How to Become a Paralegal
Working in the legal field can be an interesting and exciting livelihood, with several specialties ranging from corporate law to courtroom drama. It certainly isn't the same old grind; there's always something new coming up, working with attorneys on new cases, contracts and projects with often hugely consequential stakes. Moreover, law is one discipline that tends to fair better in economic downturns, has ample opportunities for advancement, and you don't need a law degree to be in the field.
To become a paralegal, you typically need an associate or bachelor’s degree in any field, followed by a paralegal certificate from an accredited program. UC Irvine's Division of Continuing Education (DCE) offers an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved Paralegal Certificate that can be completed online in as little as three months full-time or 12-24 months part-time.
Paralegals are a vital part of law firms and organizations, and the role is also excellent preparation for those who plan to pursue a law degree down the line. A paralegal certificate from a notable university such as UC Irvine can be a passport to this rewarding field. It can help you stand out in a highly competitive job market, and it can be earned in just a single quarter.
What Does a Paralegal Do?
Paralegals support attorneys by handling much of the essential groundwork that keeps legal matters moving. On a typical day, that might include conducting legal research, drafting contracts, pleadings, affidavits or briefs, managing case files, communicating with clients, and coordinating with courts or regulatory agencies. The role requires sharp attention to detail, strong written communication skills and the ability to juggle multiple deadlines, making it a natural fit for organized, detail-oriented professionals.
Paralegals are employed across virtually every sector of law, from large corporate firms to solo practitioners, real estate offices, healthcare organizations, and government agencies.
Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary across paralegal and legal assistant roles combined is approximately $60,000 nationwide, with paralegal positions typically trending toward the higher end of that range. California salaries frequently run above the national median, particularly in the Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego markets.
For professionals weighing career changes or looking to add credentials, the paralegal path offers strong returns on certificate-level investments in the legal field.
Step 1: What You Need to Get Started
A two-year associate or four-year bachelor's degree is all that's needed to apply for admission to the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education Paralegal certificate program, an ABA-approved program and certificate desired by employers. Your degree doesn't have to be related to law either.
Your next step would be to make an appointment with an Enrollment Coach for guidance on applying to the program as well as course scheduling assistance.
Step 2: Get Certified
The DCE Paralegal program provides learners with a strong background in legal knowledge and skillsets required to excel, all taught by instructors who are experienced attorneys and paralegals.
Learners leave the program with a solid background in legal research and document drafting skills, including contracts, pleadings, affidavits, and briefs. In the Legal Career Skills course, learners receive career coaching from an experienced paralegal to develop their resume, assist with job searches, and grow their paralegal professional network.
Whether the goal is working in a corporate setting, law office, or nonprofit organization, learners receive career preparation that can open the door to a career in the legal field. And you can work in your current position while completing the online courses.
There are flexible options to fit your schedule or lifestyle: Part-time students can complete the online program in 12 to 24 months, while those who can commit to a full-time compressed option can get it all done in just three months.
Aside from the standard curriculum, learners have access to DCE's Career Advancement Network (CAN), which offers valuable services from professional one-on-one coaching and mentoring, tech tools, webinars and workshops, as well as internship opportunities and an array of free online career resources.
Step 3: Gain Practical Experience
An internship provides essential on-the-job experience for aspiring paralegals and can often lead to a full-time position. It's an excellent opportunity for aspiring paralegals to check out areas they'd like to specialize in, whether it's business or litigation, real estate, or family law.
Candidates can also use CAN to find open micro-internships, which typically offer paid positions, mostly remote, that offer excellent experience.
Step 4: Choose Your Specialization
One of the most appealing aspects of a paralegal career is the range of paths available. Common specializations include:
- Corporate Law: Working with in-house legal teams on contracts, compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance.
- Litigation: Supporting trial attorneys with case preparation, depositions, discovery documents, and court filings.
- Real Estate: Managing title searches, purchase agreements, escrow documents, and property dispute filings.
- Family Law: Assisting attorneys on divorce, custody, adoption, and estate matters.
- Intellectual Property: Supporting patent, trademark, and copyright filings, especially relevant in technology-driven markets like Orange County and the greater Los Angeles region.
Step 5: Conduct a Successful Job Search
Check in with your extended network. Join the UC Irvine Alumni Association, which is open to all DCE alumni, to expand your network. Paralegal instructors and classmates can also offer leads as can friends and family.
DCE alumni have access to a range of job-search tools through CAN, including the 12Twenty Job Board that lists a range of open positions. Jobscan will scan resumes and optimize them for any position, focusing on key experience and skills that are most relevant.
Alumni also have access to the Big Interview platform which offers realistic mock job interviews so candidates can feel more comfortable with the real thing. Career counseling is available on a drop-in basis and DCE Career Workshops address topics such as Rock Your Next Interview, Stand-Out Resumes, and Salary Negotiation.
Remember to consider the benefits of potentially lesser-paying entry-level positions, such as a file clerk during your search. Like internships, they often lead to more lucrative full-time positions or, at the least, provide valuable experience that can pay off later.
Step 6: Pursue Additional Certification
Once established in a paralegal role, continuing your education, gaining additional certification, and expanding your skillsets is vital to career advancement.
The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) offers the Certified Paralegal (CP) credential, one of the most widely recognized designations in the profession. DCE's Paralegal Certificate program provides the legal knowledge foundation that prepares graduates to pursue this credential.
Contract Management, Project Management, and Business Administration are just a few of the DCE certificate programs that can benefit law professionals. Single courses such as business communication and integrating AI into business are offered as well and can be taken on an individual basis.
Think of your paralegal certificate as an achievement, and as a foundation on which you can build additional skills over time. After all, learning is a lifelong adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a law degree to become a paralegal?
No. A two-year associate's degree or four-year bachelor's degree in any subject is the only academic requirement to apply to UC Irvine DCE’s Paralegal Certificate program.
How long does it take to become a paralegal?
With UC Irvine DCE's full-time compressed option, you can complete the certificate in as little as three months. Part-time students typically finish in 12 to 24 months.
Is the UC Irvine DCE paralegal certificate ABA-approved?
Yes, it’s approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), a distinction desired by employers.
Can I become a paralegal while working full-time?
Yes. The program is offered online, and the part-time option is designed specifically for working professionals.
What is the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant? The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but paralegals typically take on more substantive legal work, including research, drafting documents, and managing case files, while legal assistants generally focus more on administrative and clerical support.
How much do paralegals earn in California?
California paralegal salaries tend to run above the national median of approximately $60,000 per year, particularly in the Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego markets. Experience, specialization, and employer type all influence compensation.