Paralegal is a growing occupation. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that this field is growing quicker than average for all other occupations. But your success in this field does not come without effort and skills, as most paralegals enter the job market with at least some formal paralegal training.

Why Get Formal Paralegal Training?

There are no state or federal laws that mandate that paralegals—or legal assistants, as they are poopularly called—need a degree to work in this field. Consequently, some employers do still train their own paralegals. But this option is becoming rare.

If you expect to remain competitive in this growing occupational field, formal paralegal training is essential to your future career success.

What Types of Paralegal Training Are Available?

The types of formal training available to aspiring paralegals are certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in paralegal studies. Many community colleges, universities, technical, and vocational schools offer these degrees.

Which one to pursue, however, is an individual matter. In general, the higher your degree, the more career options you will have. If you earn an associate’s degree, for instance, you can eventually continue your legal education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree. Any of these degrees can also lead you to Law School to become an Attorney.

Certificate Degrees in Paralegal Studies

Many vocational schools and community colleges offer certificate degrees in paralegal studies. This training can usually be completed in a few months because the entire curriculum is focused on the actual job of being a paralegal. There are few, or no, general educational requirements in the curriculum of a Certificate degree in Paralegal Studies.

Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies

Offered at many community colleges and universities, associate’s degrees in Paralegal Studies are generally completed in 2-years. Of the 60 to 80 credit hours needed to graduate from these programs, about half are general educational requirements.

Associate’s degrees are designed to give you a broader education, which can lead to job advancement.

Bachelor’s Degree

At the bachelor’s, or undergraduate level—4-year degree—you can either major in paralegal studies or pre-law or legal studies. (Not all schools offer bachelor degrees in paralegal studies.) Many law firms now require their paralegals to have bachelor’s degrees. Having a bachelor’s degree could bring you better career opportunities.

Master’s Degree

To apply for a master’s program, you must have received a bachelor’s degree. (Your bachelor’s degree need not be in paralegal). Having a master’s degree can broaden your career field even further and lead to much more responsibility on the job. You could also, of course, attend law school at this level.

Coursework for Paralegal Training

Regardless of which paralegal training program you choose, you can expect to learn a lot about the law and the legal system. Once you become a student of paralegal studies, you can expect to take courses in:

• Contracts
• Legal terminology
• Real Property
• Criminal law
• Legal research and writing
• Torts and personal injury
• Ethics
• Estates and Trusts
• Business law
• Family law

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