To be or not to be a paralegal, that is the question. If that’s the question you’ve been asking yourself then continue reading and your decision will become clear.
The National Federation of Paralegal Associations estimates that over 80 percent of current paralegals have gone through some type of formal paralegal education.
In today’s paralegal market, the NFPA recommends as a bare minimum that wanna-be paralegals have a two-year degree with an emphasis in paralegal studies. However, a bachelor's degree is recommended.
As a paralegal, your responsibilities will vary widely based upon what type of business or organization you end up working for.
If you would like to learn more of the details behind this exciting career opportunity
then check out our home page where
you'll find a complete Paralegal
Career Overview section but if
you're ready to apply at one of the top schools in the country then take a look
at best paralegal school resources in the country at the top of this page.
Paralegal Career - Is It Right For You?
Anyone with even a faint familiarity with the law understands that for a lawyer to practice law they must pass the bar exam. On the other hand, few realize that another key player in most law offices today; the paralegal, is not required to pass any type of post graduation test to enter the field. That's right, after nearly a half century of existence the paralegal position is still an unlicensed profession. Certainly, the importance of becoming certified has increased and gained stature but the fact remains that becoming certified is still voluntary.
Essential fact-finding criteria to keep in mind when analyzing a paralegal program:
Paralegal degree programs need to teach both legal concepts and theory alongside usable, hands-on job skills. A solid paralegal school curriculum should also stress a wide range of topics from legal contracts and litigation to legal writing, legal research, torts and ethics.
The really exceptional paralegal schools will focus on the entire development of their students' by refining and honing their critical thinking abilities and by offering them the opportunity to gain valuable real-world experience through and internship or practicum.
Real world experience and unquestionable scholastic credentials are key character traits any high quality paralegal program director will possess. They must also have the desire to take "their" paralegal schools program to the highest level and the curriculum must be spot on for today's paralegal work environment. Similarly, the teaching staff must possess both the field experience and the scholastic background to be considered "experts" in their classrooms.
Are you looking for a traditional campus environment or online training? Online paralegal training is becoming increasingly popular but is an online learning environment right for you? In addition, you need to find out what type of training system will be used (i.e. interactive video or web-based, etc.) and how much interaction takes place between the teachers and you (the student). Additionally, if you've never taken online classes before, you need to decide if you have the motivation and discipline to do the assignments on your own.
You want to become a paralegal. Sounds like a great career and it is, but like any profession your natural born skills and personality traits need to match up with the job requirements in order to be happy and successful. So what traits do you need to succeed as a paralegal? Well, you must enjoy research; have the ability to write in legal ease, have above average communication skills and not fold under pressure. If this sounds like you, then I hear a paralegal degree calling your name.
