Paralegal Requirements Are Minimal – Making It An Attractive Career

Paralegal requirements vary somehow from state to state but they are pretty minimal. This makes paralegal requirements become an attractive choice for anyone who would like to start a career in the field of law and earn more money. 

Paralegals assist lawyers but they do not give any legal advice. A typical paralegal's job involves preparing briefs, preparing forms, conducting research and interviewing witnesses. A lot of big law firms use paralegals for things like preparing business incorporation papers and such. This allows them to charge their client less since the paralegals' time is not billed at a high rate as a lawyer's. 

There are no educational paralegal requirements if you want to star a career in this field. However, many schools do offer a two year associate's degree in paralegal. This type of degree will greatly simplify finding a job in the paralegal field. It will also give you the best background in law and this is what you need if you want to be successful in your new career. A two degree is also an inexpensive way to start a new career. You will not be looking for your first job being saddled with a large student loan debt. Check your local community college for a paralegal program. Or you might want to consider an online paralegal degree.

Paralegal requirements vary from state to state in terms of needing a license. Some states do not require a license for paralegals while others may require membership in the paralegal division of the State Bar Association. Before you begin on your new career path, you should check what your state's paralegal requirements are. 

If the state you live in does not require a license and you decide not to get a degree, you may still want to consider certification at The American Bar Association which has a certification program for paralegals. Certification can help you find your first paralegal job much easier. In order to get a certification, you must pass a skills test. This means that your certification serves as a proof that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to do the job of a paralegal. This can give you a serious advantage over other job seekers who do not have a certification. 

A paralegal is a great step for someone who is interested in the law and wants to make more money. If you already have experience as an admin assistant or other office worker, you will already have a number of the skills you will need as a paralegal. Consider rounding out your skills with a two year degree or a professional certification. http://www.onlineparalegaleducation.net/ is a great place, where you can find out more about this subject.