There are many different ways that you can receive paralegal training. These are as varied as online coursework, getting a two year Associate’s Degree from a local community college, or completing a four year Bachelor’s program with an emphasis on Paralegal Studies. Some people even attend law school level courses. Currently, in the United States, there is no required curriculum to become a paralegal. If you are interested in entering this field, you have many options to pursue the paralegal training that is best for you.
Education is a key factor in becoming a paralegal, so whatever educational track you choose, you will be given the basics to prepare you for the exciting field of paralegal work. Your training will give you knowledge and skills that will help you in your tasks of assisting a supervising attorney.
Basic paralegal training consists of an overview of the US legal system as it has developed over time, modules on specialty areas of the law and training in the specific skills that you will need to perform your duties. Paralegal training is interesting and complex. You will be responsible for learning a lot of material, but you will never be bored. By dedicating yourself to your chosen field, you will soon become well versed in understanding the laws of this country.
Your basic paralegal coursework will teach you all about the American courts and judicial systems. This will include a history of these systems and how they have evolved into what they are today. You will gain an understanding how the courts work in your specific state, both in terms of the law and the roles of legal representation. You will also become well versed in the details of codes and procedures for both the civil and criminal arenas. Overall, you training will give you a comprehensive understanding of the workings of the courts and justice system as a whole.
During your training, you will learn about various specialized areas of law. These include, but are not limited to, business, family, tax, corporate, criminal and other types of law. You may choose to focus on a particular area of study, but you would do well to make sure that you are familiar with all of these areas, as they are all very common in today’s legal system. Being prepared to work within any of these areas will increase your ability to find employment when you enter the field.
In addition to knowing about the law, being a paralegal requires you to be competent in a number of different skills. You need to be proficient working with computers, know math, and have great written and verbal communication skills. These will be a part of your everyday work life, so if you don’t feel strong in any of these areas, you might consider taking additional courses. You will also probably be tasked with interviewing clients, using spreadsheets, operating data bases and conducting research. You must be able to do all of these quickly and efficiently.
Now, it is up to you to select which program to attend and which specific courses or area of study you want to focus on. No matter where you study, if you are diligent and dedicate your self, your paralegal training will provide you with all of the knowledge and skills that you need to enter to the exciting and growing field of law as a paralegal.