ZipRecruiter, an online employment forum/marketplace for potential hirees and hirers, says one road to a job as a paralegal features these mileposts: Do an American Bar Association-sanctioned paralegal certification program. Get guidance from someone in the legal field. Join a networking group(s) to build contacts. Find an entry-level position at a law firm, be it legal secretary or file clerk. And apply for an opening there or elsewhere once you’ve proved yourself. So, can you become a paralegal with no job experience as a paralegal? The short answer is yes and no. Keep reading for the long answer.
Even without any time on the job as a new paralegal, you can begin your career, but there is a bit of currency you will need to buy the “paralegal” label – experiences you will have to bank to make that buy.
Becomeaparalegal.org, which notes that there’s no legal requirement for certification or licensing in the profession, shares a four-point plan “to develop skills in accordance with the established core competencies and gain the credentials employers are looking for when hiring a paralegal.” Here’s the abridged version of the plan:
Paralegal schooling should, preferably, follow guidelines offered by three professional groups, the American Bar Association (ABA), the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), and the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). Here are the three groups’ base requirements:
The academic path to becoming a paralegal almost always includes an internship with a law firm or something akin to one. Becomeaparalegal.org lists seven paralegal jobs that are not with law firms.
ParalegalEDU.org notes that volunteer work with, for instance, nonprofit legal organizations and entry-level jobs at law firms, courts, or groups that have paralegals on staff can help you earn the “paralegal” title.
That experience also can guide you to the niche in the paralegal profession that suits your skills and personality. Want a job in a corporate, medical, government, real estate, or court setting? They’re available, along with careers in other settings.
As already noted, there are no state regulatory requirements governing the profession. A variety of reputable voluntary credentials are available. These all require completion of a formal certification program and/or in-house experience to sit for their exams:
Becomeaparalegal.org says Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and Ohio are among states with competency examinations offered with the cooperation of bar and paralegal associations.
You know you want to be a paralegal. Do you know what kind? We’ve cited the various settings where you can find paralegals, from corporate and medical to government and nonprofit.
You also need to think about specialties, particularly if you’re gunning for a job with a law firm. Do you want to work for a firm that specializes in criminal law? Environmental law? Civil rights? Entertainment? The environment? Family law? The list goes on – and on.
Keep that in mind when you’re looking for internships and entry-level positions that could lead to your shot at being a paralegal.
Paralegal411 shares a truly long list of advice from professionals for students on the verge of graduating who want jobs as paralegals. Here are 10 bullet points gleaned from the list:
The USF Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education (CTPE) has a blog, Career Charge, that includes articles for aspiring and established paralegals. You can learn how to expand your professional social network, explore the benefits of becoming a paralegal, learn why writing skills really matter, and much more.
On the academic side, our Paralegal Certification Program is designed by experts for those who want to start or advance a career. If you’re shopping for certification, consider a few of our program’s selling points. You can: