Certification is proof of passing a third-party course, such as the Certified Paralegal exam through NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants). A paralegal degree is an accredited credential offered through a college or university, such as an associate degree or a bachelor's degree.
How to Become a Paralegal in Arizona Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies. Many employers prefer to hire candidates with some paralegal studies education, such as a certificate in paralegal studies or an associate degree in legal studies. Gain experience. Seek certification, if desired.
Although ABA approval demonstrates a paralegal program's high standards and consistency, an ABA-approved program is not necessarily the only way to gain a good paralegal education. Even the ABA concurs that there should be an array of ways that an individual can gain competence as a paralegal.
A contract paralegal cannot work directly with the public; under California law, paralegals must work under the direction and supervision of an active member of the State Bar of California, or an attorney practicing law in the federal courts of this state.
Finding accredited schools is as easy as going to the Directory of ABA Approved Paralegal Education Programs (.abanet). On this website, students will find an interactive map that lists all programs approved by the American Bar Association.
Phoenix College's Paralegal Studies program is the only American Bar Association (ABA) approved program in northern Arizona. The program offers courses in civil procedures, legal writing, legal research, civil interviewing and investigation, contracts, business organizations, litigation technologies, and more.
Paralegals with expertise in high-demand practice areas such as intellectual property, corporate law, real estate, or healthcare law often earn higher salaries. Specializing in a niche area can make a paralegal more valuable to employers.
Certification: Certification is not required by the state of Arizona. Age: You must be a legal adult to work as a paralegal in this state. Licensure: No license is required. However, you must work under the supervision of an attorney unless you have become a Legal Document Preparer.
Even though paralegals do a lot of the administrative work within a firm, know the law, and work with clients, they are not lawyers. Paralegals cannot give legal advice, make decisions on behalf of clients, or represent clients in court as they are not licensed attorneys.
Legal Writing Skills for the Paralegal Keep Your Legal Writing brief. Communicate in a professional manner. Get Very Familiar with Microsoft Word. Do Not Reinvent the Wheel, But Do Be Careful When Reusing Documents. Do Not Skip the Review Process. Do Not Plagiarize. Stay Organized. Keep Your Desk Tidy.