While some companies and law firms provide on-the-job paralegal training, virtually every paralegal job you apply for will require either an Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies or, if you already have a Bachelor's Degree, a certificate in paralegal studies.
A few programs in the country offer Bachelor's or Master's Degrees in paralegal studies.
When you do decide to pursue a paralegal degree or certificate, make sure you pay attention to whether or not the school you are looking at is an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved program.
An ABA-approved paralegal degree or diploma is not mandatory, but most employers will look favorably on degrees and diplomas with this approval.
You should also make sure that your writing skills are strong! You will be doing a large amount of writing in your paralegal career.
Paralegal programs do require a legal writing class, but if you feel that you need to brush up on your writing and grammar skills, try to take an English composition class or two before you begin.
During your studies, you will become familiar with many different elements of paralegal training, including legal research and the use of computers in the law.
You will also learn the basic foundations of United States law, including torts, family law, and contracts.
Because paralegals are, by law, not allowed to take on certain responsibilities limited to lawyers.
Finally, once you have completed your paralegal degree or diploma, you may want to seek certification from one of a few different paralegal organizations.
In most cases, these certifications require some years' working experience as a paralegal.
This is not a strict requirement for becoming a paralegal, but it can make you more attractive to potential employers.
The American Alliance of Paralegals has an American Alliance Certified Paralegal credential, which must be renewed every two years.