How to Become a Paralegal in 2025

Updated October 29, 2025

If you’re interested in law but not ready for law school, a career as a paralegal can be your fast track into the legal system. Paralegals support attorneys with research, documentation, and case preparation, and they’re in growing demand across nearly every area of law.

This guide explains how to become a paralegal in 2025, including education paths, certifications, essential skills, salary outlook, and how to start your career the right way.

Paralegal Salary Snapshot

U.S.
U.S. Median Pay $61,010 $29.33 per hour
Job Outlook 0.2% +600 jobs (2024–2034)
39,300 openings/yr
Data Year: 2024 Source: BLS OEWS

What Does a Paralegal Do?

Paralegals perform critical work that keeps law offices, corporations, and government agencies running efficiently.
Typical duties include:

  • Conducting legal research and drafting briefs or contracts
  • Organizing evidence, discovery, and case files
  • Assisting with hearings, trials, and depositions
  • Preparing legal correspondence
  • Communicating with clients and witnesses

They play an essential role in civil, criminal, family, real estate, and corporate law, often specializing as their careers progress.

Step 1: Choose an Education Path

While there’s no single national standard for paralegal licensing, employers typically expect candidates to have formal education in paralegal studies. There are three main training routes:

a. Certificate Programs

  • Duration: 6–12 months
  • Focus: Legal fundamentals, research, writing, and ethics
  • Ideal for: Career changers or those with an existing degree

These programs emphasize the core legal skills employers look for, without requiring general education courses.

b. Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies

  • Duration: About 2 years
  • Combines general education with core legal training
  • Ideal for: Students beginning their college education

This is one of the most common routes into the field, offering both practical training and academic credit.

c. Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies or Related Field

  • Duration: 4 years
  • Offers the broadest foundation for advancement
  • Ideal for: Long-term planners aiming for management or law school

Compare Paralegal Studies Programs
Explore Online Paralegal Certificates
Learn About Associate Degree Options

Step 2: Select an Accredited Program

Accreditation matters. Look for schools that are:

  • ABA-Approved (American Bar Association), or
  • Accredited by regional or national agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Graduating from an accredited institution ensures your credentials meet employer and certification requirements.

Step 3: Build the Core Skills Employers Want

Successful paralegals combine legal knowledge with analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Top skills include:

  • Legal research and writing
  • Case and document management
  • Drafting contracts and pleadings
  • Understanding civil procedure and ethics
  • Familiarity with law office software (e.g., Clio, MyCase, LexisNexis)
  • Strong attention to detail and confidentiality

These competencies make you an indispensable part of any legal team.

Step 4: Consider Certification

Certification isn’t required nationwide but can significantly improve your job prospects and credibility.

Major National Certifications

  • NALA – Certified Paralegal (CP)
  • NFPA – Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE)
  • NALS – Professional Paralegal (PP)

Each credential requires passing a comprehensive exam covering legal concepts, procedures, and ethics.
Holding a respected certification signals commitment and professionalism, especially valuable in competitive markets.

Step 5: Gain Experience Through Internships or Entry-Level Work

Hands-on experience can make all the difference. Many programs include internships or externships that place students in law firms or legal departments.
Even part-time or volunteer work, such as document review, filing, or research, helps you apply your classroom skills and build a professional network.

Employers value graduates who understand both legal theory and real-world workflow.

Step 6: Understand the Timeline

Path Time to Complete Description
Certificate Program 6–12 months Fastest route for career changers
Associate Degree 2 years Balanced academic and legal foundation
Bachelor’s Degree 4 years Broad legal education with advancement potential
Certification (Optional) +3–6 months Enhances career growth

Most people become fully employable within 1–2 years depending on the route chosen.

Step 7: Learn About Salary and Job Outlook

Paralegal Salary and 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

Common Factors That Affect Salary:

  • Level of education and certification
  • Type of employer (corporate vs. law firm)
  • Practice area specialization
  • Geographic region and experience level

Check Paralegal Salary by State

Step 8: Explore Career Growth and Specializations

Once you’ve gained experience, you can specialize or move into higher-paying areas such as:

  • Litigation Paralegal
  • Corporate or Contract Paralegal
  • Real Estate Paralegal
  • Intellectual Property Paralegal
  • Compliance Officer or Legal Analyst

Paralegals often use their experience to pursue roles in office management, investigations, or even law school down the road.

Step 9: Estimate the Total Cost

Expense Type Typical Range
Tuition $3,000–$20,000
Books & Supplies $500–$1,000
Certification Exam $150–$300
Continuing Education $100+ annually

Online certificate programs and community colleges usually offer the most cost-effective path to becoming a paralegal.

Step 10: Start Applying for Paralegal Jobs

After completing your program and gaining experience, it’s time to begin your job search.
Top industries hiring paralegals include:

  • Law firms (civil, criminal, family, and corporate law)
  • Corporate legal departments
    • Government agencies and public interest organizations

Interested in exploring similar roles? You may also like:

Summary: Why Becoming a Paralegal Is a Smart Move

A paralegal career offers a blend of stability, intellectual challenge, and upward mobility, all without the cost or commitment of law school.
You’ll work directly with attorneys, help clients navigate complex issues, and make a real difference in people’s lives.

If you’re detail-oriented, analytical, and driven by purpose, this could be the perfect legal career path for you.

Ready to take the next step?
Find accredited paralegal programs and start your training today.

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