Seven Common Questions about a Paralegal Career

I am a high school senior who is considering law as a career. Do I have a better chance of getting into law school if I get a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies?

Being accepted by a law school is contingent on several factors: undergraduate grade point average, law board scores, and, when applicable, an interview at the law school. It is usually not dependent on a particular undergraduate major. Taking paralegal courses while in college will familiarize you with certain legal concepts and principles, but it will not weigh in a law school's decision regarding your application.


One advantage to getting a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies, however, is that when you graduate you will have a marketable skill as a legal assistant. You may want to take some time off between college and law school, and by working as a paralegal, you will get some exposure to working in a legal setting. And, of course, you will make money at the same time!

Should I take a generalist or a specialist paralegal program?

There are advantages to taking either one of these kinds of programs. With a generalist background you will study several areas of law and prepare yourself to work at a general practice firm or in a position which requires you to work in a number of different areas of law. You also may find that by becoming a generalist you have more flexibility in seeking employment. If you live in an area of the country where there are many general practice law firms and sole practitioners, you will find that by attaining an overview of several areas of law, your paralegal skills will be more marketable. If you should choose to specialize in one area of law (this type of study is found in certificate programs), you will be prepared for a job in a large law practice where the work is departmentalized. By becoming an "expert" in one area of law, you will find that your employment opportunities will increase when you seek a position in a corporate law firm or in a major corporation.

I am a teacher who is considering a career change. Would a paralegal training program assist me in leaving the teaching field?

Many people are attracted to the paralegal career when seeking a career change. Some paralegal jobs require excellent research skills, others require facility in speaking, writing, and working well with people. Since there are so many different kinds of paralegal positions open, you will find that people with a variety of educational and work backgrounds study to become paralegals.

A paralegal training program would give you a new skill in a relatively short period of time. With at least a college degree, you should choose a certificate program which would train you in the shortest period of time. Some teachers who have the summers off can take a concentrated paralegal program over the summer. They can then look for a job as a legal assistant in the fall. An evening program taking a year or less to complete would allow you to continue working while you study for a new career.

What is the tuition at paralegal schools?

The cost of attending a paralegal program varies from school to school. It may also be dependent on the type of program offering the paralegal training, that is certificate, diploma, credit, or noncredit. The tuition at a state college or community college will usually be lower than at a private college. Proprietary institutions will generally charge the highest tuition. Students in undergraduate paralegal studies programs may be eligible for federal and state financial aid. Students in graduate level programs may only be eligible for state education loans.

I graduated from college but never worked. After raising a family, I want to enter the job market. Would taking a paralegal program assist me in finding a job either in the legal or some other field?

Paralegal programs are popular with women who wish to enter or reenter the job market but have no marketable skills. Of course, paralegal training is just one type of career that a woman can consider, but it is a profession, which has status and does not require typing. Many attorneys hire mature women who have raised their families. They find that these women are generally stable and reliable, and are more likely to remain in a job for a longer period of time than someone younger. Also, by enrolling in a paralegal program, you will be gaining knowledge of the business world. Some women who graduate from paralegal programs choose a career such as personnel, but are still able to utilize some of their paralegal training.

I am retiring soon and am considering a second career as a paralegal. Has this been done before?

This is an excellent field to enter when you retire since you can become trained as a legal assistant in a short period of time. Many law firms who need a paralegal for informational inter¬ viewing seek someone who has had previous work experience and is able to relate well to their older clients.

Should I take an internship as part of my paralegal training?

An internship experience can be an excellent supplement to your formal classroom training as a paralegal. Not all programs offer internships, instead requiring students to set up one for themselves. In addition to being a clinical experience, it is something else to add to your resume. You will also find that you may make contacts as an intern, which can assist you in finding permanent employment. However, an internship can take 10-15 hours a week—time away from your studying and class assignments. It is best to weigh all the advantages and disadvantages before committing yourself. It is truly an individual choice to make.