what are the requirements to be a paralegal?

Answer 1

get a degree in it from a community college.

Answer 2

The opportunities for a paralegal really depends on the specialty. The most in demand paralegals are those in the litigation field; followed by corporate paralegals who are responsible for maintaining corporate records, articles of incorporation, etc. While the "least" markeable [but the "highest" paid] paralegals are in the field of intellectual property [i.e., patents, trademarks] and immigration law. In conclusion, choose your paralegal courses accordingly, with emphasis on litigation preparation [discovery], docketing/calendaring of incoming pleadings [calendaring] and trial preparation [creating Exhibit tabs, Bajii jury instructions, etc.]. The "pro" side of a litigation paralegal is often "unlimited" overtime which can amount to a high salary range of $65,000 to $75,000 per year, while the "downside," being constantly pressured to meet a monthly client billable quota. And failing to meet that quota, often results in the paralegal's overnight dismissal. It's not a pretty picture. I just want to lay out what really happens in the real world of litigators and their relationship with subordinate paralegals.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Minimum requirements are to be detail oriented, thorough, teachable, computer literate, and willing to work long hours for low pay and infrequent displays of appreciation.

If you have any prior experience as a paralegal, you need to be able to "unlearn" as necessary, where the current firm does things differently.

Answer 4

have some brains and know how to write. There are courses one can take, but it is not necessary. Over half the paralegals working today are such by experience. They have learned what they need to know from the attorneys with whom they have worked. You need to be presentable. You need to presenta professional attitude. You need to be willing to keep a confidence. You need to be able to type and use a computer. In fact the computer useage is the best talent one can have in becoming a paralegal. You need to want to be involved in the law. Please do not take this kind of work unless you want to be involved with people. Besides needing to please your boss, you will also need to please his/her clientele. You need good phone skills and management of time skills. There will always be more work than there is time to do it. Paralegals can earn between $20,000 to $40,000 unless in one of the top ten cities, and there one might even make up to $70,000. Starting out expect to earn around $15,000 unless you have the schooling. In school you are taught forms and issues of the law so you can draft documents before your boss even thinks he needs them. It is how you make a good impression in the first few weeks. Good Luck

Answer 5

Tech schools have courses that train people to become paralegals. The law firm that I worked at preferred to do their own training. They trained their secretaries. If you don't have the money or time to go to school, try finding a firm that's willing to train you.

Answer 6

As an attorney, I can realistically tell you the requirements. The hotter you are, the more opportunities you will have. If not so hot, you will have to be very proficient to make up the slack for the hot girl.