Can someone out there tell me what I have to do to become a paralegal?

Princess Leia

You can get an Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies at a community college. There are many community colleges with paralegal programs that are ABA-approved.

While you are doing this, you should get a job at a law firm (any job) so that you have an "in" at a law firm once you graduate.

Once you have your Associate's Degree, you can transfer to a university to get a Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies. See if you can do night classes for a while, so you can still work at a law firm job (hopefully you will have gotten the law firm job while in community college (again at night)).

Here is a list of ABA-approved programs in the US:
http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals/directory/home.html

Bilingual is helpful, especially if the job you get has a client-base which speaks another language. In CA, I have seen many postings preferring bilingual abilities in Spanish. So, yes, it is definitely a plus.

Generally, it is more beneficial if you have a B.A. versus an A.A. Also, an ABA-accredited paralegal certificate is more prestigious than one from a non-accredited school. (The general rule is that, the higher the degree and prestige of your school/program, the better your chances of landing a good job.)

Large firms usually have more stringent hiring standards whereas smaller firms might not. (Ergo, if you opt for an A.A. degree, a smaller firm might be your best bet.)

The response above me is correct. While bilingual abilities can be an asset, one's command of the English language is paramount to any legal professional. (Often, you'll be responsible for checking legal documents -- and that includes grammar.)

Best of luck. E-mail me if you have additional questions.

[BUMP] Coming July '09

Bi-lingual in engligh-spanish is a great advantage!! Unless you live on the northern US border French isn't a necessary langauge to have.

You don't really need a bachelors degree to be a paralegal. An associates from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved school is plenty, accompanied by law office experience. I suggest, when you are old enough, get a job at a law firm as a legal secretary, receptionist, or law clerk. Observe the paralegals, talk to them, and make sure it is what you want to do. If you think it is, continue to work at a law office while you obtain your associates in paralegal studies. This way you will have law office experience once you graduate.

If you have any other questions e-mail me.

PixieMS

Being bilingual is always a plus, however, the most important language (if you plan on being a paralegal in the US) is English. Any legal work, paralegal, legal secretary or attorney, relies on a strong grasp of the English language and the ability to express yourself clearly and succinctly.

David T

There is a coorespondence school in Phoenix, Arizona called the Paralegal Institute. It's very thorough.

I went through the course even though I was an Army legal specialist because I wanted to embrace more. If you can understand West's Key Law system, you'll have it made.

Abby

I've been a paralegal for 14years. Most of the above is true. the hardest part is the first job. A correspondence course, no matter how good, will not be accepted the way an ABA approved will be. Do your paralegal school in the state you intend to live in. Although there are some Federal paralegal jobs, the vast majority are at the state level. But more importantly, consider what area of law you want to work in and if there are realistic chances of a job in the place you want to live. There are many insurance defense litigation jobs, that means dealing with injury, death and insurance companies (all equal evils in my experience.) Toxic Tort jobs are common, which means illness, death and lawyers for 40 hours per week. That first job can be critical. It's hard to drastically change areas of practice.

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