What Is Involved In Paralegal Training?
Paralegal training is an important step to take in order to enter the paralegal profession. Paralegals are nonlicensed legal professionals who normally operate in law firms under the supervision of licensed attorneys, though they can also work independently as freelance contractors.
A paralegal is sometimes referred to as a legal assistant and can take on the majority of legal tasks, including drafting legal documents, research tasks and client interviews, but cannot provide legal advice or present a case in court.
How Do I Become A Paralegal?
There are two main ways to enter this profession. One is to start work at a law firm in a more junior capacity, for instance as a secretary or clerk, and work your way up, and the other is to undertake paralegal training. At one time, it was normal for paralegals to receive training on the job from their supervising attorneys, but nowadays this is much less likely to happen as attorneys are too busy. Your best chance of getting started on this career is to graduate directly from a part time or full time training program.
What Programs Are Available?
There are several different types of ABA approved paralegal programs available. The program you decide to go for will depend on how long you want to study for, and what level of qualification you want to achieve.
· Paralegal certificate programs are offered by vocational and business schools or community colleges. Some are designed for students who already have a bachelor’s degree, but others require only a high school diploma or previous legal experience. The programs take 30 credit hours and can be completed in seven months of full time study.
· Associate degree programs in Paralegal Studies usually take two years of full time study and are available at most colleges and universities. The coursework is usually split between paralegal training and liberal education courses.
· Bachelor’s and Master’s paralegal programs are provided by 4-year colleges, universities and graduate schools. These give you your best chance of employment.
· Online paralegal programs are a good option for you if you cannot attend full time because of work or family commitments. You can obtain a diploma or certificate on completion. The most famous distance learning institution is the National Paralegal College, based in Phoenix Arizona.
Do I Need To Be Certified?
It is not essential to be certified to gain employment, but it will improve your chances of impressing an employer. The four main professional associations providing certification for paralegals are:
· The American Alliance of Paralegals, which provides the AACP (American Alliance Certified Paralegal) qualification which lasts for two years.
· National Association of Legal Assistants which offers the CP (Certified Paralegal) five-year credential to applicants who pass a two-day examination.
· The National Association of Legal Secretaries which offers the PP (Professional Paralegal)credential to those who pass a 4-part exam.
· The National Federation of Paralegal Associations, which gives a RP (Registered Paralegal) qualification to those with a bachelor’s degree and two years’ experience.
What Are The Prospects?
Once you are qualified, the prospects for jobs in the paralegal profession are excellent. You can expect a salary of between $36,000 and $59,000, with the top 10 percent of the profession earning $73,000 or more, especially in the fields of litigation or corporate law. Embarking on paralegal training can be a daunting prospect, but it can lead to a very satisfying and worthwhile vocation.
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