Of course, when you become a paralegal, ask yourself how many jobs there are, what you will do each day, and how much you can earn. This advertising content was created by Rasmussen University to support their educational programs. Rasmussen University may not prepare students for all positions presented in this content. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs available. External links to rasmussen.edu are provided for reference purposes only. Rasmussen University does not expressly guarantee, approve, control or endorse the information or products available on websites linked to websites and is not endorsed by the website owners, authors and/or referenced organizations. Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. References:1. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm2.

NALA National Utilization and Compensation Report 2020: www.nala.org/sites/default/files/files/users/2020UtilizationSurvey%20-%20FINAL%20-%20Summary%20of%20Findings.pdf3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2020 Professional Employment and Salaries, Paralegals and Paralegals: www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm#st Those who wish to move from another professional field, as well as those with unique lifestyle needs, can enroll in an online Master of Legal Studies program, which gives you the freedom to pursue a degree while working. Some professionals may combine their bachelor`s degree with a certificate in paralegal studies from a paralegal education program approved by the American Bar Association. Here are some general steps you can take to become a paralegal. Once you understand the specific requirements of paralegals, you can prepare for a career in the field. Start. Employment prospects for paralegals are good, with BLS forecasting “above average” growth. The employment of paralegals is expected to increase by 12% from 2020 to 2030. Each year, the industry will create approximately 43,000 jobs for paralegals. According to CareerOneStop, the employment of paralegals and paralegals in California is expected to increase by 14% between 2018 and 2028.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many employers prefer candidates with at least some experience at a law firm or other firm. The experience also allows new paralegals to learn about a specific area of lawyer law in the firm`s practice. After you meet one of four certification requirements — an ABA-recognized certificate, a 24-hour certificate of legal courses, a bachelor`s degree with one year of work experience or a high school diploma and three years of work experience — you can work as a paralegal in California. Client contact may also be extensive or minimal, depending on the practice for which the paralegal works. However, it is important to note that paralegals are prohibited from performing tasks that are considered “practising law”. Legal advice, client representation, acceptance of a client`s case and setting a client`s fees are prohibited tasks for paralegals and must instead be performed by a practising lawyer. Healthcare: The Affordable Care Act has led to an expansion of the healthcare industry and a growing demand for paralegals working for government agencies and medical providers. Private law firms remain the largest employers of paralegals, according to NALA.

Other large employers include corporations, corporations and government agencies. Some of the largest private law firms in the country are: Real Estate: A growing commercial real estate market has increased the need for paralegals who can help lawyers sell and transfer commercial real estate. For some students, earning an MLS can serve as a stepping stone to earning a Juris Doctor degree, passing the bar, and becoming a practicing lawyer. Other graduates who have earned a Master of Laws degree may pursue a wide range of legal careers, including compliance officer, business executive, human resources manager, social worker, police officer or lobbyist. Most paralegal students gain field experience through a formal articling offered as part of their paralegal program, and they are generally not expected to gain more work experience. While no certification is technically required to become a paralegal, it can make you a better candidate for jobs in the field. A formal education can also help you earn more over the course of your career. In addition, some employers may choose to hire only certified candidates. Many organizations offer certifications for paralegals, including the National Law Clerks Association, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, and the Association of Legal Professionals. Most of these programs can be completed in a single academic year, and many are designed partially or entirely as online programs that offer professionals a convenient way to complete the program in their spare time. In addition, paralegal education programs should include courses that cover the following topics: According to international recruitment firm Robert Half, paralegals are in demand in a number of specialty practice areas: “Spend time with your school`s employment counsellor to identify law firms, businesses or government agencies that are so valuable to you.

The real-life experience you`re looking for. If you are interested in a specific area of law, look for an internship that immerses you in that area of law. “There are a number of specializations to choose from when considering your paralegal journey. If you`re interested in a master`s degree, you can choose one of the many law study concentrations offered by programs across the country, allowing you to specialize in a particular area of law. Different concentrations can lead to different careers. For example: Those who want to become paralegals can also consider state-level certifications, most of which are voluntary and issued by local paralegal associations. However, Queenan points out that people with the right personality can thrive in this position. Paralegals can take jobs with varied tasks and daily experiences if that`s what they`re looking for. “In general civil practice.

The legal assistant can respond to discovery requests one day and lead to a new client the next. “Corporate paralegals support lawyers in organizing and planning corporate transactions and business matters. Corporate paralegals ensure that companies have completed and submitted all necessary paperwork (e.g., submissions to the Secretary of State) and comply with all applicable federal and state laws. A legal assistant specializing in corporate law should have a thorough understanding of mergers and acquisitions, investments, employment law, contract law, banking, finance, and securities. You may not be able to complete your formal studies at this time. If you are not currently ready or unable to start a paralegal program, there are other ways to get your foot in the door, before or even while you have completed your studies.