What Educational, Training, and Other Requirements Are Necessary To Become A Paralegal?
About 1,000 colleges and universities, law schools, and proprietary schools offer formal paralegal training programs. The American Bar Association (ABA) has approved approximately 260 paralegal programs. Although many employers do not require such approval, graduation from an ABA-approved program can enhance employment opportunities. Admission requirements vary. Some require certain college courses or a bachelor’s degree, while others accept high school graduates or those with legal experience. A few schools require standardized tests and personal interviews. The quality of paralegal training programs varies; some programs may include job placement services. If possible, prospective students should examine the experiences of recent graduates before enrolling in a paralegal program. Any training program usually includes courses in legal research and the legal applications of computers. According to the Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), the following programs are the most comm