Legal Careers
How to Become a Paralegal
Most paralegals complete a paralegal certificate (often 3–12 months) or a two-year associate degree in paralegal studies, then get hired by a law firm, company, or government office. No national license is required, and training usually costs $1,000–$15,000 depending on the program. Voluntary certification, such as NALA's Certified Paralegal, can help you stand out.
- Time to start
- 3 months–2 years
- Typical cost
- $1,000–$15,000 for most certificate and associate programs
- Median pay
- $62,890 per year
- Education
- Paralegal certificate or associate degree; some employers prefer a bachelor's
- License / certification
- None required in most states; voluntary certification (NALA CP, NFPA PACE)
- Job outlook
- 0% (2025–35), little or no change; about 40,800 openings a year
Steps to become a paralegal
Decide on your education route
If you have no degree, a two-year associate degree in paralegal studies is the most common entry path. If you already have a bachelor's degree, a post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate is faster. Look for ABA-approved programs when you can, since many employers and certifications recognize them.
Complete a paralegal program
Courses cover legal research and writing, civil procedure, torts, contracts, and legal ethics. Online, evening, and community college options are widely available. Keep your best research memo or brief as a writing sample for job applications.
Get hands-on experience
Do an internship or practicum through your program, or volunteer at a legal aid office or court self-help center. A legal secretary, receptionist, or file clerk job at a law firm is another common way in. Employers value real experience with case files, deadlines, and e-filing.
Learn the software firms use
Get comfortable with Westlaw or Lexis research, Microsoft Word and Excel, and case management tools such as Clio. E-discovery platforms are a plus for litigation jobs. Many programs and vendors offer free student access or training.
Choose a practice area
Litigation, corporate, real estate, immigration, family, and intellectual property are common specialties. Pick one that matches your interests and local job market, and tailor your resume to it. Specialized paralegals, such as patent or e-discovery paralegals, often earn more.
Apply for entry-level paralegal jobs
Search law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and legal staffing agencies. Send a tailored resume, a short cover letter, and a writing sample if asked. Join your local paralegal association to find job leads and networking events.
Earn a voluntary certification
NALA's Certified Paralegal (CP) and NFPA's PACE Registered Paralegal (RP) are the best-known national credentials. Each has education or experience requirements and an exam, plus continuing education to keep it. Some states, such as California, also set their own education and continuing education rules for anyone using the title paralegal.
Find a paralegal certificate or degree program
A community college certificate or associate degree is the most common and affordable route; choose an ABA-approved program if you want the widest recognition.
- Paralegal certificate (online or in person)
- Post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate
- Associate degree in paralegal studies
- Bachelor's degree in paralegal or legal studies
- ABA-approved paralegal program
- Certification exam prep course (NALA CP, NFPA PACE/CRP)
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How much it costs and how long it takes
| Expense | Low | High | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal certificate program | $1,000 | $10,000 | Community colleges are usually the cheapest; university programs cost more |
| Associate degree in paralegal studies | $6,000 | $30,000 | Two years; in-district community college tuition is at the low end |
| Textbooks and software | $200 | $1,500 | Some programs include Westlaw/Lexis student access |
| NALA CP exam (application and testing fees) | $300 | $500 | Lower rates for members and students; check nala.org for current fees |
| Paralegal association membership | $50 | $200 | Per year; useful for jobs and CLE |
| Total | $7,550 | $42,200 | Timeline: 3 months–2 years |
Exams and how to prepare
NALA Certified Paralegal (CP) exam
Two parts: a multiple-choice Knowledge Exam on substantive law and procedure, then a written Skills Exam. Eligibility is based on education or experience.
How to prepare: 6–12 weeks using NALA's study materials and practice questions.
NFPA PACE (Registered Paralegal)
Exam for experienced paralegals covering legal knowledge, ethics, and practice skills.
How to prepare: 2–3 months; NFPA offers a study manual and online review.
NFPA CRP (Core Registered Paralegal)
Entry-level exam for newer paralegals and recent graduates.
How to prepare: 4–8 weeks of review of your program coursework.
Prepare for a paralegal certification exam
Certification is voluntary in most states but can help you get hired and qualify for higher pay.
- NALA Certified Paralegal (CP)
- NFPA PACE Registered Paralegal (RP)
- NFPA Core Registered Paralegal (CRP)
Paralegal salary and job outlook
BLS projects little or no change (0%) in employment from 2025 to 2035, but about 40,800 openings each year, mostly to replace workers who leave the field. There were about 404,900 paralegal and legal assistant jobs in 2025.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2025 wage data; projections 2025–35
Printable PDF
Paralegal Career Kit: 90-Day Action Plan
- 90-day action plan with checkboxes
- Documents checklist
- 12 interview questions with tips
- Resume lines, common mistakes, 13-week tracker
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a paralegal?
A certificate program can take 3–12 months, and an associate degree usually takes two years. If you already have a bachelor's degree, a post-baccalaureate certificate is the fastest route. Add a few months for an internship and job search.
Can you become a paralegal without a degree?
Yes, in most states. A paralegal certificate plus experience can be enough, and some employers promote legal secretaries or assistants into paralegal roles. Large firms and some states, such as California, have stricter education rules.
Do paralegals need to be certified or licensed?
Most states do not require a license or certification. National certifications such as NALA's CP or NFPA's RP are voluntary but can help with hiring and pay. Always check your state's rules before using the title.
How much does it cost to become a paralegal?
Certificate programs often cost $1,000–$10,000, and associate degrees often cost $6,000–$30,000 depending on the school. Community colleges are usually the cheapest option. Certification exams add a few hundred dollars.
How much do paralegals make?
BLS reports a median of $62,890 a year in May 2025. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,740 and the top 10% more than $101,500. Pay is usually higher at large firms, in big cities, and in specialties like corporate or intellectual property law.
What is the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant?
BLS groups them together, and many employers use the titles interchangeably. In some firms, paralegals do more substantive legal work such as research and drafting, while legal assistants handle more administrative tasks.
Is the NALA Certified Paralegal exam hard?
It is a serious exam with a multiple-choice Knowledge Exam and a separate written Skills Exam that you take after passing the first part. Most candidates study for several weeks using NALA's materials. Recent program graduates often find it easier while coursework is fresh.
Can paralegals work from home?
Some can. Remote and freelance paralegal work exists, especially for research, drafting, and e-discovery, but you must still work under an attorney's supervision. Most entry-level jobs are in-office or hybrid.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- NALA: Certified Paralegal (CP) program
- NFPA: PACE and CRP certification
- American Bar Association: Approved paralegal education programs
Requirements vary by state and employer and can change. Confirm details with the official sources above before you spend money on training.