An Introduction to the Paralegal Career

Many people love the idea of working within a legal profession but for a majority of people law school is a distant dream. A degree or diploma in paralegal studies can lead to a rewarding career as a paralegal or legal assistant and can often help pave the road to becoming a full-fledged lawyer. In fact, the paralegal is responsible for many of the same duties that a lawyer would have completed in the past.

Paralegal Programs

A paralegal career will inevitably begin with the completion of a diploma or Associate's Degree. California paralegal schools offer a wide range of these programs, some of which concentrate specifically on one topic or area of law. This specialization can prove beneficial in the long run should you choose the right area.

Local Laws Governing the Paralegal Profession

You should note that many states have strict legislation in place that dictates the level of education that a paralegal must have. As an example, California law dictates that a person wishing to be a paralegal must have either studied and passed a minimum of a three-year degree and have one year experience working for a registered attorney, or hold the appropriate certification from an accredited program or a program approved by the American Bar Association. All paralegals are required to take a four-hour course every three years that studies the ethics of paralegal practice. (Learn more about these paralegal requirements). There are several paralegal schools in California that offer this course.

The Work of a Paralegal

The actual work that a paralegal is expected to carry out depends on the organization and the paralegal themselves.

Case planning. This is geared towards paralegals that work within a law firm. Case planning is the preparation, research, and management of cases that reach trial. A paralegal is not allowed to present the case but will often prepare the case on behalf of the lawyer they work for.

Research. Research is a large part of any legal job. Finding relevant information and facts pertaining to a particular case as well as to legislation and laws that govern a particular area is important to organizations and lawyers alike. This can be a painstakingly slow and methodical part of the job, although the Internet has sped it up considerably.

Preparation of legal documents. The preparation of legal documents was once carried out solely by solicitors and lawyers. However, this is one role that lawyers now generally delegate to their paralegals instead. This incorporates the drafting, checking, and analysis of often long and complex documents.

Administrative duties. The maintenance and management of the legal office often lies firmly in the hands of the paralegal. Filing, maintaining records, corresponding with clients and other colleagues and maintaining a diary for all lawyers within the practice will generally fall to the legal assistant to complete.

Conducting Your Own Personal Research

It is generally a good idea to conduct as much research as possible on your potential career. In the case of paralegal studies it is particularly important to find out the most beneficial courses to take, areas to study, and possibly network with the people who may be ready to employ you once you have completed your training at one of the paralegal schools in California.

Additional Resources

View a list of schools in California offering programs in paralegal studies.

For a paralegal diploma or degree outside of California, please visit our partner site www.paralegal-school-search.com which lists paralegal and legal assistant programs in the United States and Canada.

For additional information about a career as a paralegal, you may want to read the transcript of our interview with a paralegal, Dennis Tapia, who runs his own business in Vista, California.