The Important Facts About Paralegal Education

Paralegal education can last for as little as three months or as long as two years. Shorter programs typically lead to a paralegal certificate or diploma. Some paralegal or legal assistant certificate programs are designed for people who already have a degree in another field or previous legal experience, and these usually require the least time to complete.

Certificate programs designed for those without a college degree usually last between six months and a year. However, depending on the job market in your area, a paralegal certificate without at least an associate's degree may put you at a disadvantage when competing for work.

Longer paralegal education programs often lead to an associate's degree and usually take about two years of full-time study to complete. In most markets, this is considered an appropriate level of education for entry into the paralegal field.

The cost of paralegal degree programs can vary greatly, and this is one area where it will really pay to do your homework. For people without a college degree, an associate's degree program at a local community college may be the most economical choice.

But be sure to compare the community college programs with those offered by private schools. While private school programs might be more expensive, they can often afford to hire highly qualified faculty and provide better resources to their graduates, such as job placement services.

Paralegal certificate programs are shorter and typically less expensive. Again, it pays to compare. Ask whether the school's advertised cost includes all expenses or just tuition. If not, ask for an estimated total cost including books and other fees.

Remember that through paralegal education you are investing in your future. A more expensive program is worth the added cost if it helps you land a higher paying job more quickly, or gets you a promotion faster, than cheaper alternatives.

To know what level of paralegal education is appropriate, you'll need to know a little about the job market you want to work in.

In some markets, a paralegal certificate without a college degree is considered adequate training to enter the field. In other markets, an associate's degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor's degree with a paralegal certificate is the standard.

You can find out by calling potential employers, looking at their websites, or simply by reading a broad selection of help wanted ads.

With so many schools out there, choosing the right paralegal school may take some time, but it's worth the effort.

First, consider whether the school offers the type of paralegal program employers in your job market look for (certificate or degree). Learn whether the school is accredited and whether its paralegal training program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Only one in four programs is ABA approved, so don't disqualify a school on that basis alone. Many non-accredited programs closely follow ABA guidelines, and are well respected.

You should also take a look at the faculty at paralegal schools you're considering. Normally, faculty will include some practicing or former attorneys and paralegals. You will want the faculty to hold regular office hours or otherwise make themselves available to answer your questions and provide guidance. If they won't make themselves available before you begin, they may not always be available once you start your program.

If you are interested in a particular specialty area, find out whether courses are offered in that area.

Equally important to the quality of a school's paralegal education are the other services the school may provide. Find out if job placement services will be available to you, or ask about the school's placement rate. It is also important to know whether the school offers the opportunity for you to complete an internship. Finally, ask what kind of access you will have to a law library or to online legal research tools.

All paralegal education programs require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some certificate programs are designed for people who already have a college degree in another field or previous legal experience, such as working as a legal secretary. These are the only mandatory requirements for admission into almost all paralegal programs.

However, there are a lot of other things that will help you tremendously, both during training and in the workplace.

Computer skills are a must for paralegals, even those who work in small, rural offices. If you are not already comfortable with computers and the major computer applications, look for a paralegal program that will give you that training. Otherwise it might pay to take supplemental computer courses before or during your paralegal training.

Top-notch communication skills, especially writing, will also work to your advantage. In the legal industry, documents have to be well written. If you are lacking in this area, find a program that will help you improve your writing skills.

Other qualities like organization, independent thinking, and the ability to juggle and prioritize multiple projects are vital to the success of a paralegal. These skills are rarely learned in the classroom. If you already excel in these areas, you are well on your way to success.

If not, seek out articles or workshops that will help improve your time management skills.

Many paralegal programs are designed to be taken part time to allow students to work or maintain other obligations while going to school. All but the most intensive programs offer part-time study, at least as an alternative.

Of course it takes longer to complete programs while attending school part time, but you will have the advantage of maintaining your income and spreading the cost of training over a longer time period.

You are the best judge of whether you can attend school on top of your other responsibilities. You need to be even more organized and driven than your full-time classmates. But upon completion of your paralegal education, employers will look favorably on your extraordinary desire to succeed.

Online paralegal training and other forms of distance learning are widely available and gaining in popularity. Most of these programs rely heavily on computers to provide interactive lessons and online classrooms. While there is room for skepticism about the quality of some online programs, many are now well respected by employers. You will find these in our extensive database of paralegal schools.

Evaluate online paralegal training programs just as you would other programs, except give special importance to the availability of faculty, the course curriculum as it compares to traditional programs, and whether the program is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council or another organization.