Paralegal

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Become A Paralegal

Are you a diehard fan of law shows such as Boston Legal or Law and Order? Do you possess an investigative mind and an interest in the law, but don't see yourself spending tens of thousands of dollars and several years attending law school? If so, you might consider a career as a paralegal.

Paralegal In a Nutshell

Most paralegals are employed in law firms, government agencies, and corporate legal departments, where they perform many of the same duties as lawyers. Many paralegals also work under the direction of lawyers to prepare for hearings, trials and corporate meetings.

If a lawsuit is filed, paralegals may prepare legal arguments, draft pleadings and motions, obtain affidavits, and otherwise assist attorneys. They also identify laws and review judicial precedent and legal articles related to a particular case.

Education Requirements for Paralegals

There are several educational avenues to becoming a paralegal:

You can obtain a two-year paralegal associate's degree offered through most community colleges.
You can earn a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies from four-year colleges and universities and some business schools.
If you have already earned a bachelor's degree - in any field - you can enroll in a paralegal certification program, which may take only a few months to complete.

While the quality of paralegal studies programs varies widely, high-quality programs, such as those approved by the American Bar Association, often include job placement services.

Although not a requirement of most employers, becoming certified from a professional organization such as the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) can enhance your employment opportunities.

Day in the Life of a Paralegal

Paralegal duties vary widely according to the industry:

Community-based, non-profit organizations may employ paralegals to help the poor and elderly obtain legal services.
Paralegals employed by the government may specialize in labor law and employee benefits.
Large corporate firms may have their paralegals research and advise on intellectual property and corporate law.
In law firms, where large workloads and tight deadlines are common, paralegals are often rewarded with bonuses and additional time off.

Regardless of the work environment, paralegals generally divide their 40-hour workweek between an office desk and a law library.

Job Growth for Paralegals

As employers seek new ways to reduce costs and increase efficiencies, many are hiring paralegals to perform tasks formerly executed by lawyers. Therefore, employment opportunities for paralegals are projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014—a 27 percent increase or more.