Could A Georgia Paralegal Career Be Right For You

By Catherine Hill


If you are graduating from high school or college, you may have some idea of what you want to do with the rest of your life. On the other hand, many young people come out of school without any idea about what to do next. Certain areas of business are booming, while others seem to be declining. There are professions however, that will always be in demand, and the field of law is one of them. Maybe you should consider a career as a Georgia paralegal.

Paralegals are not attorneys. They are now allowed to represent individuals in the courtroom, offer legal advice, or handle cases. Paralegals are assistants to lawyers. They are the people who interview clients, conduct research, draft documents, and collect evidence. Good paralegals are vital to the success of law firms. They can be just as knowledgeable about a case as the attorney assigned to it.

You probably won't get rich working in this field, but the job does provide a steady income. Most paralegals can expect to earn somewhere in the range of fifty thousand dollars and, in certain areas of the country the median income is higher. New Jersey, Washington, D. C., and California paralegals are among the highest paid. The more qualified you are however the more likely you are to earn a salary in the upper range.

Law firms are looking for certain kinds of individuals for their paralegal positions. You must be smart, confident, and able to calm even the most distressed client. You will be interacting with individuals who are in trouble of some sort. They can be difficult, demanding, and emotional. It will be your job to remain professional while assuring them they are in good hands. Not everyone has the right personality for this challenging career.

Although there are no federal or state licensing and certification requirements when it comes to this position, those who have an associate's degree in paralegal studies or have served as an intern in a law firm, will probably have an edge over the competition. Some law firms do require applicants to have an associate's or bachelor's degree in a related subject in order to be considered.

Some law firms look for certified paralegals when they are hiring however. Individuals who have certifications have passed rigorous testing in the areas of federal law, ethics, communication, writing skills, and legal terminology. They can often command higher salaries than those without the designation.

If you have an interest in furthering your education and are curious about pursuing law studies, you might consider taking steps to become a lawyer yourself. If you have an associate's degree in paralegal studies, some of the credits may go toward a law degree. You will have to get a four year bachelor's degree and go on to law school though.

A lot of people have rewarding and satisfying careers as paralegals. The job can be demanding and challenging. It might even be the first step in becoming a highly paid and sought after lawyer.




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