How to Become a Paralegal: 10 Tips

A paralegal assists lawyers with legal cases. Whether helping the legal team defend a person in a court case going to trial or presenting information at a city council meeting, paralegals research and prepare reports for lawyers to use in their work. 

As a paralegal, you typically can't work alone—you will work under the supervision of a lawyer and can’t give legal advice. However, you may work in various settings, including law firms, government agencies, and organizations like businesses or nonprofits.

Your duties as a paralegal might include:

• Interviewing witnesses 

• Investigating information about a case 

• Researching information related to a case 

• Assisting lawyers during trials

• Researching and learning about laws and regulations  

• Maintaining a database of records related to each case 

• Writing reports 

• Drafting emails, letters, and documents

• Helping prepare legal arguments 

• Preparing civil documents, such as wills, real estate contracts, and divorce decrees, under the supervision of a lawyer

• Communicating with clients 

Types of paralegal jobs 

Paralegal duties largely depend on where you work. For example, a smaller law office may give a paralegal many responsibilities, while a larger organization may assign a paralegal to just one case phase.

Paralegals can work in different aspects of the law, just as lawyers do. Paralegal duties may differ depending on the field of law.

10 tips for getting a job as a paralegal

There is no singular path toward becoming a paralegal, though some provinces require specific certifications or degrees. Law firms typically require paralegals to have a bachelor’s degree in law, in-house training, or a law college diploma. However, building particular skills, education, and experience can make you more likely to find a rewarding position that offers competitive wages and long-term job security. 

1. Brush up on these workplace skills. 

Before you start your journey towards your career as a paralegal, make sure you have the workplace skills necessary for the job. These might include: 

• Communication: You'll communicate daily with clients, lawyers, court officials, insurance companies, witnesses, government officials, and many others, both verbally and through written correspondence.  

• Investigative skills: As a paralegal, you'll spend plenty of time researching, analyzing, and tracking down information. A good eye for relevant facts and attention to detail are a must.

• Comfort with technology: Law firms increasingly seek candidates who are comfortable with computers and standard word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.  

• Multitasking: It's rare for a paralegal to work on one task at a time. You may make several phone calls, research law, and draft a document, all within half an hour. 

• Teamwork: Paralegals rarely work alone. You'll likely work with lawyers, other paralegals, legal assistants, and legal secretaries daily.

• Time management: The field of law includes many deadlines. Your job will likely entail finishing your assigned tasks on time and knowing how to prioritize the most important ones. 

2. Get your associate degree. 

Paralegals only sometimes need degrees. Some firms will even train you on the job. However, some provinces, such as Ontario, have specific requirements requiring you to graduate from a Law Society-accredited Paralegal Education program and earn LSO certification. As the field becomes more competitive, you'll find that many law firms want you to have at least an associate degree. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer two-year programs in paralegal studies.  

3. A bachelor’s degree may make you more competitive. 

Some law firms require a bachelor's degree before interviewing you for an entry-level position, so it’s a good idea to complete your four-year degree if possible. Though no required area of study exists, majoring in criminal justice, pre-law, psychology, communication, or business can help prepare you better for your career. It may even help you find a specialty that interests you.

4. A master’s degree can further your career. 

Paralegals can earn a master's degree in paralegal studies or legal studies, boosting earning potential and opening doors to more senior paralegal positions. Law school is also an option if you want to pursue becoming a lawyer.

5. Obtain your license. 

If you aspire to conduct advanced legal tasks in your paralegal job, you’ll want to earn your license. Law firms require a license to perform such duties. Organizations such as the Law Society of Ontario offer paralegal licencing exams you must pass to earn your license. While these licences aren’t required, they can expand your job scope as a paralegal. 

6. Try to get an internship while you're in school. 

While you're pursuing your degree, it’s a good idea to try to get an internship. Internships can give you valuable real-world experience and introduce you to professionals you can network with. You may be able to find legal internships at law firms, businesses, government institutions, or other organizations.  

7. Consider joining a paralegal association. 

Joining a paralegal association can benefit your job search as a paralegal. They can offer several benefits, such as scholarships for continuing your education, guidance on choosing the right schools and programs, discounts on exam fees and insurance, guidance on getting your licence, networking opportunities, and many other perks. Consider the Canadian Association of Paralegals or the Ontario Paralegal Association. 

8. Learn a second language.

Learning a second language can be helpful to a paralegal. You might find it an especially sought-after quality in immigration law, but being fluent in other languages can also help you conduct interviews or read documents for other specialties.  

9. Network as much as possible. 

Networking is a common way to find a job. Having a large group of contacts at your fingertips means you have more resources when you need a reference, an introduction, or advice. If you're not sure where to start, you can network by: 

• Getting to know your professors and classmates better 

• Taking an interest in any guest speakers your school invites to speak to your classes 

• Attending seminars 

• Connecting with alumni from your school

• Joining professional or legal organizations

10. Take an entry-level position. 

Finally, don't shy away from entry-level positions when it's time to look for a job. Entry-level positions offer an excellent opportunity to hone your skills and introduce you to different aspects of the paralegal career. These positions also look great on your resume when you’re ready to apply for a promotion or look for another job. 

Build skills and knowledge to become a paralegal on Coursera

Working as a paralegal can be a rewarding career. Explore whether a role as a paralegal might be a good fit for you by taking An Introduction to American Law from the University of Pennsylvania if you want to work in international trade or immigration. Upon completion, you'll have a certificate to share on your resume.

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