The path to becoming a lawyer is challenging. The path to becoming a respected lawyer is even more challenging. However, the results can be rewarding. For the ambitious, becoming licensed attorneys is the ultimate goal. In California, there are 4 ways to becoming a licensed attorney. These are: attending law school that is approved by the American Bar Association, studying law under a judge or lawyer for 4 years in one of the approved paralegal programs, attending a non-American Bar Association course approved by the state or having law license from another state. However, all 4 of these require that one pas the California Bar Exam.
Other states have more or less the same requirements and more emphasis is placed on formal law education. Paralegal programs guarantee one a better chance of becoming a lawyer. Paralegals can take on many different roles as well, apart from just practicing as litigation lawyers. They may be involved in researching arguments, reviewing case facts, identifying relevant laws and other back office tasks of the sort. There are things however that paralegals do not do. One of these is provide services of law. This may include legal advice and opinion to the public or present information in court.
Being a paralegal requires one to have a firm interest in law. In addition, it will require one to be a good researcher, have great attention to detail and be highly organized. They should also be people who work well both in team environments and independently. And of course, with present technology, it would also be necessary for paralegals to have some knowledge of technology as more and more law firms and businesses are relying on electronic communication and records. Paralegal programs curriculums offered in schools today have courses ranging from business accounting programs to mathematical reasoning. These courses are vital for one to be able to interact with others, reason logically and communicate effectively all marks of a good paralegal.
Paralegals can be found in nearly any type of business. About 70% of paralegals work for law firms while a large number also get employment in corporate legal departments, insurance companies, legal clinics, banks and title companies. Government agencies also employ a good number of paralegals. Freelance paralegals specialize in specific areas of law such as corporate law, family law or criminal law. A large number of paralegals, about 46%, have specialized in litigation. However, before you can even consider any of these fields, enroll in one of the paralegal programs offered and see your path to being a paralegal start lighting up.
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