Leah Fischer: Other Paths to a Career as a Paralegal
Paralegals,
like Leah Fischer, play a vital role in the legal system by completing
essential legal tasks that ensure the delivery of quality legal services to
clients with legal needs. If you are interested in becoming a paralegal, Leah
Fischer shares alternative paths for becoming one below.
On-the-Job Training
Many law
firms may hire entry-level paralegals with no experience or education in
paralegal studies, training them once they are hired. New hires like these usually
have a bachelor’s degree in another field, but others may not have a degree at
all.
Working Your Way Up
Another way
to become a paralegal is to start in a law firm as an office assistant, legal
secretary, or document preparer, recommends Leah Fischer. Once you learn the
terminology and basics of law through exposure, it may be easier to become a
paralegal with that law firm.
Internships
Some
prospective paralegals participate in internship programs that are commonly
organized through a paralegal certificate program. As an intern, a candidate
gains practical experience and legal knowledge, which may help him or her get
hired in a (paid) paralegal role later.
Volunteer Work
Although it
is less common than other paths to become a paralegal, there are many
organizations that welcome volunteer legal assistants. Earning volunteer
experience can help candidates get a foot in the door with paralegal employers.
Organizations to explore include mediation services providers and Court
Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs.
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