Finding the Best Paralegal Training Program

Presently there exist several professions which you'll find are highly coveted in today's economy. Among those professions is that of paralegal (or legal assistant), which was termed as the most desirable (and underrated) of careers in 2011 by CareerCast(R). In America, unemployment rose to over 9% in 2011, while joblessness among paralegals was only 4.6%. Currently there are only a few states which regulate the total amount of education a legal assistant must have. Further, the average paralegal salary is over $47,000 each year, furnishing a new career path with a good salary expectation for those displaced when the economy collapsed, as well as those seeking their first career position.

Businesses looking to add paralegals to the payroll are much more exacting than the states' legislatures, and expect specialized schooling for anyone being considered for a legal assistant position. Before you choose from among paralegal schools in any legal assistant certificate or degree program, be sure you have a good idea as to the educational criteria which prospective employers have nearby. Find out if they'll accept an eight month paralegal certificate from an internet-based institute, if they call for a two year Associates degree from an accredited school, or if they want you to obtain an American Bar Association approved four year Bachelors degree. You shouldn't graduate with a certificate that no one will take, nor would you like to spend four years (and a lot of money) on a Bachelors degree that over qualifies you in your local job market. Stated differently, you're letting the tail wag the dog if you graduate, and only then look around to discover who will take your certificate or degree.

It's fairly simple to see the hiring needs and wants of potential employers - just call them and inquire! By doing so you'll also be introducing yourself to them, and begin establishing your professional network. You can make follow-up phone calls or visits to find out if presently there are any areas of specialization among entry level paralegal jobs (e.g. immigration, real estate, or medical legal assistant) that are most in demand; doing so will re-acquaint them with you and establish you as someone to consider when you graduate. Once they've become more familiar with you, you can ask them concerning the prospect of working with them as an intern, or check with them chance of scholarship or grant money for your educational effort. Each contact brings you more clearly into focus in the employers' eyes, and increases the chance you'll find a good paying position with a well-respected firm when you graduate, versus relying on 'help wanted' listings online or in the classified section of your local newspaper.

Some may be able to locate potential employers to talk to by talking to their university's occupational counselor, with their professors' contacts within the industry, or with connections furnished by helpful alumni. Others may begin by contacting law firms, hospitals, significant manufacturers, insurance firms, governmental agencies, etc. - anyone likely to have a legal department. Use your imagination to seek out connections most suitable for your situation; the efforts you make now will ensure a relatively smooth transition from studying to working when the time comes to discover a new job.

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Denny McLain has assisted hundreds of students and graduates who are considering a new position as a legal assistant, as well as those already in the profession. Visit http://www.paralegaltrainingschools.com to read how best to follow that dream, and step up your networking efforts to improve your job prospects by visiting http://www.paralegaltrainingschools.com/networking-key-to-improving-your-future

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