Written by

Tara Farmer

November 24, 2025

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

How do you become a paralegal?

Thinking about a career in law but not sure about law school? Learning how to become a paralegal might be your perfect path forward. Paralegals are the organizational backbone of the legal system, working alongside attorneys to prepare documents, conduct research, and keep cases moving smoothly.

This article will walk you through the essential steps to becoming a paralegal, from the different education options to the value of professional certification. We'll explore all the requirements to become a paralegal so you can decide on the best path for your new career.

What does a paralegal do?

A paralegal is a highly skilled professional who supports lawyers with a wide range of substantive legal work. Think of them as the essential support system that keeps a legal team running efficiently. While they cannot give legal advice or represent clients in court, their responsibilities are critical.

Common tasks include:

• Conducting legal research and analysis

• Drafting legal documents, such as contracts, briefs, and motions

• Organizing and managing case files

• Interviewing clients and witnesses

• Preparing for trials, hearings, and closings

Paralegals work in all types of environments, from large corporate law firms and small private practices to government agencies and non-profit organizations.

The steps to becoming a paralegal

While the specific journey can vary, most aspiring paralegals follow a similar path. The core steps you'll need to take to enter the field include:

Step 1: Choose your educational path

Unlike some professions, there isn't one single degree that's required. However, you will need formal education beyond high school. This is the most important of the requirements to become a paralegal. Most employers seek candidates who have completed a paralegal-focused program.

When you're looking at schools, check if their program is ABA-approved. The American Bar Association (ABA) sets high standards for paralegal education, and graduating from an ABA-approved program is a major plus for employers.

You generally have three main options:

• Paralegal certificate: This is the fastest route, often taking 6 to 12 months. It's designed for those who already have a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field (like English or political science) and want to add specialized paralegal skills.

• Associate's degree: This is a 2-year program (typically an A.A. or A.A.S.) in paralegal studies. It's a very common and respected entry point, giving you a solid foundation in both general education and core legal concepts.

• Bachelor's degree: This 4-year program in paralegal studies (or a related field with a paralegal minor) is the most comprehensive. It's often preferred by large, competitive law firms and corporate legal departments.

Understand your state's requirements

Unlike lawyers, paralegals don't need state licenses to practice in most locations. California is the only U.S. state with direct statutory regulation of paralegals. To use the title "paralegal" in California, you must meet education and experience criteria and complete mandatory continuing legal education in ethics and law.

Elsewhere in the U.S., regulation generally comes through attorney-supervision and unauthorized-practice-of-law rules. Some states and state bars offer voluntary credentials, registries, or specialty certifications, but these are not the same as statewide licensing.

Even in states without formal requirements, employers increasingly prefer candidates with recognized credentials, so be sure to research the expectations in your area before starting your education.

Step 2: Gain hands-on legal experience

Education is key, but real-world experience is what sets you apart. The legal field values practical skills, and the best way to get them is through an internship. Many paralegal programs build an internship or practicum right into their curriculum.

If your program doesn't offer internships, seek one out on your own. You can also gain experience by volunteering at a legal aid clinic or working in an entry-level position at a law firm, like a legal assistant or file clerk, while you study. This hands-on experience shows employers you're serious and ready to contribute from day one.

Step 3: Pursue professional certification

This step is a common point of confusion, so let's clear it up:

• A paralegal certificate is an educational credential you earn from a college.

• A paralegal certification is a professional credential you earn by passing a rigorous exam from a national association.

While professional certification is almost always voluntary, it's highly recommended. It's a powerful way to demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the profession, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay. The most recognized certifications include:

Step 4: Build your core paralegal skills

Successful paralegals develop a combination of technical and interpersonal skills that help them thrive in fast-paced legal environments. The most important technical skills include:

• Strong writing ability for drafting legal documents daily

• Excellent organizational abilities to manage multiple cases simultaneously

• Time management skills to meet critical court deadlines

• Technology proficiency in legal research databases and document management systems

• Research skills for conducting thorough legal and factual investigations

People skills matter equally! You'll work closely with attorneys, clients, court personnel, and other staff members. The ability to communicate clearly and show compassion during difficult situations helps you build strong professional relationships and succeed in this collaborative field.

Paralegal career advancement opportunities

Starting as a paralegal doesn't mean staying in an entry-level position forever. As you gain experience and build your expertise, several paths to advance become available:

• Senior paralegal roles handling more complex cases and supervising junior staff

• Specialized positions in areas like intellectual property, corporate law, or litigation

• Management positions such as paralegal manager or legal department supervisor

• Adjacent careers in legal consulting, compliance, or legal technology

• Law school pathway using your paralegal experience as a foundation for becoming an attorney

Specialization can significantly increase your earning potential and open doors to positions at prestigious firms or corporations. Many paralegals find that their practical background provides valuable knowledge that complements legal theory if they choose to pursue law school.

Paralegal vs. legal assistant

You might hear these terms used interchangeably, but there are important distinctions. Paralegals are more involved with substantive legal tasks like conducting legal research, drafting documents, and assisting with case preparation, while legal assistants typically perform more administrative duties like scheduling, file management, and client communications.

The educational requirements differ as well. While you don't always need a degree to become a legal assistant, paralegals are typically expected to hold bachelor's or associate's degrees, especially in states with specific requirements. Both roles are valuable, but paralegal positions generally offer higher pay and more advancement opportunities.

FAQs about becoming a paralegal

How long does it take to become a paralegal?

The timeline to become a paralegal depends entirely on your chosen educational path. You can complete a paralegal certificate program in as little as 6 to 12 months if you already have a college degree. An associate's degree typically takes 2 years, and a bachelor's degree takes 4 years.

How much does it cost to become a paralegal?

The total cost to become a paralegal ranges anywhere from $2,000 to $50,000+, depending on your educational path. Certificate programs typically cost $2,000 to $10,000, associate's degrees range from $7,000 to $30,000, and bachelor's programs can exceed $50,000 at private universities.

Professional certification exams range from $225 to $400, plus application fees. Financial aid is available for degree programs, and some employers offer tuition assistance for advancement education.

How much do paralegals make?

The median annual salary for paralegals is $61,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level paralegals may earn less than $45,000 annually, while experienced paralegals with bachelor's degrees can earn $66,000 or more on average.

Your geographic location, education level, certifications, years of experience, and practice area specialization all influence your earning potential. Paralegals in metropolitan areas like Washington D.C., New York, and San Francisco, and those with advanced certifications like the ACP credential earn significantly more than average.

How hard is it to become a paralegal?

The difficulty of becoming a paralegal depends on your educational background and chosen path. Paralegal education isn't as academically demanding as law school, but programs do require serious study to master legal terminology, court procedures, and research and writing skills.

If you're organized, enjoy reading and writing, and have strong attention to detail, you'll likely find the education manageable. Certificate programs offer faster completion but are more intensive, while degree programs spread learning over more time.

Is paralegal certification required?

No, professional certification (like the CP or RP) is not legally required to work as a paralegal. However, many employers prefer to hire certified paralegals, and some may even require it. It serves as a national standard of competence and can give you a significant advantage in the job market.