How To Be A Paralegal

To qualify for admission to the Paralegal Licensing Process an applicant must have graduated from a Law Society accredited Paralegal Education program.

How to be a paralegal. How to Become a Paralegal. How to Become a Paralegal According to McClure there are three types of academic credentials that someone can use to enter the paralegal profession. Overview of Paralegal Programs and Degree Options.

The route you choose to go depends on your current role educational status and what your eventual goals are. Paralegals have a limited career growth in most organizations. To be licensed as a paralegal in Ontario the Law Society Act requires that an applicant be of good character The good character requirement is intended to protect the public and maintain high ethical standards in the profession by ensuring that persons who are licensed as paralegals show respect for the rule of law and the administration of justice and conduct themselves with honesty integrity and candour.

An associates degree in paralegal studies or legal studies is the next level of education often designed for working professionals followed by a masters program for those who wish to. The regional paralegal associations also cultivate working relationships with the local bar associations and others in the legal field to help promote the growth of the paralegal profession. For some additional insights we asked paralegal professionals to share the things they wish theyd known before starting their careers.

A Paralegal degree will provide you with the skills needed to succeed in the field but there will be a host of things you wont learn until youre on the job. The typical educational requirements can be completed in as little as two years with an associates degree or even less with a paralegal certificate and the starting salary is reasonable with plenty of room for growth. Youâll need to have a Grade 12 Certificate as a minimum entrance requirement fort he relevant courses.

Professional competence is achieved through a combination of knowledge skills abilities and judgment. Still its a good idea to hone your reading writing and general communication skills while youre in high school. You can enter the profession as an Administrative Assistant Legal Secretary or Paralegal in a small firm and work under the supervision of a Lawyer gaining knowledge experience and rank over time.

How long does it take to become a paralegal. A paralegal who is patient doesnt sit around waiting for a miracle to fall in their lap nor do they curse the problem. You must transition to another role entirely such as into management litigation support or tech support to advance beyond the paralegal ranks.