Paralegal Career Outlook
A paralegal career will put you at the heart of the legal industry, in one of the fastest growing careers in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the paralegal profession will grow 22 percent between 2006 and 2016 and indicates that the best job opportunities will go to individuals with formal paralegal career training and experience.
Paralegal Career Education and Training
The majority of paralegals enter the profession with an associate's degree or with the combined credentials of a bachelor's degree and a paralegal certificate. You will find paralegal training programs available at community colleges, vocational and business schools, and four-year colleges and universities.
Many schools offer online and traditional classroom programs to meet their students' individual needs. Plus, some four-year colleges and graduate schools provide master's degree paralegal programs for students interested in advanced legal studies.
Where Paralegals Work
Approximately 70 percent of paralegals work for law firms. Others find employment in a variety of organizations that include the following:
- Corporate legal departments
- Insurance companies
- Real estate and title insurance firms
- Banks
- Consumer organizations
- Federal, state and local government agencies
- The courts
Why Organizations Hire Paralegals
Since paralegals can perform many of the same job duties as attorneys, many organizations are hiring more paralegals as a way to reduce costs. Along with the contribution they make to the bottom line, the BLS attributes the strong paralegal career outlook to the population's expanding needs for legal services in these areas:
- Intellectual property
- Health care
- International law
- Elder issues
- Criminal law
- Environmental law
How Paralegals Increase Their Marketability
Paralegals who want to increase their competitiveness in the job market should build up their resumes in two key areas—education and experience.
Some employers may require a paralegal bachelor degree for entry-level paralegal positions, while others may only require a bachelor's degree for those seeking supervisory roles. Still other employers may value experience more than a degree, which means that your associate's degree or even your paralegal diploma combined with experience can boost your salary and job responsibilities.
To determine your educational path, you will need to research the job market in which you plan to work after you graduate. Review a sample of job ads from law firms and other organizations where you would be interesting in working, contact potential employers and talk to other paralegals. Gaining a clear picture of what employers expect in terms of paralegal credentials will help you make the most informed decision as to the paralegal degree program you choose.
As you decide which paralegal degree to pursue, you may also want to consider specialized training. The BLS indicates that paralegals with education in areas such as real estate, bankruptcy, medical malpractice and product liability can anticipate a higher demand for their expertise in the job market.
Earning your paralegal certification through one of the following professional organizations can also help increase your marketability:
- National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPI)
- National Association for Legal Professionals (NALP)
Certification provides significant benefits for a paralegal career. Maintaining your certification involves meeting continuing education requirements, and this ongoing education will keep you informed about new developments in the legal field. In turn, the enhanced skills and expertise you gain will increase both your marketability and earning potential.
Prepare to Join the Growing Paralegal Career Field
The paralegal career outlook remains strong and steady. Getting a sound paralegal education can prepare you to fill the growing need for paralegal professionals. Earn your paralegal degree, and start on the path toward this challenging and exciting career.
