Thomas Kelly Paralegal Consultant

Paralegal Career

Legal assistants also known as paralegals, assist lawyers in carrying out legal work.  Their tasks include but not limited to meeting with clients and witnesses, researching laws that are applicable in a given case, drafting legal documents and assisting lawyers in preparing for a trial and during litigation.

Although there’s no official requirement to become a paralegal it would be an advantage if one has a certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies. To have the edge in pursuing a paralegal career obtaining at least an associate’s paralegal degree is advisable. Without such formal education, these may limit your chances of being employed, since employment has always been and will forever be a competition.

Formal Training to Education Programs

Various institutions across the United States grant paralegal training through formal paralegal education programs.   Aside from that, post graduate paralegal programs are also available for degree holders who want to obtain a paralegal degree or undergo paralegal training. Programs for the post graduate and the associate’s paralegal degree are two different programs.

Around 600 universities and colleges all throughout the country have  given rise to these programs and made them available for everyone to take advantage of. There are around 250 paralegal programs approved by The American Bar Association (ABA).  Another title which gauges competency in this career though not required is the certification from the National Associate of Legal Assistants. A licensure exam is a 2 day written test that will be undergone by the individual to obtain the title CLA, “Certified Legal Assistant”. By accomplishing these programs which are optional, chances of employment will definitely shoot up.

Formal paralegal education can be completed depending on the type of program.  There are some that can be finished in as little as six months. Completion of such a course will entitle them to a diploma or certification, granting  them the liberty to officially practice the profession in accordance to its scope. While the associate’s degree programs usually take 2 years to complete.  The scope and limitations of the practice is still the same but the length of time for the education program to be completed varies. The variance with the length of time in the education program will matter greatly on the number of subjects that an individual has taken in college which this program can credit.  The more subjects credited the less time it will take to complete this education program.

Employment Opportunities

Demands for paralegals are on an upsurge as US economy tracks the opposite road which is slipping down. In times of recession, law firms resort to cost efficient measure to carry out legal services by hiring paralegals rather than lawyers. This will help them drive bigger profits straight to their pockets.

Employment of paralegals will continue to rise as game players in the business industry (such as real estates, banks, insurance companies)  continue to operate and expand. One of their essential needs will be paralegal services for their legal departments, and with the economy going down, legal assistants or paralegals are the key cut their costs.

Law firms will remain to be the largest employer for paralegals. Offering their services to companies and establishments needing legal services. The Average Paralegal salary ranges from $40,000 – $50,000 annually,   to  It has been forecasted that paralegals with a solid background and rich experience in years can make a business of their own offering their manpower.