There are several different paths you can take to become a paralegal. You could get a certificate, or a college degree, or both. In some cases, you might not need either. Different employers will have very different requirements. That is because the job of paralegal varies a lot from one employer to another.

Here are five ways to become a paralegal:

(1) You could learn on the job. Some law firms or organizations may hire people and train them, even if they don't have prior legal experience or education. Firms might also promote secretaries from within.

(2) You could enroll in a Paralegal Program at a community college. In a typical program, half your classes will be on paralegal subjects and half will be general education. At the end of two years, you will earn an Associates degree.

(3) You can become a paralegal in some places without specialized training if you have a B.A. in any subject. Some of the fancier corporate law firms like to hire recent graduates from Ivy League schools, especially applicants who may be thinking of going to law school later on.

(4) You can enroll in a private Paralegal Program, where you will earn a certificate. These programs are usually designed for people who already have a college degree. This is a popular option as many employers do like to hire people who have both a college degree and a paralegal certificate.

(5) Some four-year colleges may offer paralegal programs as majors or minors for their students.

For some excellent information on all aspects of being a paralegal, including salaries, projected job growth, nature of the work, working conditions, training, advancement, and pointers to other useful sites, see the "Paralegals and Legal Assistants" page from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook, available online at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114 .htm

Another good site is that of the National Association of Legal Assistants at http://www.nala.org/whatis.htm

Learn more about this author, May Monten.
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