The Fastest Way to Feel Like a Lawyer
Alan Drummer
alan.drummer@collegedegreereview.com
College Degree Review Columnist
Think like a lawyer. Work with a lawyer. Do what lawyers do, to a large extent. In fact, the closest you can come to BEING a lawyer, without taking three years of law school and passing the bar exam, is to become a paralegal.
You'll be in demand. As a graduate of one of the nation's paralegal schools, according to the US Department of Labor, you'll be prepared to fill a growing need for paralegals. That's because many law offices are trying to reduce costs by assigning tasks that were formerly carried out by lawyers to their paralegal staff.
 |
 |
 |
|
University of Phoenix is chosen by more working adults than any other university in the U.S. Learn the skills you need to succeed at conveniently located campuses. |
|
 |
|
 |
Work like a lawyer
Today's paralegal has assignments that may include
- Reviewing the facts of cases to make sure that all important information is included
- Writing reports that lawyers use to help prepare their cases
- Tracking documents related to the case
- Writing contracts and mortgages
- Preparing income tax returns or other financial documents.
Paralegal jobs include much time spent on the computer. You should have a passion for doing research. At large law firms, especially, you might work very long hours, but large law firms are likely to pay a better salary.
The top 10 percent of paralegals earn more than $61,000 a year, according to the US Department of Labor. The middle 50 percent earn between $30,000-$50,000 a year. That's not a bad potential return for choosing two years of paralegal training.
Getting certified by a legal organization can help you get a job. Certification may require education, work experience, and passing a test. Some paralegal schools support internships at law firms. This can help you win a full-time job later.
Sources
More College Degree Articles
|
Featured Schools
AIU Online
Earn your degree online fast, from AIU Online.
Walden University
Earn a respected bachelor's degree, master's degree, or Ph.D. online at Walden University.
Capella University
As an accredited university with online degree programs in five schools, Capella University is committed to helping you accomplish your goals through a high-caliber educational experience. Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate programs.
|
