Do you need a JD 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.

What jobs can I get with a paralegal certificate?

• Corporate Paralegals. Corporations across the country are seeking paralegals with a wide variety of skills to meet their individual needs.
• Real Estate and Title Insurance Paralegals.
• Public Defender Paralegals.
• Paralegals Within NGOs.
• Judicial Paralegals.
• Government Paralegals.
• Nursing Paralegals.

What makes a good paralegal?

More than anything else, a successful paralegal is one with exceptional communication skills. The job requires interaction with people on a daily basis— interviewing clients, conducting meetings, and working with the attorneys and support staff within a firm. Written communication skills are also very important.

What legal documents do paralegals draft?

A large part of a paralegal’s day is spent drafting legal documents. This can include drafting correspondence and pleadings, such as complaints, subpoenas, interrogatories, deposition notices, pretrial orders, and legal briefs with various parties. Paralegal training in the art of written communication is essential.

What can a paralegal not do?

Paralegals are also not allowed to solicit for legal business, they are not allowed to set fees for clients, and they cannot accept or reject cases. All of those duties are the sole responsibility of the lawyer. Another thing a paralegal cannot do is sign any type of legal document with the attorney’s signature.

Can you be a paralegal with just a certificate?

The truth is that employment opportunities for paralegals are great across the board. Some may look down upon a certification program as less than full degree in paralegal studies, but most employers are just as willing to hire a certified paralegal as they are to hire one with a full degree.

Can you call yourself a paralegal without a degree?

You definitely do not need a degree to be a paralegal.

Can a paralegal work independently?

Instead of working directly for attorneys, law firms, or governmental organizations as an employee on the payroll, freelance paralegals work for attorneys as independent contractors. As a contract paralegal you are your own boss, and the attorneys you provide services for become your clients.