Requirements to Become...
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What are the Requirements to Become a Paralegal?

In law offices, legal firms, and courtrooms all over the country, paralegals work closely with attorneys to complete a broad range of responsibilities. In addition to helping lawyers prepare for trials, corporate meetings, hearings, and closings, paralegals also:
  • Research laws and precedents
  • Review legal articles, judicial decisions, and statutes
  • Organize files for legal proceedings
  • Draft pleadings, contracts, and separation agreements
  • Assist with tax returns, estate documents, and trust funds
  • Provide generic administrative support
The duties you perform as a paralegal are not so different from what you might expect of an executive assistant, except that instead of focusing on business and finance, the emphasis is on legal jargon, criminal justice codes, and other areas specific to the law.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Paralegal?

You might be surprised to learn that there are no universally accepted requirements to become a paralegal. Most have an associate's degree or above in some aspect of criminal justice, but many receive their training entirely on the job. However, given the growing complexity of the judicial system, many legal offices and law firms prefer to hire those with advanced training in paralegal studies or a related field. A bachelor's degree or higher could become the gold standard over the next few years, so you might consider going for as much formal training as time and money allow.

Partially fueling this push for more education is the evolving list of responsibilities that now fall to paralegals. Just ten years ago, many paralegals were simply administrative assistants who provided very general office support. Now, they perform many of the same duties traditionally reserved for attorneys. The more coursework you have in Constitutional history, criminal justice, forensics, contracts, and torts, the easier it is for you to remain indispensable wherever you decide to go.

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