What does it take to be paralegal in USA?

Amy K

Here's what it says in the occupational outlook handbook.

Education and training. There are several ways to become a paralegal. The most common is through a community college paralegal program that leads to an associate degree. Another common method of entry, mainly for those who already have a college degree, is earning a certificate in paralegal studies. A small number of schools offer a bachelorâ€™s and masterâ€™s degree in paralegal studies. Finally, some employers train paralegals on the job.

Associate and bachelorâ€™s degree programs usually combine paralegal training with courses in other academic subjects. Certificate programs vary significantly, with some only taking a few months to complete. Most certificate programs provide intensive paralegal training for individuals who already hold college degrees.

About 1,000 colleges and universities, law schools, and proprietary schools offer formal paralegal training programs. Approximately 260 paralegal programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Although many employers do not require such approval, graduation from an ABA-approved program can enhance employment opportunities. Admission requirements vary. Some require certain college courses or a bachelorâ€™s degree, while others accept high school graduates or those with legal experience. A few schools require standardized tests and personal interviews.

The quality of paralegal training programs varies; some programs may include job placement services. If possible, prospective students should examine the experiences of recent graduates before enrolling in a paralegal program. Any training program usually includes courses in legal research and the legal applications of computers. Many paralegal training programs also offer an internship in which students gain practical experience by working for several months in a private law firm, the office of a public defender or attorney general, a corporate legal department, a legal aid organization, a bank, or a government agency. Internship experience is an asset when one is seeking a job after graduation.

Some employers train paralegals on the job, hiring college graduates with no legal experience or promoting experienced legal secretaries. Other entrants have experience in a technical field that is useful to law firms, such as a background in tax preparation or criminal justice. Nursing or health administration experience is valuable in personal injury law practices.

Certification and other qualifications. Although most employers do not require certification, earning a voluntary certification from a professional society may offer advantages in the labor market. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), for example, has established standards for certification requiring various combinations of education and experience. Paralegals who meet these standards are eligible to take a 2-day examination. Those who pass the exam may use the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) credential. The NALA also offers the Advanced Paralegal Certification for experienced paralegals who want to specialize. The Advanced Paralegal Certification program is a curriculum based program offered on the Internet.

The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. offers the American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP) credential, a voluntary certification program. Paralegals seeking the AACP certification must possess at least five years of paralegal experience and meet one of the three educational criteria. Certification must be renewed every two years, including the completion 18 hours of continuing education.

In addition, the National Federation of Paralegal Association offers the Registered Paralegal (RP) designation to paralegals with a bachelorâ€™s degree and at least 2 years of experience who pass an exam. To maintain the credential, workers must complete 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The National Association for Legal Professionals offers the Professional Paralegal (PP) certification to those who pass a four-part exam. Recertification requires 75 hours of continuing education.

Paralegals must be able to document and present their findings and opinions to their supervising attorney. They need to understand legal terminology and have good research and investigative skills. Familiarity with the operation and applications of computers in legal research and litigation support also is important. Paralegals should stay informed of new developments in the laws that affect their area of practice. Participation in continuing legal education seminars allows paralegals to maintain and expand their knowledge of the law. In fact, all paralegals in California must complete 4 hours of mandatory continuing education in either general law or in a specialized area of law.

Because paralegals frequently deal with the public, they should be courteous and uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession. The National Associat

Terence F

Depending on where you went to school in Europe, an American university might accept some of your courses for credit towards a degree. You did not mention whether or not you had an undergraduate degree; here in the US, the normal course of study is a 4-year degree in something useful (haven't see many art graduates at the bar) and then a 3-year law school degree (juris doctor) parallel to most European law degrees (e.g. Italian Dottore in Giurisprudenza).

Paralegals are "practical" professionals, meaning that they focus on practices and procedures that are best learned through experience. That's why law firms will place a lot of emphasis on experience over most everything else when hiring paralegals.

gettingby

Experience is the most important here in the USA. If you have no experience, you will most likely not find a job as a paralegal. You have to start out in an entry-level job as a file clerk or similar. Firms usually require 2 years of experience.

Schooling is becoming more and more important. As of these days, it is not required, but more employers want it. Most importantly, they want you to have attended an American Bar Association approved school. There are MANY schools in the USA offering paralegal studies, but not all of them are approved. If you do not attend an approved school, you will not have nearly as many job opportunities as you will by attending an approved school. Online and "short" schools are NOT good. They are very expensive, but they are not what employers want. I have seen schools that cost close to $20,000 that are not approved. They are NOT what you want. I have a Bachelor's degree and I am in a paralegal program that will take 2 years. It is very involved. The total cost will be about 5,000. There is a school near me that is charging $15,000 and it is only 9 months long and not approved. You have to have experience, so I am looking for a job while I go to school. Otherwise, I will graduate and have to start out at the bottom.

I think your law school may help, but the law firms want actual job experience above anything else. That, and the approved school is what you need.

[BUMP] Coming July '09

Your European law school could help you out, maybe, but American law in completely different. With no education or legal background in the US, unfortunately, you will need school. Your friend is right, I too live and work in Phoenix (as a paralegal), and some companies do not require a paralegal education. But being a foreigner, you will need one.

The best paralegal programs are American Bar Association (ABA) accredited. I don't know if you are moving/living in the Phoenix area but there are about 3 to 4 ABA approved schools here.

Follow this link to find ABA schools wherever you will be living in the US, just click on the state: http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals/directory/

The programs vary in length. There are certificate programs which are generally 9 months, associate degree programs which take 2 years, and bachelors degree programs which take 4 years.

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