Paralegal Work

Attorneys specialize in many areas of law and choosing an area of law in which to work can be challenging for a paralegal graduate. Some law specialties to consider are tort law, family law, real estate law, estates and probate law, corporate law, employee benefits law, patents and licensing, and even specialized fields such as commercial banking.

After obtaining my paralegal certification, there were so many options to consider while searching for my first paralegal position. However, I was able to search in areas of interest to me because of my past experience as a legal secretary in both a law firm and in the law department of a corporation. This enabled me to build important networking opportunities within the law field. Once I began working in the tort litigation department of a law firm (primarily product liability cases), I gained great experience over the years. However, there are always many other great experiences you will learn in the course of your work, experiences that were never taught at paralegal school. One such experience that comes to mind was when I was asked to accompany an attorney to a client scene visit. This task entailed my taking notes while the attorney and clients discussed the incident, my interpreting for one of the clients and asking questions that would help complete my outline, as well as later preparing those notes into a summary format. Over the years, you'll obtain such valuable experience that goes beyond the scope of your paralegal skills. This career is great in itself, and simultaneously a great stepping stone that can open up more possibilities like continuing your education -- law school perhaps? The possibilities are endless.

There are several ways to become a paralegal. The most common is through a community college paralegal program that leads to an associate degree. Another common method of entry, mainly for those who already have a college degree, is earning a certificate in paralegal studies. A small number of schools offer a bachelor's and master's degree in paralegal studies. Finally, some employers train paralegals on the job.

Associate and bachelor's degree programs usually combine paralegal training with courses in other academic subjects. Certificate programs vary significantly, with some only taking a few months to complete. Most certificate programs provide intensive paralegal training for individuals who already hold college degrees.

About 1,000 colleges and universities, law schools, and proprietary schools offer formal paralegal training programs. Approximately 260 paralegal programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Although many employers do not require such approval, graduation from an ABA-approved program can enhance employment opportunities. Admission requirements vary. Some require certain college courses or a bachelor's degree, while others accept high school graduates or those with legal experience. A few schools require standardized tests and personal interviews.

The quality of paralegal training programs varies; some programs may include job placement services. If possible, prospective students should examine the experiences of recent graduates before enrolling in a paralegal program. Any training program usually includes courses in legal research and the legal applications of computers. Many paralegal training programs also offer an internship in which students gain practical experience by working for several months in a private law firm, the office of a public defender or attorney general, a corporate legal department, a legal aid organization, a bank, or a government agency. Internship experience is an asset when one is seeking a job after graduation.

In some cases, employers train paralegals on the job, hiring college graduates with no legal experience or promoting experienced legal secretaries. Other entrants have experience in a technical field that is useful to law firms, such as a background in tax preparation or criminal justice. Nursing or health administration experience is valuable in personal injury law practices.

* Most entrants have an associate degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree coupled with a certificate in paralegal studies.
* About 7 out of 10 work for law firms; others work for corporate legal departments and government agencies.
* Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, as employers try to reduce costs by hiring paralegals to perform tasks once done by lawyers.
* Competition for jobs should continue; experienced, formally trained paralegals should have the best employment opportunities.

For some entry-level jobs, personal characteristics are more important than formal training. Employers generally seek people who read, write, and speak well; compute accurately; think logically; learn quickly; get along with others; and demonstrate dependability. This subsection also includes information about voluntary, entry-level certifications.

Benefits account for a significant portion of total compensation costs to employers. Benefits such as paid vacation, health insurance, and sick leave may not be mentioned, because they are widespread. In some occupational statements, the absence of these traditional benefits is pointed out. Although not as common as traditional benefits, flexible hours and profit-sharing plans may be offered to attract and retain highly qualified workers. Less common benefits also include childcare, tuition for dependents, housing assistance, summers off, and free or discounted merchandise or services.