How to Become a Paralegal
So you are interested in becoming a paralegal, excellent choice! To thrive in this business you most definitely must be a detail-oriented person with an interest in the law. You will be the liason between your attorney and the outside world so you must bring exceptional standards and ethics to the table. You will be responsible for essential day-to-day tasks, being responsible for strict deadlines, research, knowledge of the court systems, handling of confidential documents to name a few. The paralegal industry has been booming over the last few years and thus a reflection in the job market. More and more paralegals and legal assistants have an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree or a certificate in paralegal …show more content…
This is a vast improvement over the eleven paralegal training programs in existence in 1971. Various options are available in this day and age to obtain the education to become a professional paralegal. There are many nationally accredited schools and on-line programs to assist you in your particular situation. Some paralegal studies programs can take up to 48 months, others 15 weeks. Most of the classes are taught by existing legal professionals such as lawyers, judges and judicial officers. They will teach you analytical and technical skills with an understanding of the various legal processes. The legal court systems will, of course, vary from state to state.
The beauty of having the education necessary to become a professional paralegal differenciates you from other applicants to the employers hiring from those with less education. The more you increase your understanding of the basic standards required in a law office, government or city agency, the more you can increase your salary requirements. You may still come to the industry in an entry level position but with educational advantages your advancement not only in position, but salary, is practically …show more content…
More often than not there is federal and state assistance. Hardship and paralegal grants are available through various colleges and universities. Roosevelt University in Chicago offered $3,000 worth of scholarship money to those eligible. Chippewa Falls Rotary Club Scholarships offers up to $300 to students in business related programs which includes paralegal studies. Robin, Keith & Warner law firm in Michigan offers three scholarships annually to students of paralegal studies. So always check the big firms where you live, you never know what they might have to offer to assist you in the financing of your essential education. The National Federation & Paralegal Association also offers scholarships to those that
So you are interested in becoming a paralegal, excellent choice! To thrive in this business you most definitely must be a detail-oriented person with an interest in the law. You will be the liason between your attorney and the outside world so you must bring exceptional standards and ethics to the table. You will be responsible for essential day-to-day tasks, being responsible for strict deadlines, research, knowledge of the court systems, handling of confidential documents to name a few. The paralegal industry has been booming over the last few years and thus a reflection in the job market. More and more paralegals and legal assistants have an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree or a certificate in paralegal …show more content…
This is a vast improvement over the eleven paralegal training programs in existence in 1971. Various options are available in this day and age to obtain the education to become a professional paralegal. There are many nationally accredited schools and on-line programs to assist you in your particular situation. Some paralegal studies programs can take up to 48 months, others 15 weeks. Most of the classes are taught by existing legal professionals such as lawyers, judges and judicial officers. They will teach you analytical and technical skills with an understanding of the various legal processes. The legal court systems will, of course, vary from state to state.
The beauty of having the education necessary to become a professional paralegal differenciates you from other applicants to the employers hiring from those with less education. The more you increase your understanding of the basic standards required in a law office, government or city agency, the more you can increase your salary requirements. You may still come to the industry in an entry level position but with educational advantages your advancement not only in position, but salary, is practically …show more content…
More often than not there is federal and state assistance. Hardship and paralegal grants are available through various colleges and universities. Roosevelt University in Chicago offered $3,000 worth of scholarship money to those eligible. Chippewa Falls Rotary Club Scholarships offers up to $300 to students in business related programs which includes paralegal studies. Robin, Keith & Warner law firm in Michigan offers three scholarships annually to students of paralegal studies. So always check the big firms where you live, you never know what they might have to offer to assist you in the financing of your essential education. The National Federation & Paralegal Association also offers scholarships to those that