How to Become a Paralegal with a Bachelor’s Degree

By Lanee’ Blunt

Become a successful paralegal
Image by Carin.

Paralegal's earn a good salary and are in demand in the legal industry.  Paralegals with more education are offered more money.  An online school offers students training and after the student has worked in the industry for a few years they are paid a higher wage also.  Having a bachelor's degree is not required to enter the field however; a bachelor's might set you apart from the other applicants.

Bachelor's Degree

The degree program combines paralegal training with other academic courses. Some of the classes you will take are principals of paralegal studies, legal research, legal case analysis, civil litigation, the practicing paralegal and internship. Search for paralegal programs that offer a variety of internships. Most of them offer an internship in which the student will gain on the job experience in their field of study, working for a private law firm, the office of a public defender, attorney general, government agency, a legal aid organization, or corporate law.

If You Have a Bachelor’s Degree

If you hold a bachelor's degree in another major and it is not related to law and if you don't have any experience in law another form of entry is through a program that leads to certification in paralegal studies. Although, some employers hire paralegals on the job that have finished college and train them, and some promote experienced legal secretaries to that position. Others have experience in technical fields that are useful to law firms. A certification program provides intensive paralegal training for people that already hold a Bachelor's degree.  The program usually takes only a few months to complete. 

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How Much Does a Paralegal Earn a Year?

By Lanee’ Blunt

Paralegals perform a variety
of tasks to assist attorneys--
Image by Oki975.

Paralegals work in law firms, corporations, and government agencies. In smaller firms a paralegal may have to prepare written reports that help lawyers determine how to handle their cases, and may help prepare the legal arguments and draft documents to be filed with the court. In larger firms they may work only on a particular phase of the case, for example maintain reference files, conduct research for lawyers, and collect and organize evidence for hearings.

Education

Training includes degree programs and certification. Classes may be taken at colleges, community colleges, and online.  The degree programs include associate and bachelor degrees in paralegal studies, and a 4-year bachelor's degree program with paralegal as the major course of study.  There are community colleges that offer 2-year associate degree programs. Some schools offer job placement so check with your admissions if they offer this service.

Average Paralegal Salaries

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage was $46,680 for a paralegal.  The lowest earned less than $29,460 and the top earned more than $74,870. Starting salaries for paralegals with 1 to 4 years’ experience may range from $26,454 to $50,589, according to PayScale.com. The hourly rate for 1 to 4 years’ experience is $10.13 to $20.80.

Most paralegals that work in large law firms earn more than working in smaller firms. Paralegals that work for the US Government earn the highest wages; the second is working for private business or law firms, and followed by insurance companies and legal services.

Benefits

The benefits that they receive are health insurance, 401k, dental and life insurance, disability, reimbursement for continued legal education, a 401(k) savings, vacation, paid sick leave, and personal time off. There may be long hours and overtime when the law firm is busy handling a big case.

Reference

Bureauof Labor Statistics: Paralegal and Legal Assistants

PayScale:Paralegal Salary

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Benefits of the Paralegal Profession

By Lanee’ Blunt

Advantages of being a paralegal--
Image by Celalteber.

A paralegal profession offers a lot of advantages as a successful career. They help lawyers prepare for hearings and trials but their specific duties vary depending on the size of the firm that they are working for. It is great for someone that is interested in law but may not want to become a lawyer.

Paralegal employment is expected to grow by 18 percent from 2010 to 2020, According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Following cutbacks that were made in the recent recession some law firms are hiring paralegals to do tasks that were once done by lawyers.  They work with lawyers to gather documents for important transactions, hearings and depositions, take statements which must be done in person.

Another benefit of being a paralegal is that you have the opportunity to work in a variety of different legal areas. You don't necessarily have to work for a law firm you can work for the government, corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate, and title agencies. 

Top earning paralegals make more than $70,000 a year due to bonuses and overtime pay.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "The median annual wage of paralegals was $46,680 in May 2010.” Paralegals that work for busy law firms may work very long hours and overtime.

Most paralegals receive other benefits such as medical insurance, dental and life insurance, reimbursement for continued legal education, a 401(k) savings, vacation, paid sick leave, and personal time off.

Reference:

Bureau of Labor Statistics; Paralegals andLegal Assistants

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Best Way to Become a Paralegal

By Lanee’ Blunt

Become a paralegal--
Image by Lusi.

Most paralegals have an associate's degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor's degree in another field but have a certificate in paralegal studies.  The best way to become a paralegal is to get a two year degree or a four year degree in a paralegal program. High school students should check with their guidance counselor for recommendations of community colleges or universities that offer paralegal degrees.

Decide your Legal Specialty

Choose an area early that you would like to work in. For example, you may want to work in criminal law. There are many areas available for paralegals such as, corporate law, real estate, government, patent and copyright law.

Visit Schools

A degree in paralegal studies combines paralegal training with other academic subjects. Taking online courses is another option for someone currently working full time and that wants a career change.  Find out if the school that you want to attend is able to arrange a variety of internships. Many of the schools also offer an internship in which the student will gain on the job experience in their field of study, working for a private law firm, the office of a public defender, attorney general, government agency, a legal aid organization, or corporate law.

Certification

It is not required for a paralegal to be certified by most employers. The certification will put you at a level of professionalism.  Get certified by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and through a Certified Legal Assistant (CLA).

Important Skills

Paralegals must be familiar with computers and legal research. They use computers to organize and maintain important documentation.  They need good research and investigative skills to conduct the necessary legal research.  They must be proficient writers to document and present the research to their supervising attorney.

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