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Paralegal Careers: How to Work in Law Without Going to Law SchoolParalegals actually do a lot of tasks formerly assigned to lawyers. They can't present cases in court, but they do help lawyers prepare for trials, hearings, and meetings. They also investigate cases, gather relevant information such as previous laws and judicial decisions, draft pleadings and motions, write up contracts and mortgages, and much more.How to Become a Paralegal Most people become a paralegal by earning an associate degree. You can find paralegal programs at many community colleges or online. But if you already have a college degree, even in an unrelated subject, you may be able to find a job after obtaining a certificate in paralegal studies. Certification programs take far less time, with some only lasting a few months. Finally, you can choose to get a bachelor's or even a master's degree in paralegal studies, although this is far less common than the other two education options. The American Bar Association lists 260 paralegal programs of which it approves. Although you do not have to attend one of those 260 to get a job, it can sometimes enhance your employment opportunities. Is Being a Paralegal a Good Career? Employment for paralegals is actually expected to increase by 22% from 2006-2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. It means there should be 53,000 new jobs for all of you who complete a paralegal program. Paralegals also earn good salaries, with an average annual wage of $48,790. Those who work for software publishers, telecommunications companies, or other information services earn average annual salaries of $62,880 to $70,320. |
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