How do I become a paralegal?
Okay, so I’ve done a lot of research and now I’m stuck. I’m one class away from getting my associate of arts degree at a community college and was planning on transfering to a university, but did some research and really liked the idea of becoming a paralegal. It will save me money and hopefully time. From what I’ve figured out there are two ways to become a paralegal. You can get your BA in whatever and then get a certificate (which the whole point of me becoming a paralegal is to avoid university costs) or you can get an associates degree in paralegal studies. The community college I attend, however, doesn’t have a program in paralegal studies. Instead it has a criminal justice program which lists ‘paralegal’ as a job opportunity. The closest school with a paralegal program is two hours away and commuting plus trying to schedule around work would be a pain if not nearly impossible. I need to know if the requirements for a paralegal position in the real world has transitioned to having to have specific paralegal education, or can I get an associate’s in criminal justice and be okay? Also, there are tons of online paralegal programs, however their legitamicy and effectiveness of getting me a job once I graduate are beyond me. Also, I know there are ABA approved programs which I’ve looked up and as I said, the closest one is two hours away. I also had a very difficult time trying to find an ABA approved online school, if one even exists. Hopefully a criminal justice degree will do it, just let me know! Thanks for reading, I appreciate it…
3 Responses to “How do I become a paralegal?”
Comment from mailaccount63
Time April 22, 2010 at 4:25 am
“Online” certificates aren’t worth the paper they are printed on. “Certificates” aren’t worth the paper they are printed on.
Employers (law firms) want employees with BACHELORS Degrees – who have attended a university/college/etc.
Warning: Jobs in the field of Law are drying up FAST!! This is NOT a good field to invest in, especially right now! Many reasons. Main reason?…..We simply have WAY TOO MANY legal professionals – we have a GLUT. (“Legal Professionals includes, but is not limited to: Lawyers/Attorneys, Paralegals, Legal Assistants, Legal Secretaries, Bailiffs, Court Reporters, etc, etc.)
The economy is SATURATED. The law schools know this, but they continue to churn out graduates because it is easy money for them. By the way, the root of the problem is that we have WAY TOO MANY law schools.
So…..even IF you finish law school, you won’t be able to find a job when you are done.
Suggestion: Consider the field of Healthcare! <<< LOTS of jobs there! and scholarships! The field of Healthcare is HOT right now!
Comment from Shane
Time April 22, 2010 at 5:08 am
First there are ZERO ABA approved online paralegal study programs since what you learn in the classroom which follows the ABA academic curriculum is not possible to learn online. Additionally, many places will not hire someone with a degree or certificate in this field that was not ABA approved (including myself.) As long as you have a degree that’s a start. The problem is having that one place open the door for you to get the experience. The majority of law firms and even small offices require a minimum of 1 year exp
Comment from versantly
Time April 22, 2010 at 3:32 am
visit the local community college to discuss the program or contact your state’s Bar Assn.