How long does it take to become a paralegal?

Most paralegal programs take 1–2 years depending on whether you pursue a certificate or associate degree.

Do paralegals need certification?

Certification is optional but highly recommended to increase credibility and salary potential.

Can paralegals work remotely?

Yes, many paralegals now work remotely or in hybrid roles, especially in corporate and litigation support.

What is the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant?

Paralegals perform advanced legal research and drafting, while legal assistants handle administrative and clerical duties.

What is the average salary for paralegals?

The median annual salary for paralegals is about $61,010, with top earners making more than $95,000 per year.

How to Become a Paralegal

Updated October 26, 2025 | Brad Fishbein Table of Contents

Ever watched a courtroom scene and thought, "I'd love to help build that case"?
Paralegals make that happen every day.

Paralegals, also called legal assistants, are essential to law offices, corporations, and government agencies. They research laws, draft documents, organize evidence, and support attorneys before and during trials.
If you're analytical, organized, and thrive under deadlines, this is your gateway into law without the time or cost of law school.

What Paralegals Do

Paralegals support attorneys by managing case preparation and administrative legal work. Their day often includes drafting documents, conducting research, and organizing case materials.

Typical Responsibilities

Research laws, case precedents, and regulations
Draft legal documents and contracts
Organize discovery and trial exhibits
Interview clients and witnesses
Manage case deadlines and filings

Paralegals are the organizational core of any law office, ensuring cases stay on track and well-documented.

Key Skills and Traits for Success

Strong writing and research skills
Excellent organization and attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple projects at once
Professional ethics and confidentiality
Comfort with legal databases and technology
Clear and confident communication

Work Settings for Paralegals

Paralegals work in a variety of environments:

Law firms (litigation, corporate, family, or criminal law)
Corporate legal departments
Government agencies and courts
Nonprofits and advocacy organizations
Real estate and financial institutions

How to Become a Paralegal (5 Steps)

Becoming a paralegal usually takes 1–2 years, depending on your education and training path.

1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED

Start by strengthening your writing, communication, and civics skills — they provide a foundation for legal coursework.

2. Complete a Paralegal Studies Program

Choose between:

Certificate (6–12 months): Ideal for career changers or those with a degree in another field.
Associate Degree (2 years): The most common path into the profession.

Courses include legal research, litigation, contracts, and ethics.

3. Gain Practical Experience

Internships or entry-level legal assistant roles help build real-world skills and industry connections.

4. Consider Certification

Certification enhances credibility and earning potential:

Certified Paralegal (CP) - NALA
Registered Paralegal (RP) / CRP - NFPA
Professional Paralegal (PP) - NALS

5. Apply for Paralegal Jobs

Look for opportunities in law firms, corporate offices, or government agencies. Showcase writing samples and legal research projects in your portfolio.

Education and Certification Paths

Pathway	Typical Duration	Outcome
Certificate	6–12 months	Entry-level employment
Associate Degree	2 years	Most common credential
Bachelor's Degree	4 years	Supervisory or corporate roles
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate	6–12 months	Ideal for career changers

Career Growth and Advancement

With experience, paralegals can move into senior or specialized roles such as:

Senior Paralegal - manages cases and mentors new hires
Legal Analyst or Compliance Officer - focuses on corporate law and regulation
Paralegal Manager - oversees teams within law firms
Law Student / J.D. Candidate - some transition into law school for attorney roles

Cost and Duration of Training

Program Cost: $4,000–$15,000 depending on school and program type
Duration: 6 months to 2 years
Certification Exams: typically $150–$300 per credential

Many paralegal programs can be completed online, allowing you to study at your own pace.

Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

Strong employment stability
Varied and meaningful work
High entry-level pay
No law degree required

⚠️ Cons

Deadline-heavy and detail-driven work
Occasional long hours before trials
Emotionally intense cases

Take the First Step Toward a Paralegal Career

If you're organized, analytical, and passionate about justice, becoming a paralegal offers a rewarding and respected career without law school debt.

🎓 Start Your Paralegal Training Today

Quick Facts: Paralegal Salary, Education, and Outlook

Median Pay $61,010 $29.33/hr Top 10%: $98,990

Job Outlook (2024–2034) 0.2% 39,300 openings/yr

Employment (2024) 367,220

🏁Wage Percentiles: 25th $48,190 75th $78,280
🎓Typical Education: Associate degree or certificate
🛠️On‑the‑Job Training: None
🌎Highest Paying States: District of Columbia Washington Massachusetts
🏢Top Industries: Cross-industry
✅Certification: Optional (NALA CP or NFPA RP)

steps-to-become-a-paralegal

Paralegal Salary by State

State	Median annual	Top 10% annual
District of Columbia	$99,300	$128,100
Washington	$78,010	$115,120
Massachusetts	$74,990	$107,650
Colorado	$73,380	$106,080
New York	$66,390	$105,910
California	$72,960	$105,350
Illinois	$62,290	$102,270
Oregon	$63,970	$99,780
Maryland	$63,560	$99,520
Minnesota	$67,320	$98,480
New Jersey	$62,790	$98,360
Delaware	$60,000	$97,800
Virginia	$61,200	$97,520
Arizona	$61,220	$97,070
Texas	$59,700	$96,530
Alaska	$61,120	$95,410
Connecticut	$63,260	$95,220
Pennsylvania	$60,950	$94,990
Indiana	$50,690	$93,930
Georgia	$55,120	$92,500
Nebraska	$61,410	$88,540
Michigan	$61,490	$88,000
Utah	$55,630	$87,900
New Hampshire	$60,640	$87,260
West Virginia	$49,620	$87,050
Missouri	$58,730	$84,610
South Dakota	$57,300	$84,150
Hawaii	$60,890	$83,890
Ohio	$58,870	$83,530
Florida	$60,280	$82,450
North Carolina	$49,390	$82,380
Wisconsin	$56,520	$81,910
Rhode Island	$54,540	$81,880
Kansas	$48,910	$80,240
Vermont	$63,000	$79,440
Oklahoma	$50,200	$78,950
Nevada	$62,090	$78,760
Iowa	$53,280	$78,640
Maine	$58,510	$78,000
Kentucky	$49,000	$77,800
New Mexico	$56,620	$77,570
Arkansas	$46,940	$77,330
Louisiana	$47,580	$77,200
North Dakota	$59,910	$77,160
Montana	$54,230	$76,700
Tennessee	$55,270	$76,510
Idaho	$54,020	$74,610
Alabama	$46,060	$73,300
Wyoming	$49,980	$72,800
South Carolina	$48,640	$67,950
Mississippi	$39,120	$67,620

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024.

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.

Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.