Education · 1 of 5
The path
A two-year degree or a certificate, then learning one firm's systems inside out.
- 1
High school
Grade 12
English and any class that involves careful writing. Learn to type properly and to use a spreadsheet.
- 2
Associate degree or certificate
1 to 2 years
A two-year paralegal or legal studies degree at a community college, or a shorter certificate if you already hold a bachelor's degree. Programs approved by the American Bar Association carry extra weight with employers.
- 3
Internship or first job
After the degree
Firms hire for reliability and attention to detail more than for grades. Filing and scheduling at a small firm is a normal way in.
- 4
Learn the systems
Year 1
Court filing rules, document management software, billing, and the calendar of deadlines that a case runs on. This takes about a year.
- 5
Certify and specialize
2 to 5 years in
The Certified Paralegal credential from NALA (the National Association of Legal Assistants) is the best known national one. Then pick a practice area and become the person who knows it.