Getting Paralegal Certified
There are a number of different ways to become a certified paralegal. One way is to take a certified paralegal program at an accredited institution. This will give you the opportunity to learn the necessary skills and knowledge required to work as a paralegal.
Another way to become a certified paralegal is to sit for the certified paralegal examination. This examination is offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). To be eligible to take the examination, you must have completed an accredited paralegal program or have at least two years of experience working as a paralegal.
Once you have passed the examination, you will be issued a certificate. This certificate will allow you to work as a certified paralegal in any state that recognizes the certification.
Paralegal Study Materials
For paralegal study materials, you will need to purchase a few books that will help you prepare for the examination. One book that is recommended is The Paralegal Professional: A Core Text by Virginia Koerselman and Kay Ann Kionka. This book will provide you with an overview of the paralegal profession, as well as information on how to prepare for the examination.
In addition to books, you may also want to purchase paralegal study materials that are available online. These materials can be found at a variety of websites. One website that is recommended is the National Association of Legal Assistants website. This website offers a variety of different resources, including practice exams, sample questions, and study guides.
When you are looking for paralegal study materials, it is important to make sure that you find materials that are of high quality. There are a number of different companies that sell study materials, but not all of them are created equal. You will want to make sure that you find a company that offers a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the materials.
You should also make sure that you find materials that are easy to understand. There are a number of different ways to learn about the paralegal profession, and you must find the approach that works best for you. You will want to make sure that you find materials that are written in plain English so that you can easily understand them.
In addition to finding high quality materials, you will also want to make sure that you find materials that are affordable. You will want to make sure that you find a company that offers a variety of different price ranges so that you can find the materials that are right for your budget.
Maintaining your Certifications
Once you have decided to become a certified paralegal, it is important to maintain your certification. You will need to renew your certification every three years. To renew your certification, you will need to take the examination again and submit a new application.
When you are ready to begin your career as a certified paralegal, there are a number of different job opportunities available. You can work in a law firm, government agency, or corporation. You can also work as an independent contractor.
Finding Opportunities
If you are interested in working as a certified paralegal, it is important to research the different employment options that are available to you. There are a number of different job boards and websites that list job openings for certified paralegals. You can also contact your local bar association or the NALA to find out about employment opportunities in your area.
Once you have found a position that you are interested in, it is important to submit a resume and cover letter to the employer. In your resume, you should include your educational background, work experience, and any special skills or qualifications that you possess. Your cover letter should highlight your strengths and explain why you would be a good fit for the position.
After you have submitted your application, it is important to follow up with the employer. You should send a thank you letter and enclose a copy of your resume and cover letter. You should also follow up with the employer to make sure that they received your application and that you are still interested in the position.
If you are offered a position as a certified paralegal, it is important to review the job description carefully. Make sure that you understand the duties and responsibilities of the position. You should also make sure that you are comfortable with the salary and benefits package.
The paralegal field has been on a steady upward growth trajectory for the past decade and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Being a paralegal can be a rewarding career with many different types of employment and contract opportunities.
