Discover how to become a paralegal. Learn about salary expectations, career growth, and various specializations in this profession.
Jennifer Lee Jennifer Lee Read Full BioJennifer is an editor with a master’s in journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s in history from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. She spent nearly 8 years working in South Korea, teaching students English conversation and .
Updated on March 25, 2024 Andrew H. Rice, Ph.D. Andrew H. Rice, Ph.D. Read Full BioSenior Copy Editor
Andrew Rice is a senior copy editor for BestColleges. He has over 10 years of experience editing a variety of content types, including academic and technical manuscripts, breaking news, and articles covering trends in higher education. He's also work.
Learn more about our editorial process Jennifer Lee Jennifer Lee Read Full BioJennifer is an editor with a master’s in journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s in history from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. She spent nearly 8 years working in South Korea, teaching students English conversation and .
Andrew H. Rice, Ph.D. Andrew H. Rice, Ph.D. Read Full BioSenior Copy Editor
Andrew Rice is a senior copy editor for BestColleges. He has over 10 years of experience editing a variety of content types, including academic and technical manuscripts, breaking news, and articles covering trends in higher education. He's also work.
Updated on March 25, 2024 Learn more about our editorial processwww.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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If you're drawn to the legal world, a career as a paralegal might be a great fit for you. But how long does it take to become a paralegal? The answer to this question varies, but it can range from less than a year to four years or more, depending on your experience, educational pathway, and whether you pursue additional certifications.
This article will guide you through the ins and outs of becoming a paralegal, from salary expectations to career growth opportunities to the potential pros and cons of this profession.
Your journey to becoming a paralegal can take anywhere from a couple of months to four years, depending on the educational path you choose. Here are general timelines for different levels of training:
Several weeks to a year
Paralegal Certificate Program
Associate Degree in Paralegal or Legal Studies
Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal or Legal Studies
These timelines vary based on factors like your specific program requirements and whether you study on a full-time or part-time basis. Additionally, if you choose to pursue paralegal certification, you'll need time to prepare for and take the relevant exam. With dedication and hard work, you can become a paralegal and embark on a rewarding career in the legal field.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Being a paralegal offers many opportunities for career growth. After gaining some experience, you can move up within your organization, expand your legal knowledge, earn a higher salary, and even specialize in certain areas of the law. Plus, the job outlook is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 4% growth in paralegal and legal assistant jobs between 2022 and 2032.
As a paralegal, you can expect to earn competitive wages. For example, the BLS reports that the median annual salary for paralegals and legal assistants is $59,200. Of course, your salary will vary based on factors like your location, experience, area of specialization, and employer size. For instance, paralegals working in larger law firms or major cities often earn more.
Working as a paralegal has its benefits, including job stability, a good salary, a variety of work, and opportunities for career progression, but it's not without its challenges. The role can involve long hours, high stress levels, limited job autonomy, and the need for continual learning to keep up with evolving legal changes. It's important to weigh these pros and cons when considering a career as a paralegal.
Paralegals often specialize in different areas of the law. Common types of paralegals include the following:
Choosing a paralegal specialization involves considering your interests, strengths, and prior job experience, as well as trends in the job market. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or volunteering in different legal settings can also help guide your decision.
Becoming a paralegal typically involves a mix of education, training, and work experience. While requirements vary by state and employer, most paralegals follow a general path to enter the profession. This path often includes completing an educational program in paralegal studies, earning certification, gaining hands-on experience, specializing in a particular area of law, and engaging in ongoing education.
Your education is a crucial step on the journey to becoming a paralegal. Depending on the pathway you choose, you could be preparing for your new career in a few months or several years. The level of education you pursue can also impact the jobs you qualify for.
Some schools also offer a master's in legal studies for students who want to take their education to the next level. Although not a requirement to become a paralegal, this graduate-level program covers topics like contract negotiations, compliance, and mediation in greater detail. With this graduate degree, you can pursue advanced roles in areas like compliance management, contracts management, human resources management, and more.
In addition to your degree, you may choose to earn a professional certification. While not always required, earning a paralegal certification can set you apart in the job market and enhance your career prospects. Here are four paralegal certifications to consider:
Paralegals are required to do a significant amount of writing, from drafting legal documents and court forms to composing correspondence and internal memos. They must possess strong writing skills to ensure accuracy and clarity in their work.
Paralegals earn a median salary of almost $60,000 a year — significantly higher than the median annual wage for all workers in the U.S., which is about $46,000. However, they are not usually classified as wealthy, with their earnings not reaching the high thresholds typically associated with wealth.
According to BLS, legal services are the primary employers of paralegals, accounting for 74% of jobs in the field. Other notable employers include federal, local, and state governments, as well as the finance and insurance sectors.
Paralegals are in demand in the U.S. The BLS projects jobs for this position to grow by 4% from 2022-2032. Opportunities for career advancement and salary increases are particularly notable for those specializing in fields like corporate law or intellectual property.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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