Job Outlook for Paralegals
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs for paralegals will grow by 4% through 2032. On average, around 38,000 jobs for paralegals are expected annually.
Salary.com reports that the average salary for a paralegal in the U.S. is between $60,300 and $121,420, depending on your law specialty and experience level.
U.S. News & World Report ranks paralegals #7 in the “Best Social Services Jobs” and #74 in the “100 Best Jobs.”
Course Objectives
- Learn the fundamentals of the U.S. legal system
- Master how to perform legal research and interviews
- Prepare yourself to take the Certified Paralegal certification exam through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- Understand the basics of litigation communication skills
- Soft skills for workplace effectiveness
- Learn necessary skills required to thrive within the legal industry
- Learn legal research skills with access to Westlaw
Certification Requirements:
If you plan to pursue the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) Certified Paralegal (CP) credential, you must meet one of the NALA Certification Eligibility Requirements. We recommend determining eligibility before enrolling in this course. If you do not meet the eligibility requirements, a Legal Secretary course will prepare you for an entry-level legal career that can build up to the paralegal role. Please review the certification requirements before enrolling in this course by visiting https://nala.org/certification/eligibility-requirements/.
Paralegals FAQs
What does a paralegal do?
Paralegals perform many duties that attorneys also perform themselves. Paralegals can conduct legal research; draft contracts, pleadings, and other legal documents; answer client questions and help prepare for trial.
Can paralegals specialize?
No. Paralegals are responsible for performing many of the tasks an attorney would do otherwise, such as conducting legal research or preparing a case file. They are often viewed as an extension of the attorney. Legal secretaries fill a more administrative role within the law firm.
Is a paralegal the same as a legal secretary?
No. Paralegals are responsible for performing many of the tasks an attorney would do otherwise, such as conducting legal research or preparing a case file. They are often viewed as an extension of the attorney. Legal secretaries fill a more administrative role within the law firm.
Can paralegals work in any state?
Yes. Paralegals can work in any state because unlike attorneys, paralegals are not bound to a specific state licensing board. In other words, a paralegal certification is valuable nationwide.
Can you go from being a paralegal to a lawyer?
Yes, you can go from a paralegal to a lawyer. Starting as a paralegal can provide great insight into how the legal system works. However, you will need a bachelor’s degree before you can apply for law school and pass a state bar exam.
Prerequisites and Certification Requirements
There are no prerequisites to take this course. However, you will need a high school diploma or GED equivalent to start a career as a paralegal. It is also recommended that you have basic computer skills, including proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite and fundamental keyboarding skills. A strong grasp of English grammar conventions, such as spelling, punctuation, and composition, is also recommended.
To meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the NALA Certified Paralegal exam, you must meet one of the following requirements: You must have 60 semester hours, of which at least 15 hours* (225 clock hours) are from paralegal studies or hold an associate’s degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor’s degree in any field, or have seven years of experience as a legal assistant under the supervision of a member of the Bar. Please review the exam requirements before enrolling in this course.
Registration and Enrollment
This course is 100% online. Start anytime.
Instructors
Casey Thompson
Casey Thompson is a licensed attorney in Texas. Before he started teaching, his major areas of practice were business and corporate law, entertainment law, and intellectual property rights. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University and holds a law degree from the Texas A&M School of Law. Along with his online paralegal courses, Thompson also teaches in the areas of state and federal government at the college level.
