Paralegals work under the supervision of attorneys as essential and qualified participants of the legal team. They assist attorneys by conducting detailed legal research, conducting client interviews, preparing depositions, maintaining financial office records, and performing various other equally challenging jobs.
Paralegal professionals come from many different backgrounds. Education, certification, and internships are essential to advance in this profession. These requirements vary widely, but are typically related to the duties of the position.
Paralegal programs include general education courses, law-related courses, and legal specialty courses. Specialty courses are foundational programs that introduce students to domestic relations, legal research and writing, will and estate administration, business organizations, and litigation. Students are encouraged to study general education and law-related courses before enrolling in specialty programs.
ABA-accredited colleges and universities offer associate degrees (usually 2-year programs), certificate programs, and 4-year bachelor’s and/or master’s degrees in paralegal studies.
Paralegal internships are the integral part of many paralegal training programs. They offer students hands-on experience by providing work experience in professional fields such as law firms, attorney general’s offices, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. Paralegals also receive specialized training in other fields. People with a naturalistic background often work in environmental law, while paralegals in personal injury or medical malpractice may have received medical training.
A paralegal education and law school education are completely different. Therefore, it is not possible for a person to become a lawyer after working as a paralegal. Paralegal graduates lack the qualification and eligibility to obtain a bar license.
Paralegals work in private law firms, banks, insurance agencies, legal clinics, courts, government agencies, accounting and engineering firms, and legal aid offices. Their salaries differ, depending on your education and experience, the type of employer, and the geographic location of the job. According to the National Association of Legal Assistants? Paralegals reportedly earned a median national salary of $38,000 in 2000.