How to become a paralegal

Is becoming a paralegal right for me?

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Overview
What do paralegals do?
Career Satisfaction
Are paralegals happy with their careers?
Personality
What are paralegals like?

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How to become a Paralegal

To become a paralegal in the United States, you typically need to follow these steps:

  • Obtain a High School Diploma or Equivalent: The first step is to complete your high school education or obtain a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
  • Earn a Paralegal Education: While a specific degree is not always required, most paralegals have at least an Associate Degree or a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. You can pursue a paralegal program at community colleges, universities, or online institutions. Make sure the program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) or other recognized paralegal associations.
  • Gain Practical Experience (Optional): Some paralegal programs offer internships or practical experience opportunities. Taking advantage of such opportunities can be beneficial to gain hands-on experience and enhance your resume.
  • Consider a Bachelor's Degree (Optional): Although not mandatory, a Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies or a related field can provide you with a more comprehensive legal education and make you a more competitive candidate in the job market.
  • Network and Attend Paralegal Events: Joining professional paralegal organizations and attending networking events can help you establish connections in the legal industry and learn about job opportunities.
  • Apply for Paralegal Positions: Start applying for paralegal positions at law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, or other organizations that hire paralegals.
  • Prepare for Interviews: Familiarize yourself with common paralegal interview questions and be ready to showcase your legal knowledge, skills, and experience.
  • Obtain Paralegal Certification (Optional): While not mandatory, obtaining paralegal certification from recognized organizations can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise in the field (see below).
  • Stay Updated on Legal Developments: The legal field is continuously evolving, so staying informed about new laws, regulations, and industry trends is crucial to excel as a paralegal.

Certifications
Earning a certification can enhance a paralegal's credentials and demonstrate their proficiency and commitment to the profession. Some of the most recognized certifications for paralegals include:

  • Certified Paralegal (CP) by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA): The CP certification is one of the most widely recognized certifications for paralegals. To earn this designation, candidates must meet specific education and experience requirements and pass the Certified Paralegal Examination.
  • Registered Paralegal (RP) by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA): The RP certification is offered by the NFPA and requires candidates to pass the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE). Candidates must meet education and experience criteria to be eligible to take the exam.
  • Professional Paralegal (PP) by the NALS...the association for legal professionals: The PP certification offered by NALS requires candidates to pass a comprehensive examination covering various areas of law and paralegal skills.
  • Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) by NALA: The ACP certification is offered by NALA and allows paralegals to specialize in specific areas of law, such as litigation, contracts, real estate, and more. To earn the ACP designation, candidates must meet specific requirements and pass a specialized examination.
  • Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) by the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS): The CLA certification is offered by NALS and demonstrates proficiency in various legal areas.
  • Certified Legal Professional (CLP) by the Association for Legal Professionals (ALP): The CLP certification is offered by ALP and requires candidates to pass an examination covering legal knowledge and skills.