Paralegal Training & Certification

Updated October 29, 2025 Table of Contents

Support attorneys and strengthen the justice system.
Paralegals play an essential role in legal teams, assisting attorneys with case preparation, research, and documentation. This 2025 guide explains how to become a paralegal through accredited programs and national certification.

What Does a Paralegal Do?

Paralegals perform vital legal and administrative work under the supervision of licensed attorneys. Their contributions help law firms, corporations, and government agencies manage cases efficiently.

Common responsibilities include:

  • Conducting legal research and fact-checking case details
  • Drafting contracts, pleadings, and discovery documents
  • Managing case files and maintaining electronic databases
  • Interviewing witnesses and coordinating client communications
  • Preparing exhibits and trial notebooks
  • Assisting attorneys during hearings, trials, and closings

Paralegals cannot provide legal advice but ensure that legal teams operate with accuracy and organization.

What You’ll Learn in Paralegal School

Paralegal programs blend legal knowledge, communication, and practical office skills.

Core coursework includes:

  • Legal Research & Writing: Using law libraries and databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis
  • Civil Litigation & Procedures: Understanding court processes and filings
  • Contracts & Business Law: Fundamentals of commercial agreements
  • Criminal Law & Procedure: Case preparation and documentation for criminal matters
  • Tort Law: Civil wrongs, damages, and liability
  • Ethics & Professional Responsibility: Standards for legal assistants
  • Technology in the Law Office: E-filing systems and document management software

Programs often include internships in law offices or public agencies for real-world experience.

Education & Program Options

Paralegal education is available through colleges, universities, and online institutions that offer ABA-approved or accredited programs.

Training options include:

  • Certificate Programs (6–12 months): Designed for students with prior college experience
  • Associate Degree (2 years): Entry-level path to employment in law offices or courts
  • Bachelor’s Degree (4 years): Ideal for advancement or corporate legal careers
  • Online & Hybrid Programs: Combine digital coursework with local internships

ABA approval is considered the standard for quality paralegal education in the U.S.

Skills You’ll Need to Succeed

Paralegals must be detail-oriented multitaskers with strong writing and analytical skills.

Top skills include:

  • Legal research and critical thinking
  • Excellent grammar, writing, and communication
  • Organization and time management under deadlines
  • Professional ethics and confidentiality
  • Familiarity with case management and e-discovery tools

These skills are essential for accuracy and trust in any legal environment.

Certification & Professional Credentials

Certification is voluntary but demonstrates professional competence and career dedication.

Recognized certifications include:

  • CP (Certified Paralegal): Offered by NALA – The Paralegal Association
  • CLA (Certified Legal Assistant): Equivalent credential by NALA
  • ACP (Advanced Certified Paralegal): Specialized post-certification credential
  • PP (Professional Paralegal): From NALS – The Association for Legal Professionals
  • PACE (Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam): Offered by the NFPA

Most certifications require completion of an accredited program and a national exam.

How to Become a Paralegal

  1. Earn a high school diploma or GED
  2. Complete an accredited paralegal certificate or degree program
  3. Gain internship experience in a law firm, government agency, or corporate department
  4. Obtain certification from NALA, NALS, or NFPA (recommended)
  5. Begin working under attorney supervision in your preferred legal specialty

Paralegals often specialize in fields like corporate law, real estate, or criminal defense.

Paralegal Salary & Job Outlook

Based on BLS occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (23-2011)
Data Year: 2024 • U.S.

Median Pay (2024) $61,010 $29.33 per hour
Job Outlook (2024–2034) 0.2% +600 jobs (2024–2034) • 39,300 annual openings

Mean Pay (2024)

$66,510 per year $31.98 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $39,710

$19.09 per hour

25th Percentile $48,190

$23.17 per hour

75th Percentile $78,280

$37.63 per hour

90th Percentile $98,990

$47.59 per hour

Employment Outlook

2024 376,200
2034 376,800

Employment: 376,200 → 376,800 jobs by 2034 (0.2%)

39,300 projected openings each year

Additional Details

Share of U.S. Employment
0.2%
Employment per 1,000 Jobs
2.38
Employment RSE
1.3%
Projected Annual Openings
39,300

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. www.bls.gov/oes

The paralegal profession continues to expand as law firms and companies seek cost-effective legal support. Certified paralegals enjoy strong employment prospects and competitive pay.

Professional Associations & Resources

  • NALA – The Paralegal Association: Certification, continuing education, and job listings
  • National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA): Advocacy and the PACE exam
  • NALS – The Association for Legal Professionals: Training and credentialing
  • American Bar Association (ABA): Directory of approved paralegal programs

Career Paths

Paralegals can advance or specialize in:

  • Corporate or Real Estate Paralegal
  • Litigation Paralegal
  • Family Law or Criminal Law Paralegal
  • Compliance Specialist or Legal Analyst
  • Paralegal Manager or Office Administrator

With additional education, some paralegals pursue law school or supervisory roles.

Find Paralegal Programs Near You

Ready to start your paralegal career?
Compare accredited paralegal programs near you and prepare for certification, career advancement, and opportunities in law and justice.

Related: Top Legal Programs · Legal Career Certifications

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