Careers in Legal Paralegal

The legal industry has a number of branches that cater to a diverse range of issues. We often come across legal professionals such as lawyers and judges, who provide legal services to clients. But these are not the only ones who make up the entire sector of law. Many other professions have emerged such as paralegal careers. These are also known as legal assistants to provide supportive services to lawyers, attorneys, and legal consultants. Most of the administrative work falls in the job description of paralegals. These can be found working in many law firms under the supervision of senior lawyers.  Paralegal careers are suitable for aspiring individuals who wish to join the legal sector and handle work that is more administrative in nature.

Paralegal Degrees

There are many different career paths to becoming a qualified paralegal assistant. It is necessary to first complete high school education. You can then apply for admission in a paralegal certification program, or even go for a bachelor degree in paralegal studies. There are many law colleges that offer short courses and certifications to students interested in joining the paralegal sector.

A paralegal program will cover a wide range of subjects that allow students to acquire familiarity with legal terminology and the criminal justice system in the US. Paralegals need to have an in-depth understanding of trial procedures and administrative function. The coursework entails subjects such as paralegalism, litigation, introduction to law, contract law, tort law, report writing, and more. The curriculum will also depend upon the institute offering the program. Advanced degrees will usually cover a wider scope whereas as short paralegal courses will focus more on career oriented topics. Emphasis is also given to skill development. Students who want to become paralegals should have great writing, research, organizational, management, administrative, and public speaking skills.

Now students can also opt for a specialization area. Since the field of law is so vast, is it best to pick a certain area that will further lead to employment in the same category. Some of the most popular areas offered for specialization are:

• Family law
• Corporate law
• Criminal law
• Immigration law
• Intellectual property law
• Evidence law

Attaining a degree or a certification in paralegal education will answer the question of how to become a paralegal. However, the requirements for this profession may vary from state to state. There are a number of associations that certify paralegals and provide training courses. The American Bar Association is among the leading organizations that certify paralegals throughout the nation.

Paralegal Career Information

According to US News, careers in Legal Paralegal are among the top ranked legal occupations today. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that these professionals made an annual median income of $46,680 in 2010. The growing law sector has automatically pushed the demand for such assistants. In most cases, paralegals are found working in law firms. You can start off by seeking an internship at a renowned law firm, and complete on-the-job training. This will improve your chances of pursuing a successful career in your chosen field.