Career Questions and Answers
How long does it take to beome a Paralegal?
Asked by hack_bassplyr
I'm working in a lawfirm, and thinking about persuing a Paralegal degree. Does anyone know how long that would take?
A:
Best Answer:
According to the US Dept of Labor: 2 years
*Most entrants have an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor’s degree coupled with a certificate in paralegal studies.
*Employment is projected to grow much faster than average, as employers try to reduce costs by hiring paralegals to perform tasks formerly carried out by lawyers.
*Competition for jobs should continue; experienced, formally trained paralegals should have the best employment opportunities.
Training:
There are several ways to become a paralegal: *The most common is through a community college paralegal program that leads to an associate’s degree.
*The other common method of entry, mainly for those who already have a college degree, is through a program that leads to a certification in paralegal studies. A small number of schools also offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in paralegal studies.
*Some employers train paralegals on the job, hiring college graduates with no legal experience or promoting experienced legal secretaries.
*Other entrants have experience in a technical field that is useful to law firms, such as a background in tax preparation for tax and estate practice or in criminal justice, nursing, or health administration for personal injury practice.
General information on a career as a paralegal can be obtained from:
Standing Committee on Paralegals, American Bar Association, 321 North Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610. Internet: http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/paralegals
Good luck!
http://www.bls.gov/oco
Answered by waswisgirl1
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