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Becoming A Paralegal (Infographic)

If you're a Notary who's ever been interested in working as a paralegal, the following infographic from George Washington University provides a helpful overview of a paralegal's duties, salary, training, and job prospects. As a Notary, you already possess many of the skills required of a great paralegal: organization, attention to detail, professionalism, and communication.

David Thun is an Associate Editor at the National Notary Association.

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14 Comments

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Mr. J

29 Sep 2014

This says "highly educated," but it doesn't really say anything specific about paralegal training. What is the typical college coursework required to become a paralegal? Is it possible to make a career transition to paralegal from other research-heavy clerical fields?

National Notary Association

29 Sep 2014

Hello, Thank you for your question. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most paralegals and legal assistants have an associate’s degree or a certificate in paralegal studies. In some cases, employers may hire college graduates with a bachelor’s degree with no legal experience or specialized education and train them on the job. More information about paralegals is available from the BLS here: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm

Gloria A. Britton -Ellis

13 Oct 2014

I'd like to get more information about paralegal certification. Thanks

National Notary Association

15 Oct 2014

Hello Gloria, Thanks for your interest. The NNA does not certify paralegals. You may wish to contact a national paralegal association or local paralegal association in your area to find out about paralegal certification programs.

carolef361@gmail.com

20 Mar 2015

I reject your answer hire college graduates with a bachelor's degree with no legal experience or train them on the job rejection. A person should to go the school take the course and finish.

carolef361@gmail.com

20 Mar 2015

college graduates with a bachelor's degree need to complete the paralegal legal courses and finishing before they hire them.

carolef361@gmail.com

20 Mar 2015

College degree need to finish the paralegal legal course before they get hire them

ImaniKristina

21 Sep 2016

Be VERY careful when an Attorney says you're an Independent Contractor when you are, in fact, his or her employee!! The IRS will come after YOU, not the Attorney when it's 1099 vs. W-2.

Phyllis BISHOP -TURNER

08 Oct 2016

Yes,Paralegal profession have boomed over the years.I receive my Associate Degree from National Paralegal College,and have practiced as Non-Attorney filer for social security clamaints. Someday ,I hope that our discovery become complete electronically through our community network.It will better assist the attorney adjudicators as well as attorney/law firms and other governmental agenices that collobrate with that agency.I also hope that we have complete medical directory when writing briefs,legal correspondence,requesting for information. Our paralegal system needs upgrade back and I hope by 2017 we will have complete package system.

Angela Grijalva

12 Jan 2018

This is a very informative article, thank you for sharing. I would add that in California Paralegals who are registered and bonded can provide services document preparation services directly to the public as Legal Document Assistants (LDAs). Here is an article with more info for those who are interested. https://www.saclegalprep.com/lda.html

IRMA F JIMENEZ

20 Aug 2020

I would like information on becoming a paralegal

Deborah Cole

17 Mar 2021

I would like information on becoming a paralegal

renshawnrenshaw@gmail.com

15 Apr 2021

Please send information

Carrie Simons

24 Oct 2022

I would like more information on becoming a paralegal.

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