The 5 easy steps to become a paralegal in United States.
1. Get ABA Approved Training
The first step is to research and apply at colleges that offer an ABA Approved program. An ABA Approved program consists of courses offered to prepare an individual for a career in the legal field. According to the ABA website, “The principal objective of the American Bar Association program of approving paralegal education programs that meet ABA Guidelines is to foster high quality education and training and the development of educational standards.”
2. Choose the right college
Having a college degree can be helpful in getting through an ABA Approved program, as well.
When choosing the right college you need to consider the academic staff and courses offered. The academic staff should be legal professionals (attorneys and senior paralegals) who have the training and experience in their legal specialty. This will help prepare and train paralegal students to work in the legal field under the direction of a licensed attorney.
The proper curriculum for a paralegal program will include courses that cover legal terminology, practices and ethics. A full program should also include non-legal subjects such as computer training. This will help a paralegal student prepare to work in the modern legal office.
3. Get your paralegal certificate
Once you graduate from an ABA Approved Paralegal program you will receive your certificate of Paralegal Studies. Depending on the type of paralegal program you choose, it normally takes about 1-2 years to receive a certificate of paralegal studies. Individuals who obtain a paralegal certificate can become a Certified Paralegal. A paralegal will take an exam offered by NALA. For more information on the paralegal exam requirements visit nala.org.
4. Get a job as a paralegal
A paralegal can become qualified to work for an attorney by graduating from a paralegal program. There are many opportunities to work in the legal field in the private and public sector after graduation by applying at law firms and government agencies.
5. Continuing education
Ongoing education is also required of paralegals so that they are kept up to date with the ever changing legislation. Paralegals have the option to take classes or attend seminars. Contact your local Continuing Legal Education (CLE) office for more information.
By: James K Kang
About the Author:
By following these five simple steps an individual can obtain the proper legal assistant training to prepare for an exciting career in the legal field. For more information about Paralegal Studies [http://www.fremont.edu/campusprograms/paralegal-studies], please visit ABA Paralegal College [http://www.fremont.edu] online.
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