Paralegal degrees come in different forms, and there are a few paths you can take. Most paths involve going to either a career college or a specialized academy, and as with any occupation, the more paralegal education you receive, the stronger your chances of being hired or advancing.

There are four main paths toward getting a paralegal degree, according to the US Labor Bureau. The most common way is to pursue an associate degree in paralegal studies from a junior college or university. Other possibilities are a certificate in paralegal studies (for those who already have a college degree in something else), a bachelor or master degree in paralegal studies, and on-the-job training for those with the right background.

There are also various certifications paralegal graduates can pursue, which are administered by a few different certifying agencies. More on that later.

The Associate Degree Path

About 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States offer formal training programs in paralegal studies, with about 260 of them being approved by the American Bar Association. Though most employers don’t see ABA-approval as a requirement for entry-level employment, graduating from an ABA-approved program is beneficial for those who plan to advance further in the field of law.

A typical 24-month associate program in paralegal studies includes classes in basic paralegal concepts, as well as a small variety of other subjects relevant to the profession. For the 60-credit program at the Paralegal Institute, for example, these courses include:

• Legal Research
• Legal Analysis and Writing
• Litigation and Trial Practice
• Business Organizations
• Domestic Relations
• Criminal law
• Real property
• Trusts, Wills and Estate Administration
• Contracts
• Torts: Personal Injury Litigation
• Bankruptcy
• Social Security Disability
• Administrative Law
• Environmental Law
• English
• Interpersonal Communications
• Business Management
• Mathematics Essentials
• Psychology

At the completion of the program, the student is awarded an associate degree and is eligible for entry-level paralegal employment. The 90-credit AAS program at Kaplan University offers similar courses, as does the 60-credit program at National Paralegal College.

The Certificate Path

Paralegal certificate programs, intended for those who already hold a college degree, vary more widely depending on prior education and the preferred intensity of the program. NPC’s 24-credit program lasts for up to 17 months and includes the following courses:

• Torts & Personal Injury
• Contracts
• Professional Responsibility & Legal Ethics
• Legal Research, Writing & Civil Litigation
• Criminal Law
• Real Property
• Wills, Trusts & Estates
• Patents, Trademarks & Copyrights
• Business Law & Bankruptcy
• Constitutional Law & Criminal Procedure
• Domestic Relations
• Alternative Dispute Resolution

UC Irvine Extension offers an ABA-approved, 30-credit program, and Kaplan College’s program is also ABA-approved. Graduates of these programs receive a certificate, making them eligible for entry-level employment.

The Advanced Degree (BA/MA) Path

Some schools offer bachelor or master degree programs in paralegal studies, which make students eligible for paralegal employment, as well as opening doors to the possibility of law school admission. A typical BA program in legal studies covers a wide range of legal courses, as well as a variety of general education subjects. Keiser University’s 120-credit BA program in legal studies includes:

• Legal Research & Writing I
• Criminal Law
• Criminal Procedure
• Contracts
• Legal Research & II
• Civil Litigation
• Bankruptcy
• Wills, Trusts & Estates
• Ethics
• Family Law
• Legal Drafting
• Torts
• Business Organizations
• Real Property
• Income Tax
• Legal Interviewing & Investigation
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Evidence
• Intellectual Property
• Administrative Law
• Law Office Management & Technology
• Immigration Law
• Constitutional Law
• Legal Studies Capstone Project
• Management Information Systems
• Money & Banking
• Writing for Managers
• Critical Thinking

Grambling State University offers a 125-credit program containing a wide array of general education courses, and the University of Southern Mississippi’s 124-unit program is more law focused. More information on specific school programs can be found at each school's Web site.

The On-the-Job Training Path

Employers who hire paralegals with no prior law training generally look for other qualifications that may be useful in the profession. For example, according to the US Labor Bureau, graduates with a background in tax preparation, criminal justice or health care administration can easily be trained on aspects of paralegal work that pertain to those areas. Experienced legal secretaries and other legal support personnel can also easily make the jump to paralegal. Of course, further legal training is recommended for those who wish to expand or advance in the field. Ask hiring companies what criteria they look for in untrained paralegals.

Certifications

After graduating, paralegals can attain voluntary certification through one of a handful of agencies. Certification isn't necessary for employment, but can help paralegals who wish to advance quickly or who plan to move on to law school.

One agency, the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), administers the credentials of Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) and Certified Paralegal (CP) to paralegals who pass an exam.

Another agency, the American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc., offers the credential of American Alliance Certified Paralegal (AACP), which must be renewed every two years.

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations offers the designation of Registered Paralegal (RP) to paralegal bachelor graduates with two years of experience who pass an exam.

The designation of Professional Paralegal (PP) is offered by the National Association for Legal Professionals to paralegal graduates who pass a four-part exam.

More information on these certifications can be found on each organization's Web site, or at Paralegal Certification.

 

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