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How to Become a Paralegal

If you are interested in becoming a paralegal, this page will serve as a guide to inform you about what paralegals do, the kind of experience and schooling needed to become a paralegal, and salary and job outlook information. Before you take the first step in beginning your new career, it will help to understand the requirements and steps to become a paralegal. Continue reading to learn more about getting started as a paralegal, along with information on finding paralegal schools and getting your first job.

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Three Steps for Becoming a Paralegal

1. Choose a path to become a paralegal.

Once you’ve familiarized yourself with paralegal careers and decided that becoming a paralegal is right for you, you can review the various paths for how to become a paralegal.

Getting a Degree

For most, becoming a paralegal starts with education. According to a survey by O*NET OnLine, 37% of subject matter experts and job incumbents recommend that paralegals and legal assistants have a bachelor’s degree, 20% recommend an associate degree, and 19% recommend a high school diploma.1 Employers tend to prefer candidates with formal education, especially in states where paralegal certification is required. National voluntary paralegal certification programs also often have minimum education requirements. The primary educational paths for becoming a paralegal include:

Earning a paralegal degree takes both time and financial commitments. For those without previous college experience, an associate’s degree can be earned in about two years with full-time study. A bachelor’s degree provides more in-depth training and typically takes four years to complete. Candidates who already have a degree may wish to consider a paralegal certificate program. Certificate programs vary in length, but typically take between a few months and two years. Any of these paralegal degree options can help candidates become more competitive in the paralegal job market and also qualify them for paralegal certification, which is covered in more detail below.

Other Paths

While earning a paralegal degree is highly recommended, many employers do not require a specific background or formal education in paralegal studies for entry-level positions. However, it is important for prospective paralegals to note that employer requirements can vary depending on the geographic region. Employers in urban centers like New York City and Chicago, for example, often set a higher bar for entry-level positions and may prefer candidates with a degree combined with some work experience. Employers in more rural areas and smaller cities may have less stringent requirements. At the same time, those with a strong work ethic and skillset may be able to enter a paralegal career without prior experience. Other paths to becoming a paralegal include:

  • On-the-job training: Some law firms hire entry-level paralegals with no experience or education in paralegal studies, training them once they are hired. New hires like these usually have a bachelor’s degree in another field or technical experience in another area of criminal justice.
  • Work your way up: Another way to become a paralegal is to start in a law firm as an office assistant, legal secretary, or document preparer. Once you learn the terminology and basics of law through exposure, it may be easier to become a paralegal with that law firm.
  • Internships: Some prospective paralegals participate in internship programs, often organized through paralegal certificate or degree programs. As interns, candidates will gain practical experience and legal knowledge, which may help them be hired in a full-time role later.
  • Volunteer work: Though less common than other paths to becoming a paralegal, there are many organizations that welcome volunteer legal assistants. Earning volunteer experience can help candidates get a foot in the door with paralegal employers. Organizations to explore include mediation services providers and Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs.

Ultimately, the choice to pursue an educational path to become a paralegal is a personal one. While having a degree in paralegal studies can improve your job prospects, it is important to weigh this advantage against the time and cost involved in earning the degree.

2. Apply for national certification.

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), NALS, the Association for Legal Professionals, and NALA (formerly the National Association of Legal Assistants) offer certification for paralegals who pass exams testing their legal knowledge and field-specific skills. Earning a national certification can distinguish you from others and enhance your professional credentials and title. While candidates can pursue certification from multiple organizations, it is important to note that some employers may prefer the certification of one organization over another based on geographic location. To make an informed decision, it is a good idea to check local employment listings and consult your regional paralegal associations before choosing a certification program.

NALA Certification

NALA, the Paralegal Association, offers a Certified Paralegal (CP) program for entry-level professionals and an Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) program for experienced professionals. Passing the CP certification exam earns candidates the title Certified Paralegal (CP), and passing one or more of the ACP online courses leads to the Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP) credential. Candidates for the CP program must have at least an associate degree in paralegal studies if they have no legal work experience. ACP candidates must have a current CP credential. Find out more details on how to obtain these credentials NALA’s website.

NALS Certification

NALS, the Association for Legal Professionals, offers three pathways to paralegal certification. The Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) certification exam is for students and early career paralegals who have either completed an accredited business/legal course or have one year of experience. The Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) and/or Certified Legal Professional (CLP) credential is also earned by examination. PLS/CLP exam candidates must have at least three years of legal work experience or two years of legal experience, plus formal education or another acceptable credential (such as previous ALP certification), to qualify for the exam. Finally, the Professional Paralegal (PP) certification exam is designed for those with at least an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from an accredited program with a minimum of 15 credit hours in substantive law or who qualify through a combination of education and experience. Detailed eligibility criteria are available on the NALS website.

NFPA Certification

NFPA offers the entry-level Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE) leading to the CORE Registered Paralegal (CRP) credential and the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) for more experienced paralegals leading to the Registered Paralegal (RP) credential. The minimum qualification to take the PCCE with no prior legal work experience is an associate’s degree in paralegal studies. To be eligible to take the PACE for paralegal certification, candidates must have an acceptable combination of education and experience. You can read more about the eligibility requirements for these exams on NFPA’s website.

