How to Become a Paralegal

A paralegal or legal assistant assists lawyers in drafting legal documents and conducting research, investigations and interviews. They are paid well (an average of $46, 680 annually, based on recent Labor Statistics data) and the job outlook for them is seen to only increase by 185 in the next couple of years. Yet, despite the handsome salary and promising opportunities, why is being a paralegal seen as a mediocre profession?

Many people are misinformed about the role of a paralegal. After all, why become a paralegal when you can always become a lawyer—just like choosing to become a dentist over becoming a physician. But pay no importance to the prejudice—a paralegal career can get you places, just as a career as a law practitioner does.

Educational Background and Work Experience

There are many paths to becoming a paralegal. One can obtain any bachelor or associate’s degree from a University or community college, or by enrolling straight into a paralegal training course offered online by e-learning companies and vocational colleges. However, to qualify as a paralegal student or trainee, one should have passed his or her GEDs (General Education Development exam).

Some companies hire paralegals without prior experience or background in paralegal studies and provide on-the-job training for them. However, most of these companies still require paralegals to have obtained a bachelor’s degree in any field or at least one year of experience in working for a legal firm or office environment.

Getting Certified as a Paralegal

A paralegal certification course program takes 12 months to complete. But don’t let the duration of the training intimidate you. The course has been stretched for that duration to give you ample time to take in the lessons effectively. You only have to pass your courses so you can receive a certificate of course completion and be able to apply your knowledge and skills as a paralegal or legal assistant.

Here’s a sample outline of the paralegal course program from career training provider Meditec, to give you an overview of what to expect from your paralegal training:

• Paralegal and Legal Assistant: Basics   
• Paralegal and Legal Assistant: Specialties   
• Business Law   
• Business Math   
• Paralegal and Legal Assistant: Citation Workbook   
• Paralegal and Legal Assistant: Using Computers in the Law Office   
• Office Procedures Level 1   
• Office Procedures Level 2   
• Legal Transcription I   
• Legal Transcription II    40 HRS

Not all employers require you to present a certification but it most definitely helps in getting you hired. Also, possessing a paralegal certification helps you negotiate for a better starting salary rate and gives you edge over other applicants.

Check out Meditec.com Paralegal Program today!