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Paralegal Careers - The future's so Bright…
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The long-term forecast for paralegals is sunny, thanks to a trend in the legal field towards maintaining and expanding services inexpensively and efficiently, and leveraging paralegals to do so. Many are moving towards a model built around paralegals, ensuring job security for every competent, formally educated paralegal comfortable with the idea of interacting with clients, taking on some legal responsibilities and decisions, and operating independently.
Paralegal Careers - Trends behind the Growth
"Paralegals and legal assistants are projected to grow faster than the average [by 21-35%, compared to an average of 10%] for all occupations through 2010. Employment growth stems from law firms and other employers with legal staffs increasingly hiring paralegals to lower the cost and increase the availability and efficiency of legal services." |
| -- Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, US Dept of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics |
Registered Paralegal (RP) Status
Paralegals with Bachelor's degrees and two years' paralegal experience qualify to take the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE). Those who pass are authorized to use the credential "PACE Registered Paralegal" or "RP."
The RP credential says to your peers and clients that you have achieved a level of proficiency as a paralegal, and thereby solidifies your professional standing.
Paralegal Degree Programs
- 84% of all paralegals receive some formal paralegal education
- Formal paralegal education has become a requirement to secure paralegal employment
- A four-year degree is the hiring standard in many markets
- A two-year degree with an emphasis in paralegal studies is acceptable to employers in some markets
- NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Associations) recognizes two-year degrees and recommends 4-year degrees
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| -- Source: National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) |
Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) Status
To qualify for the Certified Legal Assistant(CLA) exam, the paralegal must either complete a:
- Degree or graduate certificate program in Paralegal or Legal Assistant Studies
- Bachelor's degree in any subject and work for a year in the field, or
- High school diploma and work for seven years in the field
Those who pass the exam earn the right to use the designation CLA.
- McIntosh College - Dover, NH
- Berkeley College - New York City and White Plains, NY, Garret Mountain, Woodbridge and Paramus, NJ
- Platt College - Ontario, CA (near Los Angeles, CA
- Platt College - Los Angeles, CA
- Platt College - Newport, CA
- Western School of Business and Health - Newport, CA
- Southwestern Florida College - Tampa and Fort Myers, FL
- Hickey College - St. Louis, MO
- King's College - Charlotte, NC
- Bradford School - Pittsburgh, PA
- Herzing College - New Orleans, LA
- Pioneer Pacific College - Portland, OR
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