What’s holding you back from starting more stable, lucrative, and fulfilling career? Sometimes people hesitate to make a career change because they feel that the time required to train for a new position makes the switch impractical. However, you can start some rewarding careers sooner than you might think. In this article, we’ll discuss the role of paralegal and the training required for it.
What is a Paralegal?
A paralegal is a professional within the legal system who is not admitted to the bar to “practice law” like an attorney is. Many paralegals work in legal offices. However, paralegals may also find positions in the offices of insurance companies or government agencies. Although they don’t represent clients in court cases, paralegals still have extensive knowledge of legal concepts. Their job responsibilities often include conducting research and compiling evidence, preparing and filing court documents, communicating with clients, and performing various administrative tasks.
Typically, paralegals are not allowed to offer legal advice or perform legal services independently of an attorney. However, in some jurisdictions they can conduct their own business to perform a limited range of services like legal research and court filings. In some places, high demand for legal services in areas like family and bankruptcy law has led to experienced paralegals being licensed for a limited scope of practice without the supervision of an attorney.
Although they may not be the stars of courtroom dramas, it’s difficult to overstate the importance of paralegals. The often-unsung work that they do allows our legal system to function, and it’s safe to say that their role will only continue to increase in importance.
The Job Market for Paralegals
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 37,000 job openings for paralegals and legal assistants each year through the year 2033. The average annual salary for paralegals as of May 2023 was $60,970.
Qualifications for Becoming a Paralegal
There are no strict, specific educational requirements to work as a paralegal. However, you can give yourself an advantage in the paralegal job market if you train for the position before you start applying for jobs.
The good news is that getting specialized training doesn’t have to delay your entry into the paralegal field for long. At IMBC, you can get a specialized associate degree that prepares you for a career as a paralegal in about 1.5 years. The program is offered entirely online, giving you much greater flexibility to train for your new career while still holding down your current job.
Find a Better Career Faster with IMBC
By training at IMBC, you can get the education you need to find a better job without putting your life on hold. You can get ready for a stable and well-paying career as a paralegal in just a year and a half, and you can complete your studies entirely online. Want to know more? Don’t wait! Contact us today!