In considering the paralegal field, one important question you'll raise is "Should I enroll in a paralegal training program?" In thinking about a program, you'll want to know what kinds of programs there are; which school you should choose; what course of study you should take; and if you'll be more likely to get a job when you graduate.
Should You Go To Paralegal School?
Answer to this question really depends upon the individual who you are, your work and experience, why you want to become a paralegal, the kind of employer for whom you wish to work, the area of paralegal work that interests you and your financial situation.
"Is a paralegal degree necessary?" and "Is one helpful?" There are two important estimates which indicate the impact of paralegal programs: the first is the percentage of working paralegals who have gone through a program, and the second is the percentage of training course graduates who get jobs upon completion. While there are no reliable overall statistics, what the estimates tell us is that it is not necessary to get a degree or certificate in paralegal studies to get a paralegal position: but if you do, you'll be more likely to find a job sooner.
However, while there are some situations for which it is clearly recommended that you obtain a certificate in paralegal studies, there are some other situations for which it isn't necessary, and there are many cases where the decision could go either way. Below we'll discuss the most common situations.
Employers Requiring Paralegal Training
Corporations, government agencies and some law firms often require both a paralegal certificate and a B.A. as entry-level requirements. If you are thinking about work at these types of law offices, a paralegal course may be a good idea. Many such employers requiring completion of a paralegal studies program for entry-level positions will waive these requirements for paralegals with previous experience. So if you can get the experience first, you can often move into such organizations as your second or third position in the field.
If you're thinking about moving into the paralegal field from another career or after a long absence from the field, give serious consideration to a paralegal training-especially if you're now a returnee, retiree or legal secretary. A course will certainly enhance your qualifications, give you an over view of the field and help convince a prospective employer that you're both serious about a paralegal job and qualified to be a paralegal.
Recent Graduates With Good Grades. Future Lawyers, Etc.
If you are recently graduated from college and have very good grades, your chances of finding a position in a law firm or corporation are good-without paralegal training. If you have difficulty job hunting, you can always take a paralegal course later.
What are "good" grades? Unquestionably, straight As are good. So are academic honors like cum laude. How about a B average? This too is probably sufficient, but less so. The reputation of the college you attend and the competitions for jobs are also factors. The less outstanding your academic record, the more helpful a course will be.
If you wish to pursue a specialty like trusts and estates and have good grades, you may not really need a paralegal certificate to get a job, but with the certificate job offers may be more plentiful and you might also be a better paralegal. If you are planning to use your paralegal experience as a basis for applying to law or business school, we suggest not going to paralegal school before looking for a job.
If you don't have a college degree, go to paralegal school!
Other Considerations
There are other important reasons to consider paralegal program, especially if you want to make a career in the field. One widely held view is that paralegals who have formal training will do a better job and get better work. A paralegal must understand the abstractions of the law, and the decision-making process behind strategy and procedure. Without paralegal training, you can't see the big picture, and you'll end up doing the boring work.
Many recommend formal training in accredited programs for anyone who wants a professional position. Otherwise, a paralegal may be trained to do clerical work more than any other kind, and only understand the operations of one law office, instead of having an overall picture of the profession. A paralegal certificate is an assurance to the attorneys of your expertise. It has been noted that as compared to college graduates, paralegal school graduates were given more interesting positions.
An Overview of Paralegal Training Programs
Most paralegal training programs fall into one of two groups. The first group is made up of those "lawyers' assistant" programs which train paralegals as generalists in the standard legal specialties, such as trusts and estates, or litigation. Most graduates from these programs go on to work in law firms, corporations and government agencies. Many also work in public service areas.
The second group is made up of the many very specialized programs, concerning such areas as prisoners' rights, legal problems of the aged, and the rights of Native Americans. Paralegals who go through these specialized programs may already have experience in the field and may already have a certificate from another standard program.
In this section we'll primarily discuss the standard paralegal programs, but we will also profile one social service-oriented training institution.
Most standard paralegal programs fall into five categories:
1. Junior and community college programs
These programs, generally two years long, accept high school graduates. The student usually takes a number of general liberal arts classes, as well as specialized courses in paralegal work, and receives an A. A. degree in legal studies. Both public and private colleges offer these programs.
2. Four year college programs
Similar to the junior college courses, but of longer duration, these programs grant a B.A. degree in paralegal or legal studies. Some offer specialties in different legal areas. Again, the student will take a general college curriculum, as well as classes in his or her major. Admission is open to qualified high school graduates, and tuition varies widely, depending on whether it's a public or a private school.
3. Graduate programs
Few in number, these programs offer a master's degree in legal studies. The programs are offered by universities and only accept college graduates.
4. Certificate programs
These programs are offered by both universities and private paralegal training institutes. Typically, they are short term-three or four months in length-and quite intensive. Students are expected to attend about twenty hours of class per week, and to spend a substantial amount of time on outside assignments and studying. Most schools offer both a generalist program, and specialty programs in such areas as litigation, real estate, wills, trusts and estates, and corporations. Many schools accept only qualified college graduates. At other schools, non-graduates may attend if they have completed some college and have had legal-related experience. All the programs researched offer a certificate upon satisfactory completion. Tuition varies.
5. Evening and Continuing Education Programs
Some universities and institutes which offer a full-time pro gram during the day also offer evening programs for students who work. Usually they cover the same material, but classes meet less frequently and the program extend over a longer period of time. Other schools only offer part-time evening programs, through their continuing education departments. Admission requirements vary, but most require either a B.A. degree, or some college work and legal experience.
