working day depends on who the paralegal is working for, and on how the employer defines the paralegal's role. Essentially, anything that needs to be done in a law office, or other legal setting, that doesn't require a lawyer to do it can be done by a paralegal
Just as there are many jobs that fall under the label "paralegal," so are there many paths to getting one of those jobs. Here are five ways to become a paralegal:1. You can learn on the job. Some law firms or organizations hire people and train them, even if they don't have prior legal experience or education. Some firms also promote secretaries from within.2. You can enroll in a paralegal program at a community college. In a typical program, half your classes will be on paralegal subjects and the other half will be general education. At the end of two years, you will earn an Associates degree.3. You can become a paralegal in some places without specialized training if you have a B.A. in any subject. Some law firms like to hire recent college graduates, especially applicants who may be thinking of going to law school later on.4. You can enroll in a private paralegal program, where you will earn a certificate. These programs are usually designed for people who already have a college degree. This is a popular option, as many employers do like to hire people who have both a college degree and a paralegal certificate.5. You can select a paralegal program as a major or a minor while you are getting a four-year college degree, if you are attending a school that offers that option.Before you decide how to proceed, you should talk to people who are already working as paralegals. Ask them what they think of their jobs and how they first broke into the field. You could also talk to people who hire paralegals and ask them what they are looking for when they hire.If cost is a consideration, take a look at programs at community colleges and state colleges. The programs in private schools may be more convenient, especially for people who are already working full-time, but they can be expensive.For some excellent information on all aspects of being a paralegal, including salaries, projected job growth, nature of the work, working conditions, training, advancement, and pointers to other useful sites, see theParalegals and Legal Assistantspage in the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook.Another very useful site is theNational Association of Legal Assistants.
