There are several specialties that you can focus on when you become a paralegal. If you are interested in a particular specialty, check to see if the paralegal programs you're considering offer classes in that area. Specialties include:

Bankruptcy Paralegal: Specializes in bankruptcy rules and the procedures for filing for bankruptcy.

Corporate Paralegal: Specializes in corporate law, including intellectual property, financial reporting and stockholder relationships.

Employment Law Paralegal: Specializes in the legal aspects of employment, including hiring and firing, labor unions, human resources and discrimination or harassment.

Estate Planning and Probate Paralegal: Specializes in helping with the creation of wills and the planning of the distribution of property after a client's death, as well as the care of children or adults who are deemed incompetent.

Government Paralegal: Works for city, county and federal governments. Within the federal government, the Department of Justice, the Social Security Administration and the Department of the Treasury employ the most people.

Immigration Paralegal: Specializes in laws governing foreigners immigrating into the country, including aid in acquiring a green card or visa.

Nurse Paralegal: Typically a former nurse who uses his or her knowledge of the medical field to help attorneys interpret and understand medical terminology and procedures.

Patent Paralegal: Works with patent attorneys to help file legal documents necessary to acquire a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Real Estate Paralegal: Helps with the legal aspects of buying, selling, leasing and financing residential or commercial properties, including titles, deeds and mortgages.