Paralegals play an integral role in the delivery of legal services and often handle much of a lawyer’s more important workload, employing an advanced understanding of the legal system. To become an expert in the law, you’ll first need to earn a paralegal degree that meets your state’s requirements and fits your personal career goals. Learn what kind of paralegal education you’ll need to get started in this rewarding career.
What Is a Paralegal?
A paralegal is an expert law assistant who helps practicing attorneys with legal tasks and provides general legal support to businesses. What paralegals can’t do, in any state, is offer opinions or legal advice, represent clients in court, accept new clients into the practice, or set legal fees. These are things that fall strictly within the purview of a licensed attorney.
What Does a Paralegal Do?
The scope of work for a paralegal is broad, offering opportunities to delve into nearly every facet of the legal profession. Paralegals may perform administrative duties, especially in a small office. However, as paralegals typically enjoy higher wages than legal secretaries, many offices reserve their paralegals’ time for more specialized tasks. A paralegal may:
- Draft agreements, contracts, and briefs
- Evaluate potential clients for case viability
- Meet with clients to help with paperwork
- Parse out details from case law
- Prepare exhibits for a trial and assist the practicing litigator in the courtroom.
- Assist in administrative law hearings; in limited cases and jurisdictions, may represent clients under agency-specific rules.
- Review the legal language in the contract document.s
Paralegals often interface with a variety of people and are expected to be good communicators, strong writers, and adept at conflict resolution and negotiation. This breadth of work means that paralegals can work in a variety of industries outside of strictly case law, including healthcare, business, immigration, intellectual property, real estate, personal finance, and more.
Paralegal Degrees and Certificates
What does a paralegal do to enter the profession? First, you’ll need to complete your paralegal education, then garner applicable legal experience through an internship or an entry-level position. The paralegal degree you earn depends heavily on what kind of law career you wish to have.
- Certificate: A generalist paralegal certificate can be a good choice if you’re a high-school graduate looking to get an entry-level job in law before or while pursuing a higher degree.
- Associate: An associate paralegal degree is an excellent option for students new to the field who wish to work at a law firm, or for someone switching careers and already holds a degree in a different area but has no specific paralegal education.
- Bachelor’s: A bachelor’s in paralegal studies will provide you with a robust education in the requirements for your field. You’ll complete an internship where you can practice your skills under the tutelage of paralegals in the field.
- Post-Degree Certificate: A post-associate or post-baccalaureate certificate is an ideal option for career changers and degree-holding paralegals seeking to specialize.
- Master’s: Once you’ve earned your bachelor’s in paralegal studies, you may wish to specialize your skills and knowledge even further. A paralegal master’s degree or a Master of Legal Studies allows you to focus on a specific area of law to gain expertise in its procedures and principles.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Paralegal?
The time required to become a paralegal depends on your current education level and career goals. Here’s a comparison of the most common educational paths:
| Degree Type | Duration | Total Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 6-12 months | $3,000-$8,000 | Career changers with a bachelor’s degree in another field |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | $6,000-$20,000 | New students entering the legal field |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | $40,000-$120,000 | Comprehensive education and career advancement opportunities |
| Post-Degree Certificate | 6-18 months | $3,000-$10,000 | Specialization in a specific area of law |
| Master’s Degree | 1-2 years | $20,000-$60,000 | Advanced specialization and management roles |
Most paralegal programs include practical components, such as internships or externships, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in legal settings. These experiences are valuable for building skills and making professional connections before you enter the job market.
ABA-Approved Paralegal Programs
Getting the proper paralegal education is key to your future in law, so it’s critical to find a program that the American Bar Association approves. ABA-approved paralegal programs are thoroughly vetted and ensure high-quality coursework. You can find ABA-approved programs at both community colleges and four-year universities, depending on which paralegal degree or certificate you’re pursuing.
ABA approval matters because it signals to employers that your education meets rigorous national standards. Many federal positions and specialized legal roles specifically require or strongly prefer candidates with degrees from ABA-approved programs.
Paralegal Certification
As a paralegal, you also have the option to pursue national certification. Paralegal certification can help set you apart from your peers and demonstrate a deep commitment to your profession. What is a paralegal certification? It’s a voluntary credential that you can earn by testing through one of four nationally-recognized organizations:
- The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
- The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)
- The Association for Legal Professionals (NALS)
- The American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPI)
There are currently no uniform state-specific requirements or examinations for paralegals, unlike the State Bar exams, and each offers different levels of certification. However, earning certification demonstrates your expertise and commitment to professional standards, which can increase your earning potential and job opportunities.
Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegals and legal assistants earn a median annual salary of $61,010 as of 2024. Entry-level paralegals typically start around $39,710 annually, while experienced professionals in the 90th percentile can earn $98,990 or more.
