Quick Answer Paralegal continuing education requirements depend on your certification and state. California is the only state requiring CLE for all paralegals (8 hours every 2 years). National certifications like NALA’s CP require 50 hours every 5 years. Strategic CE …
posted in Career Guidance
Quick Answer The right paralegal education depends on your starting point. Career changers with bachelor’s degrees need only a 9- to 12-month post-baccalaureate certificate ($3,000- $8,000). Those without degrees should pursue an associate degree (2 years, $6,000-$20,000) for the best …
posted in Paralegal Education
Quick Answer Paralegal students can access more than 50 scholarships ranging from $250 to $5,000. National awards from NFPA and AAfPE offer the most significant awards, while state paralegal associations provide underutilized local opportunities. Most require a 3.0 GPA, an …
posted in Financial Aid & Scholarships
Quick Answer Paralegal education costs range from $3,000 to $40,000+, depending on the program type.* Funding options include federal financial aid (for degree programs), scholarships from professional associations, employer tuition assistance, and state workforce development grants. Certificate programs often don’t …
posted in Paralegal Education
Quick Answer Paralegals should ask 5-7 thoughtful questions during interviews about case types, team structure, technology tools, advancement opportunities, work-life balance, and firm culture. These questions demonstrate genuine interest, help evaluate whether the firm aligns with your career goals, and …
posted in Articles
Quick Answer Becoming a paralegal can be an excellent career choice for those wanting to enter the legal field relatively quickly. You can start with an associate’s degree (typically 2 years full-time) or a certificate program (8-12 months if you …
posted in Paralegal Education
Quick Answer To prepare for the NALA CP exam, start by reviewing the Knowledge and Skills exam outlines on NALA’s website. Consider investing in study resources like NALA’s on-demand webinars, practice exam, or the Certified Paralegal Exam Fundamentals book. Most …
posted in Articles
Quick Answer NALA (National Association of Legal Assistants) is one of the most widely recognized paralegal professional associations in the U.S., offering two voluntary certifications: Certified Paralegal (CP) and Advanced Certified Paralegal (ACP). The CP requires passing a Knowledge Exam …
posted in Articles
Quick Answer Essential paralegal books include The Redbook for legal writing, Black’s Law Dictionary for terminology, and Paralegal Today for comprehensive professional guidance. Build your reference library with both technical manuals and career development guides. New paralegals should prioritize The …