How To Become a Paralegal Online | Paralegal Certificate Programs

Paralegals work in legal settings, often law offices or law firms, as assistants to lawyers. They often have administrative duties but primarily focus on specifically delegated substantive legal work � usually research and paperwork related to litigation.

Typically, a paralegal needs at least a certificate in paralegal studies, if not an associate degree or bachelor's degree. Keep reading to learn more about how to become a certified paralegal and complete the process online.

Steps To Become a Certified Paralegal Online

To become a paralegal online, you'll need to complete an online degree program, but you'll still need some hands-on experience. Below, we've broken down the steps to becoming a certified paralegal online.

1. Obtain a High School Diploma or GED

Before you can pursue your higher education, you'll need to complete your high school education. You can do this by graduating with a diploma or earning your GED.

This tells colleges and universities that you have the basic knowledge required to succeed in higher education. It's also required by most employers.

2. Research Paralegal Education Requirements in Your State

In most states, there are no firm requirements for paralegals. Some recommend an associate degree or bachelor's degree, and some offer licensure, but these are not a requirement.

In other states, like California, there are stricter requirements. For example, a paralegal may be required to hold a state credential.

3. Enroll in an Accredited Online Paralegal Program

There are three primary routes you can take to become a paralegal. These are:

• Complete a paralegal studies certificate or diploma program.
• Earn an associate degree in paralegal studies.
• Earn a bachelor's degree in a field like legal studies or sociology, and then complete a paralegal certificate.

There are many affordable ABA-approved online paralegal programs available for all three of these routes. When choosing an online paralegal certificate or associate degree program, make sure your program is approved by the American Bar Association. You can find a full directory of ABA-approved programs at AmericanBar.org.

4. Complete Core Paralegal Courses

The specific programs you take in your paralegal profession will vary, but most programs include coursework that covers core topics like:

• legal analysis
• legal documents
• legal research
• legal writing
• the legal system

Some programs, especially degree programs, may have some general education prerequisites that you'll need to complete. These often include college composition courses, as well as some basic math, science, and humanities courses.

5. Gain Hands-On Experience

Gaining hands-on experience in the legal field can give you a huge boost in the job market. One of the best ways to do this is through an internship program at a local law office or law firm.

Some paralegal programs require an internship. For those that don't, you may still be able to find internships through connections at the school.

You can also start in entry-level roles in the legal field, like that of a legal assistant or legal secretary. This work experience helps you get used to the legal profession.

6. Consider Paralegal Certifications

While holding a paralegal certification isn't a requirement, it's another step you can take to boost your chances in the job market. There are a few professional organizations that offer paralegal certification, including:

• The American Alliance of Paralegals Inc. (AAPI)
• The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)
• The National Association for Legal Support Professionals (NALS)
• The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA)

Several states also offer certifications for paralegals. These are:

• Arizona
• California
• Delaware
• Florida
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• Washington D.C
• Wisconsin

Most certification programs require applicants to pass a certification exam, and may also require a certain number of years of experience before you can qualify.

Learn more: Best Accredited Paralegal Certificate Programs Online

7. Apply for Paralegal Jobs

Once you've completed a paralegal program, gained some experience, and earned a paralegal certification, you can apply for paralegal jobs. Paralegals can work in numerous settings, including:

• law offices
• law firms
• law schools
• government agencies

9. Consider Specializing

After you've worked as a paralegal for a while, you may decide to take additional online courses to further specialize your career. This can be especially wise if you're working for a law firm with a specific specialty. Some common specialties include:

• criminal law
• family law
• immigration law
• intellectual property law
• real estate law
• torts and personal injury law

FAQs About Becoming a Paralegal Online

Below, we've answered frequently asked questions about becoming a paralegal online.

How Much Does a Paralegal Certificate Cost?

Generally, you can expect to spend a few thousand dollars on a paralegal certificate program and a few hundred for professional certification.

Several things can affect how much a paralegal certificate costs you, including:

• where you earn your certificate
• whether you study full-time or part-time
• if the program is self-paced or instructor-paced
• what financial aid you qualify for

Where Can I Find Online Paralegal Certification Program?

Many colleges and universities offer online paralegal certification programs. One of the best resources for finding these programs is through the ABA website.

The ABA's directory of approved paralegal education programs allows you to sort by type (certificate or degree), whether the institution is public or private, and state. This list shows all approved programs but doesn't always show if they're offered online, so a quick online search should help determine if an ABA-approved program is also offered online.

Can I Take Paralegal Courses Online While Working Full-Time?

While it can be a little tricky, it is completely possible to take online courses and earn a paralegal certificate or degree while working full-time. The best way to do this is to schedule specific times to work on coursework around your work schedule.

Find a Paralegal Studies Program Today

If you're ready to start your career as a paralegal, check out the accredited online programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools today to learn more about their paralegal programs and enrollment.