Paralegal - How to Become a Paralegal

What is a Paralegal?

Paralegal are also known as the legal assistant to the lawyers and are asked to perform various duties by the attorney. Their job is quite crucial in the lawyer’s office as they have the important task of drafting legal documents, legal correspondence that are required in the court and all the errands that needs one to go to the court or also visit the client for collecting information and documents to be produced in the court. The jobs of a Paralegal are very important that need to take place on time, as time is the most important factor while dealing with any attorney or the court, it would be rather impossible for the attorney alone to perform the tasks.

Duties and responsibilities of a Paralegal

The duties and responsibilities vary a lot and are depended on the skill and expertise of the Paralegal in the area. It is the duty of the Paralegal to collect and arrange all the legal documents, which are to be produced in the court. He is also responsible to interview the client and ask him about the reason to visit the attorney. He should also know about the law and have a good deal of knowledge and methods that are carried out in the attorney’s office and the court. Drafting documents is the main job, and he has to draft documents for the separation agreements or contracts, litigation purposes etc. He can also carry our simple proceedings like filing paper work that does not need an attorney.

He also has to complete trail preparations. It is also his duty to determine how the case is to be litigated along with the attorney. He is also supposed to uncover facts and collect information regarding the trial. Apart from this he is also supposed to verify the data that is provided and also interview witnesses if need be.

It is the duty and the responsibility of the Paralegal to search property titles, that is if he in the field of real estate, and carry out transactions pertaining to the matter. He can also assist in preparing the transactions and closing the deals.

How to Become a Paralegal?

Although the job of a Paralegal is behind the scenes, it is a job of great significance that needs proper comprehension of the field and its relevant matters. Today’s attorneys prefer candidates who are qualified and have a deep knowledge about the legal matters and court proceedings and that is why a degree or a certification becomes imperative to get a good job and a better salary, which ultimately leads to a better position.

There are various Paralegal certificate that one can choose from like the courses that can be obtained online, or earn an associate degree course consisting of two years or also the bachelor’s degree course that will take around 4 years to complete the course. The advanced education you get, the better job prospects will be available for you. If you earn a college completion degree, you will get the Paralegal certification faster. If you want to complete intense course, you can obtain that as well. To become a good Paralegal, one should also possess high ethical values and also research and collects information at good speed.

Paralegal Education and Training

Paralegals work in various fields and therefore it depends on them to choose which path to follow. Different fields means varying education levels, a wide array of different certification along with on-the-job training. Paralegal as such do not need any specific educational need and can get on-the-job training. For better opportunities one can obtain an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree or even a post-baccalaureate certificate.

There are around 1,000 universities, schools and colleges that provide the education and training needed to become a paralegal. There are around 260 approved programs for Paralegal by the ABA, which is the American Bar Association. Graduation from the approved university can provide good job opportunities and benefits. There are also some requirements for the admission to various programs like the personal interviews, standardized tests, high school graduates, bachelor’s degree or college courses.

One can complete 2 year associate degree or the 4 year bachelor’s degree or even take the one year certification course. Specialized training can also be obtained by those who have college degrees and can also complete specialization courses. Better programs come with good job placements opportunities. The courses also include training in computers, legal filing of drafts, performing legal research etc. There are training courses that also provide internship where students can acquire practical experience. The NALA or the National Association of Legal assistants is a recognized organization that provides certification, which needs different combinations of complete education along with training and experience. After meeting these requirements, one has to sit for a 2 day exam and give it three times every year. After passing the exam, one gets the CLA designation.

Paralegal Requirements

The Paralegal requirements vary according to the needs that are based on various factors. One can enter the profession with a minimum qualification of a certification. He should also possess computer knowledge and have good experience in it. For the advanced education one can complete a Bachelor’s degree, which some firms may require. Student has to research which firm requires a specific qualification for working in their firm. Working in a specialized filed can help you get better posts that can be obtained with a master’s degree.

Career Outlook for Paralegals

Career outlook for the Paralegals is strong and has a very bright future. In the near future, the career opportunity is expected to increase many folds and is one of the best rising careers found today in the U.S. Various government statistics and career experts say that the Paralegal hold the 17th most preferred job among the 20 best jobs. The legal market is increasing and due to increased legal fees, many clients are staying away from the attorneys and prefer Paralegals over them.

Salary of a Paralegal

Paralegals have a promising career graph and the salary is quite attractive, which is why candidates today are more interested in aspiring to be a Paralegal as compared to attorneys. The highest salary received by a Paralegal is $ 65,000 to $70,000 annually. For a person with little experience or who is a fresher, the salary can be around $35,000 to $40, 000 annually. However, there are many other factors that can determine the kind of salary a Paralegal receives like the firms, the education he receives, the experience in this field and also the training.

The salary also depends on the field the person chooses. Because a job in a highly thriving business or a high end corporate firm have the capacity to a fat salary as compared to the smaller firms or the non-profit organizations. Newly opened firms cannot pay huge salaries as they are not yet established and do not have the clients that pay them fat fees.

Salaries also depend on the geographical locations. A Paralegal working in Virgin Island receives $70,000 annually, while in Mississippi it would be around $60,000 annually. $50,000 is the average paralegal salary found in most of the states in America.

Work place Options

A person who is trained to be a Paralegal can work in various places apart from working with an attorney. He can work as a law clerk, title examiner, searcher, abstractor, appraisers, investigators, claim adjusters, examiner, specialist as an occupational health and specialist in safety and technician, criminal, family law, tax and estate.  Apart from these there are many more important fields that one can opt for as a Paralegal. One can also choose to be an assistant to the attorney and help him with his daily work by investigating, talking to the clients etc.