How to Find Paralegal Work

Paralegal is an increasingly popular career track.  A paralegal usually works directly alongside a licensed attorney typing up documents, possibly meeting with clients and answering client questions.  Since many people are now seeking paralegal work, it’s necessary to make sure you are qualified to work as a paralegal before starting your job search.

Earn a bachelors degree in an applicable area.  Most paralegals have excellent grammar, spelling, typing and computer skills.  Business degrees are common and practical.  A simple degree in English may not qualify you for paralegal work as a knowledge of business practice is needed in paralegal work.

Gain work experience.  Many paralegals gain experience working as legal secretaries before moving on to doing real paralegal work.  Getting a degree in “paralegal studies” is usually not needed and can be a waste of money.  Having a solid resume with legal experience is important.

Apply to any paralegal work you can find.  Call law firms in the area to see if they have any job openings or would be willing to hold onto your resume until a position for paralegal work opens.  Also check with large companies in the area, most have general counsel working for them that may be hiring for paralegal work.

Consider volunteering your time to an attorney to gain work experience and build your legal resume if you don’t find any paralegal work.  The legal field can be hard to break into if you’ve never worked in a legal environment before, build your resume and experience up until you are qualified for a legal job.

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