The Steps to Become a Paralegal: A Complete Guide to Launching Your Legal Career

legal scale with blurry background

Are you looking for a rewarding career in the legal field?

Becoming a paralegal is an excellent way to get involved in legal work, offering both personal growth and career stability.

Whether you’re looking to switch careers or enter the legal field for the first time, this guide outlines the essential steps to becoming a paralegal and highlights the skills, education, and experience required to succeed.

Step 1: Understand the Role of a Paralegal

Paralegals play an essential role in legal environments, assisting lawyers with tasks like legal research, document preparation, and case management. Although they cannot provide legal advice or represent clients, they often manage complex work behind the scenes.

Industries that Employ Paralegals:

Law Firms: Corporate, family, criminal, and real estate law firms
Government Agencies: Courts, legislative offices, or regulatory agencies
Corporations: In-house legal teams managing compliance and contracts
Finance and Real Estate: Preparing contracts or closing documents
Healthcare: Assisting with regulatory compliance or medical claims

Paralegals can also work independently as freelancers or virtual paralegals, offering their services remotely.

Step 2: Meet Educational Requirements

The path to becoming a paralegal depends on individual goals and local requirements. There are several common educational routes:

Certificate Programs: Focused, non-credit programs that teach job-specific skills.
Associate Degree Programs: Include both general education and legal studies.
Bachelor’s Degrees: Ideal for those seeking a more in-depth legal education or planning to pursue law school later.

Many paralegals start with a certificate program designed for quick career entry.

Programs like the Paralegal Certificate Course offered through Oregon State University, provide foundational knowledge and practical skills.

Step 3: Choose a Specialty Area (Optional)

Paralegals can specialize in specific areas of law, such as:

Corporate Law: Handling business contracts and compliance
Family Law: Managing divorce, custody, and adoption cases
Criminal Law: Supporting attorneys in criminal investigations and trials
Real Estate Law: Preparing legal documents for property transactions

Specializing helps paralegals stand out in a competitive job market and makes them more valuable to employers.

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience

While many entry-level jobs do not require prior experience, internships or volunteer work can provide a competitive edge.

Working in law offices, courts, or legal aid organizations offers practical insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of paralegals.

Additionally, some paralegal programs include internship placements or offer access to job search resources to help students transition into the workforce.

Step 5: Research State-Specific Requirements

Although there are no national licensing requirements for paralegals in the U.S., some states have additional rules:

California: Paralegals must comply with Business and Professional Code §6450, which requires both educational coursework and ongoing legal training.

New Mexico: Rule 20-115 NMRA outlines educational standards for paralegals practicing within the state.

Other States: While most states do not regulate paralegal work, certifications from professional organizations like NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants) can enhance job prospects.

Becoming familiar with local regulations ensures that you meet all requirements for employment in your area.

Step 6: Obtain Certification (Optional but Beneficial)

Although not mandatory, professional certification adds credibility to your resume. Several well-known organizations offer certification exams for paralegals:

NALA Certified Paralegal (CP)
National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) Registered Paralegal (RP)
American Alliance of Paralegals (AAP) Certification

These certifications demonstrate your competence and commitment to the field, making you more attractive to employers.

Step 7: Develop Key Skills

Successful paralegals need more than legal knowledge. Here are the essential skills to cultivate:

Research Skills: Familiarity with legal research tools like Westlaw and LexisNexis
Writing Skills: Ability to draft clear, concise legal documents
Organizational Skills: Managing case files, deadlines, and client correspondence
Attention to Detail: Reviewing documents for accuracy and completeness
Communication Skills: Interacting with attorneys, clients, and court officials

Gaining these skills through formal education and practical experience is critical for career success.

Step 8: Start Your Job Search

Once you’ve completed your education, it’s time to search for jobs. Common job titles include paralegal, legal assistant, or legal secretary.

Some tips to help with your job search include:

Leverage Career Resources: Use job boards, networking events, and career centers (like the CLS by BARBRI Career Center) to find opportunities.
Customize Your Resume: Highlight specific legal skills and any internships or certifications.
Prepare for Interviews: Research the firm or organization and be ready to discuss how your skills align with the job requirements.

Conclusion: Take the First Step Toward Your Paralegal Career

A career as a paralegal offers exciting opportunities, with jobs available in various industries and sectors.

With the right education, practical experience, and state-specific knowledge, you can successfully launch a career in the legal field.

Whether you pursue a certificate program like the Paralegal Certificate we offer in partnership with CLS by BARBRI, a degree, or professional certification, the paralegal career path offers flexibility, growth, and the potential to specialize in areas that interest you.

Explore your options, gain the necessary skills, and start your journey toward becoming a paralegal today!