If you’re interested in the law, consider a career as a paralegal. Paralegals, also called legal assistants, perform many of the same tasks as lawyers. Paralegals help lawyers prepare for trials, hearings, closings, meetings, etc. They may help prepare tax returns, draft contracts and agreements, or supervise other law office employees.
Seventy percent of paralegals work in law offices. Others work for private companies, non-profit organizations, or the government. Most paralegals have formal training in the profession. However, some employers hire people with other desirable backgrounds, such as healthcare, and train them as paralegals.
Paralegal Schools in North America
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Most entry-level paralegals received their education through an online paralegal school or one of the traditional paralegal colleges. Most have an associate’s degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor’s degree in a different field coupled with a certificate in paralegal studies. A few schools offer bachelor’s or master’s degrees in paralegal studies.
Approximately 1000 paralegal training schools or institutions offer formal paralegal training programs. Various accredited paralegal schools in the USA offer a total of about 260 paralegal programs that have American Bar Association approval. While employers do not require that employees graduate from ABA-approved programs, it can be an employment advantage. Online paralegal schools are plentiful.
Jobs for paralegals are expected to grow over the next several years as employers try to reduce costs by using paralegals for tasks previously done by lawyers. But competition will be strong as more and more people enter this profession. While most employers do not require certification, certification from a professional society may help when applying for jobs.
Salaries depend on education, training, location, experience, and type of employer. In 2006, full-time paralegals had median annual earnings of $43,040, including bonuses. (Many paralegals in private industry receive bonuses to compensate them for having to work overtime.) The Federal government offered the highest median earnings, while state governments provided the lowest.
Experience, graduation from an ABA-approved paralegal program, and certification will give you a competitive advantage in the hiring process.
