Paralegal Crash Course

Most people have heard of an attorney and understand what service they provide to the public, but others have either never heard about paralegals or do not understand the contribution that they make to the public and the legal profession overall. 

Paralegals play an important role within a legal team and can assist with a variety of functions from legal research to assisting at trials.  There is not a one size fits all approach to becoming a paralegal.  Some individuals have earned the title by working themselves up from a receptionist position while others have obtained extensive formal training that resulted in a certificate or degree. 

Although formal training is not a requirement for becoming a paralegal obtaining formal training provides individuals with the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of this rewarding field and also expand into a niche within the legal industry like an e-Discovery specialization, environmental advocacy, construction defect law, workers compensation specialist, Court Appointed Special Advocate for children, and more.  

Within the profession, there is a wide range of titles that come along with the job.  If you are considering this field, then check out some of the positions you could land:

• Bankruptcy Specialist
• Contract Administrator
• Corporate Paralegal
• E-discovery Specialist
• Elder Law Paralegal
• Foreclosure Specialist
• Immigration Paralegal
• Legal Analyst
• Legal Assistant
• Litigation Paralegal
• Real Estate Paralegal
• Regulatory Specialist
• Social Security Disability Specialist

 As you gain experience within the industry, you could advance into other positions such as:

• Attorney
• Case Manager
• Law Firm Administrator
• Paralegal Instructor
• Paralegal Manager
• Senior Paralegal