Paralegal Jobs
Unless an accidental click brought you here, you must be looking for information about paralegals or paralegal jobs. A paralegal or legal assistant, “is a person qualified through education, training or work experience to perform substantive legal work that requires knowledge of legal concepts and is customarily, but not exclusively, performed by a lawyer”, according to the National Federation of Paralegal Associations.
If you want to change careers, are looking to advance your present career or getting ready to graduate high school and need a career, you have started down the right path for earning your paralegal credentials.
Job Outlook
The work of a paralegal can be fast-paced with long hours and sometimes little or no appreciation. The good news is the demand for paralegal jobs is growing steadily despite the current sluggish economy. Private law firms employ most paralegals, but paralegal jobs can be found within private corporations and the federal government. The Department of Justice, Social Security Administration and the Treasury Department all employ paralegals. While it can be more challenging, some paralegals choose to work as independent providers for attorneys or corporations. The advantages and disadvantages in doing so are the same as anyone who chooses self-employment. Job forecasters predict paralegals who specialize in areas such as real estate, bankruptcy, medical malpractice or product liability law will be in especially high demand.
Requirements
A person wishing to work as a paralegal must be qualified through three means: education, training or work. It is also necessary for potential paralegals to have an interest in the law, good communication skills, and an excellent work ethic. While it is possible to become a paralegal through experience alone, many paralegals find professional credentials to be advantageous.
If you are presently working as a paralegal but have been overlooked for promotions or additional work, chances are your competition has formal certification or a degree. Those who have been working paralegal jobs more than thirty years most likely received on-the-job training since formal programs were not offered until the late 1960′s. Because most of these experience-only paralegals may be close to retirement, the best candidates for paralegal jobs will be those who are formally trained.
If you are currently working as a paralegal with no formal education, you are three-fourths of the way to future career advancement. If you are just starting out, the type of program you begin must include some form of practicum or internship so you can have work experience to add to your resumé once you finish your program of study.
There are over a thousand paralegal training programs throughout the United States. Training programs range from four months to four years depending on the school and type of credential sought. Credentials awarded can range from certification to a Master’s Degree. Some schools have minimal entrance requirements while others may be more selective. Online options in addition to on-campus programs also vary among schools.
If you choose a school not approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), make sure they are accredited and recognized by professional paralegal associations. If they are recognized by these professional associations but still not approved by the ABA, compare the curriculum with an ABA-approved school. What is taught, who teaches it and the school’s reputation among the legal community makes a difference in choosing your educational investment.
The need for financial assistance, the kind of credential you would like to obtain, where you would like to work or what you want to accomplish in your career will ensure a smooth educational journey and guarantee your choice of paralegal jobs once you arrive at your destination. Look online today for paralegal training.
