Can college students be paralegals?
John Hall
Updated on April 05, 2026
According to McClure, there are three types of academic credentials that someone can use to enter the paralegal profession: associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees or postbaccalaureate certificates. Postbaccalaureate certificates are an option only for college graduates and can be earned within one year, he adds.
Can an undergrad be a paralegal?
A four-year bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies may be a requirement for paralegal positions with major law firms, government legal departments or in corporate law. Those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field can consider earning a paralegal certificate, which can take several months to complete.
Do you need to be a law student to be a paralegal?
The law states that a paralegal needs to either have a BA degree with one year of law-related work experience verified by a practicing attorney or hold a paralegal certification from an American Bar Association (ABA) approved program. They are also required to take a continuing education course in ethics every 3 years.
How much do paralegals make out of college?
Looking ahead: job outlook
| State | Per hour | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $25.17 | $52,350 |
| Arkansas | $19.43 | $40,420 |
| California | $31.85 | $66,250 |
| Colorado | $30.26 | $62,950 |
Is paralegal Certificate hard?
While the work can be intensive, getting a paralegal certificate altogether is not difficult. Becoming a paralegal can happen in several ways. One may become a paralegal by receiving certification or with a degree. When one begins their paralegal certification, whichever method they employ can seem difficult.
What is the highest paying paralegal field?
Here are the 30 highest paying paralegal jobs:
- Paralegal Manager. $104,775.
- Legal Project Manager. $87,375.
- Intellectual Property Paralegal. $86,800.
- Nurse Paralegal. $82,687.
- Employment and Labor Law Paralegal. $80,685.
- Government Paralegal. $78,478.
- Senior Paralegal. $69,995.
- Corporate Paralegal. $66,134.
Can you go to college to be a paralegal?
While there are formal paralegal education programs that result in degrees exceeding a master’s degree, some paralegals have not taken online programs and instead have only on-the-job training to support their knowledge. Only a small number of accredited colleges and universities offer degree seeking programs in paralegal studies.
How long does it take to become a paralegal in the UK?
Lawyers have to complete an LLB degree which takes up to four years before they can practice in the legal field. Paralegal professionals can do different training courses. This could take as little time as 3 months to three to four years. Intec College is a leader in distance learning.
How much money can you make as a paralegal?
Some paralegal jobs require only an associate degree while others require a bachelor’s. The median salary for paralegals and legal assistants in the U.S. was $50,940 in May 2018, according to the BLS. (Getty Images)
What can a paralegal do for a lawyer?
Let’s break it down. Paralegals work for lawyers or attorneys directly. They prepare the paperwork that is needed in court, gather legal documents and assist with other legal duties. They also deal with clients and communicate with them during trials or court cases. A paralegal can also do research for their attorney and appear in court.