Salary varies significantly by location, specialization, and experience level. Paralegals working in metropolitan areas such as San Francisco, New York, and Washington, D.C., often earn considerably more than the national median. Corporate paralegals and those specializing in complex areas like intellectual property or securities law also tend to command higher salaries.
The job outlook for paralegals is promising. The BLS projects 4% employment growth for paralegals and legal assistants from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by law firms and corporate legal departments seeking cost-effective ways to increase efficiency and manage their workloads.
For detailed salary information by state and city, visit our paralegal salaries page.
Paralegal Careers
Paralegals are increasingly recognized for their ability to develop a degree of expertise and offer a similar set of services to fully-fledged lawyers. This is leaving the job market wide open to significant opportunities in many industries, and a range of paralegal salaries to match. While many paralegals work in law firms, many others work at government agencies, non-profits, and corporations. A few examples of paralegal careers include:
- Criminal law paralegal: A paralegal focused on criminal law may work with an attorney’s office, for a judge or justice, for a special interest group, or for local, state, or federal government as an assistant to a district attorney or Attorney General.
- Corporate paralegal: In this capacity, you’ll provide legal expertise to businesses on transactions such as investments, mergers, acquisitions, business filings, and more, ensuring that the corporation’s dealings comply with the letter of the law.
- Bankruptcy paralegal: Another branch of business law, a bankruptcy paralegal helps companies navigate the federal process for filing for bankruptcy to obtain debt relief.
- Litigation paralegal: A litigation paralegal has specific expertise in the rules and processes of bringing proceedings to court, criminal or otherwise.
- Personal injury paralegal: When dealing with cases involving physical and emotional pain, a personal injury paralegal must have a deep degree of empathy in addition to their legal expertise.
Get on Board with a Promising Career as a Paralegal
Paralegal careers evolve with the practice of law, but trends indicate that paralegals will be even more critical in both law firms and corporations. Their status as the right-hand of practicing attorneys has been cemented in the legal field, and their business value is being proven daily.
With such a promising outlook, there’s no better time to start your paralegal education. Find an approved program today and join the next generation of law experts who are making a difference.
Find out more about how you can become a paralegal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a paralegal?
The time required depends on your chosen educational path. Certificate programs take 6-12 months, associate degrees require 2 years, and bachelor’s degrees take 4 years to complete. If you already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, a post-degree paralegal certificate is the fastest route at 6-18 months.
Do I need certification to work as a paralegal?
Most states don’t require paralegal certification or licensing. However, national accreditation from organizations like NALA or NFPA is highly valued by employers and can increase your salary and job opportunities. Many paralegals pursue certification after gaining some work experience.
Can I become a paralegal without a degree?
While some states allow it, most employers prefer or require formal paralegal education from an ABA-approved program. Without a degree, you may be limited to legal secretary or assistant positions. Investing in at least a certificate program significantly improves your career prospects and earning potential.
What’s the difference between an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies?
An associate degree provides foundational paralegal skills and takes 2 years to complete. It’s sufficient for entry-level positions at most law firms. A bachelor’s degree offers a more comprehensive education, including broader legal theory, business courses, and advanced specializations. Bachelor’s degree holders often have better advancement opportunities and higher starting salaries.
Are online paralegal programs legitimate?
Yes, many accredited and ABA-approved paralegal programs offer online options. Online programs provide flexibility for working adults while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Look for programs that are regionally accredited and, ideally, ABA-approved, and ensure they include practical components like internships or externships.
How much do paralegal programs cost?
Costs vary widely by program type and institution. Certificate programs typically cost $3,000-$8,000, associate degrees range from $6,000-$20,000, and bachelor’s degrees can cost $40,000-$120,000. Community colleges and online programs are often more affordable options. Don’t forget to research scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
What’s the job outlook for paralegals in 2025?
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4% employment growth for paralegals from 2022 to 2032, with steady demand driven by law firms and corporations seeking cost-effective legal support. Job prospects are strongest for candidates with formal education, certification, and technology skills, including legal research databases and case management software.
Key Takeaways
- Paralegal education ranges from 6-month certificates to 4-year bachelor’s degrees, with programs available at various price points to fit different budgets and timelines.
- ABA-approved programs ensure quality education that meets national standards and is recognized by employers, particularly for federal and specialized positions.
- National certification from NALA or NFPA is voluntary but valuable, demonstrating professional commitment and often leading to higher salaries.
- Most states don’t require paralegal licensing, but formal education and credentials significantly improve job prospects and career advancement.
- Paralegals earn a median annual salary of $61,010 nationally (2024 BLS data), with higher earnings in metropolitan areas and specialized practice areas.
- The field is projected to grow 4% through 2032, offering stable career prospects as law firms and corporations continue to rely on paralegal expertise.
Ready to Start Your Paralegal Education?
Explore ABA-approved programs in your state and compare certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degree options to find the path that fits your career goals.
Salary Disclaimer: 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and job market figures for Paralegals and Legal Assistants reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2025.