Degree

• A college degree is a prerequisite to become a paralegal. For those seeking a college curriculum specific to paralegals, community colleges offer paralegal programs en route to an associate degree. Some four-year schools offer bachelor's and master's degree programs for paralegals. The American Bar Association has approved paralegal education programs at dozens of two- and four-year schools. For those who have a college degree in another subject, an option is to enroll in a certificate program in paralegal education.
  
  

Training

• When studying for their career, prospective paralegals receive instruction in legal research and how to use computers to conduct legal work, such as searching for legal literature and organizing documents and materials. Some programs also offer internships in which students work in setting such as a law firm, corporation or government agency. Some employers might opt to provide on-the-job training to employees with no legal background based on other skills the employee brings to the job, such as experience in criminal justice or tax preparation.
  
  

Certification

• Obtaining certification generally is not a prerequisite for finding employment, but it may provide advantages to job seekers. Various paralegal organizations offer the opportunity to achieve certification by meeting standards of education and experience and passing an examination. One certifying organization, the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), had 16,218 certified paralegals and certified legal assistants as of September 1, 2010, according to its website, which claims its credential highlights an ability to provide "superior services" to employers. Other certifying groups include the National Federation of Paralegal Associations and the American Alliance of Paralegals Inc.
  
  

Advancement

• Paralegals who gain experience and perform well, and who work for relatively large employers, may earn opportunities in roles supervising other paralegals and administrative assistants. Some may have a chance to attain managerial positions within their firm. As they advance in their careers, certified paralegals might want to consider obtaining advanced certification from the NALA or another organization. Advanced certification indicates a certain level of mastery of subjects such as legal research, ethics, written communications and judgment and legal analysis. According to the NALA website, this level of certification is likely to lead to higher rates of billing and compensation.