3. Earn state-level paralegal certification, if available in your state.

Most states do not regulate the paralegal profession or require certification. California is the only state that regulates the profession directly, but states such as Montana and South Dakota have set statewide education and experience requirements for those who wish to work as paralegals. Other states offer licenses for specified areas of law. For example, Arizona has a Legal Document Preparer certification requirement for those who prepare legal documents without an attorney’s supervision; Utah has a Licensed Paralegal Practitioner license; and Washington State has a Limited License Legal Technician Rule.

States that have voluntary certification programs (aside from national examinations) include:

  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Minnesota
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington (Spokane County)
  • Wisconsin

These voluntary certification programs are typically administered through the state bar or local paralegal associations. Though voluntary, state certifications are often the standard for paralegals in states where they are available. Prospective paralegals should consider their certification options carefully before starting their careers. Additionally, some state bar associations recommend that employers hire paralegals who meet specific qualifications through education and/or experience.

Other Helpful Skills and Experience

Prospective paralegals should have strong analytical skills, a naturally investigative mindset, excellent research abilities, and clear communication skills. Writing proficiency, time management, and sound decision-making skills are also valuable assets. Additional factors to consider include:

  • Relevant experience: Prior work in law, criminal justice, or paralegal studies makes a paralegal candidate more competitive and marketable.
  • Membership in paralegal associations: Joining local, state, and/or national paralegal associations can provide networking opportunities and access to members-only benefits like job boards and continuing education.
  • Specialized paralegal certifications: Certification exams like the NFPA’s Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) for experienced paralegals or NALA’s specialized law courses and exams can demonstrate expertise and earn credentials like Registered Paralegal (RP) or Certified Paralegal (CP).
  • Complementary certifications: Certifications in related areas, such as legal research or writing, can further distinguish candidates in a competitive job market.

Steps to Become a Paralegal by State

While most states do not require paralegals to be licensed, some states offer voluntary credentials or related licenses. To find out how to become a paralegal in your area, click on your state below.

Advice for Getting Hired as a Paralegal

“My advice is networking. Networking with other paralegals in your area, by joining a legal organization or paralegal association.”
-Laura Kryta, President of the Western New York Paralegal Association and Paralegal at Phillips Lytle LLP

“If you have no legal background and work experience, I would suggest volunteering. There are many organizations looking for volunteers where you can glean legal experience, such as becoming a mediator or a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Neither of these opportunities require you to have a legal background and both will give you an immense amount of exposure to the legal world as well as being a very rewarding experience.”
-Rebecca Lewis, MBA, MPA, Vice President of the Paralegal Association of Central Ohio and Paralegal Supervisor at the Office of the Chief Legal and Governance Office, Nationwide

“Your package must be top-notch to be noticed. The resume must be current and organized so potential employers can easily get a sense about you, your education, and your experience.”
-Mindi Schaefer, MS, RP, OSBA, AACP, President of the Paralegal Association of Central Ohio and Lead Paralegal at Poling Law

“I would recommend that any paralegal graduate seek an entry-level position such as a “Legal Secretary” for the mere fact that they need to know the “guts,” if you will, of a law firm beforehand to build their confidence and knowledge of their firm’s duties and daily expectations.”
-Diana Martinez, Second Vice President of Memberships of the Ventura County Paralegal Association

“As far as advice to becoming a paralegal, I would say choose the best paralegal program you can find. An accredited program is preferred by employers and most require a four-year degree, but requirements on paralegal education by employers vary a lot so it is best to research your area and find out what employers in your local area are looking for when hiring a paralegal.”
-Marisel Walston, President of the Kansas City Paralegal Association

“Take an internship if they are offered as a part of your program. If they are not, approach your instructors or counselor about implementing such a program.”
Johnanna Oglesby, CP, Vice President of the Oklahoma Paralegal Association

“My best advice for someone fresh out of school trying to get a paralegal position is to be willing to start as a legal assistant and get their foot in the door. Once they are in, they will have the opportunity to prove their skills and worth and move up very quickly in the organization.”
Melanie Ells, Treasurer/Membership Director of the Central Massachusetts Paralegal Association

You can find more advice from paralegal leaders on our interviews page.

Additional Resources

Following are additional resources for you in your quest to become a paralegal. In addition to these national organizations, there are many state and local associations for paralegals, which you can find on your state’s career page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree to become a paralegal?

A specific degree is not required to become a paralegal, but having a degree in paralegal studies or criminal justice can significantly enhance your marketability to law firms and other employers. Many employers prefer candidates with a relevant educational background, as it demonstrates a foundational understanding of the legal field.

What kind of hours do paralegals work?

Most paralegals work full-time, typically during regular business hours. However, when deadlines approach or cases require extra attention, it is common for paralegals to work additional hours, including evenings and weekends, to support their legal teams.

Can I get my paralegal certificate or degree online?

Many paralegal schools offer online classes for paralegal studies, and some even offer completely online programs. Check with your schools of choice for more information on class structure and options.

How long does it take to become a paralegal?

The time it takes to become a paralegal varies depending on your chosen path. Earning a degree or certificate in paralegal studies can take anywhere from several months to four years. Alternatively, some law firms may hire and train you on the job, allowing you to start your career sooner.

References:
1. O*NET OnLine, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.00