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Want to Work in Law Without Becoming a Lawyer?

Here's the Truth About How to Become a Paralegal

If you think the only route into law is via becoming a lawyer, think again. This guide also explains how to become a paralegal. The paralegal profession has grown into a dynamic career that is very present in law firms, courtrooms, and corporate legal departments. Also, although the demand is on the rise, many still play down what it takes to become a paralegal and what that role entails in 2025.

This guide dispels old myths, puts aside fluff for facts, and takes you through how to enter the legal field smartly and confidently, focusing on paralegal education and how proper paralegal education can help, whether you’re just out of school or changing careers. It is also one of the most in-depth resources on how to become a paralegal in today’s legal system.

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Table of Contents

What Exactly Does a Paralegal Do in 2025?

Paralegals, also known as what they are sometimes called, do not just handle paperwork but also play key roles in conducting legal research, skills often emphasized in law school environments. They draft legal documents and legal correspondence, interview clients, conduct research, assist in trial preparation, and manage case files, including organizing and maintaining legal documents. They don’t give out legal advice or practice law, which is left to licensed attorneys, but they do play a very large role in keeping the legal team and other legal professionals running smoothly.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report, paralegal jobs will grow 4% through to 2032, also which is a note that the field is in fact growing in terms of demand and diversity. We also see from labor statistics that this is good news for professionals in the field, with many advancing to specialist roles or obtaining certified paralegal designations.

In recent years, the role has grown in the virtual space, with many practices aligning with American Bar Association recommendations on remote work. With the implementation of remote work and automation, we see that the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) reports many law firms are adopting Paralegal Virtual Assistants to perform core functions from a distance. We have Paralegal Virtual Assistants who provide the same services as traditional paralegals but do so remotely, which in turn reduces firms’ expenses and gives students faster turnaround times.

Paralegal Job Growth Projection (2023–2033)

In 2025, paralegals play a key role in helping lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing files, and supporting trial preparation. The demand for paralegals remains steady, with thousands of job openings projected each year. To better understand this trend, be sure to check out the graph below for a clear view of the profession’s outlook (bls.gov).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Paralegals, also known as what they are sometimes called, do not just handle paperwork but also play key roles in conducting legal research, skills often emphasized in law school environments. They draft legal documents and legal correspondence, interview clients, conduct research, assist in trial preparation, and manage case files, including organizing and maintaining legal documents. They don’t give out legal advice or practice law, which is left to licensed attorneys, but they do play a very large role in keeping the legal team and other legal professionals running smoothly.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report, paralegal jobs will grow 4% through to 2032, also which is a note that the field is in fact growing in terms of demand and diversity. We also see from labor statistics that this is good news for professionals in the field, with many advancing to specialist roles or obtaining certified paralegal designations.

In recent years, the role has grown in the virtual space, with many practices aligning with American Bar Association recommendations on remote work. With the implementation of remote work and automation, we see that the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) reports many law firms are adopting Paralegal Virtual Assistants to perform core functions from a distance. We have Paralegal Virtual Assistants who provide the same services as traditional paralegals but do so remotely, which in turn reduces firms’ expenses and gives students faster turnaround times.

Paralegal Job Growth Projection (2023–2033)

In 2025, paralegals play a key role in helping lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, organizing files, and supporting trial preparation. The demand for paralegals remains steady, with thousands of job openings projected each year. To better understand this trend, be sure to check out the graph below for a clear view of the profession’s outlook (bls.gov).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Bachelor's Degree

Though not required, you will find that having a degree in criminal law, legal studies, or business puts you ahead of the pack, especially in fields like family law, corporate law, or government agencies.

Some companies present on-the-job training for legal secretaries and admin assistants, which they wish to see through to paralegal roles. In a sense, we have many routes into this field. Getting into paralegal study or getting certified as a paralegal will greatly improve your value.

Do You Need a Law Degree to Become a Paralegal?

No, and workforce data support this, showing you don’t need a juris doctorate to enter the profession. You don’t need a legal education credential or even a bachelor’s degree to become a paralegal.

Here are your most common education paths, including options that lead to paralegal certification:

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Paralegal Certificate Programs

Fast-track options (which are for a term of usually a year or less) are available online or through community colleges and can be an excellent supplement to a bachelor’s degree in another field. Great for people that have background in legal admin. What we have are certificate programs in paralegal studies which help newcomers to get their feet wet in the paralegal field.

Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies

It is a 2-year program that provides in-depth paralegal education and a better-looking resume for job applications; however, a paralegal certificate can also offer specialized training in a shorter timeframe. Also, many of these associate degree programs include general education requirements as well as legal writing, making them beneficial for aspiring paralegals and legal assistants alike.

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Paralegal vs. Legal Secretary: Know the Difference

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Legal secretaries manage the diary, phone, and general office work. As for paralegals, they perform job functions like legal research, conducting legal analysis, drafting legal letters and case briefs, and working hands-on with the lawyers. Those who are keen on pursuing law can opt to become a paralegal as it provides hands-on experience, unlike years of law school.

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Breaking into the Legal Field: How to Start a Paralegal Career

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How to Get Experience Without Getting Stuck

Check for openings at nearby law firms or legal help organizations to gain hands-on experience with paralegal job duties; gaining such experience can positively impact your job outlook. If you are detail-oriented, organized, and familiar with legal databases, volunteer positions have a tendency to lead to paid work. These positions provide hopeful professionals insight into the actual legal processes and job responsibilities they would encounter in the office.

Source: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, joining a professional association like the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) also opens those doors. Members get access to job boards, continuous education, and certification programs. Also, think about adding a paralegal certificate or even enrolling in a paralegal program through a college or online school.

Virtual Assistants Are the Future of Paralegal Work

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, law firms are cutting back on budgets and turning to flexible staffing. That’s where Paralegal Virtual Assistants come in. We see them provide on-demand support, which in turn saves firms money while also improving the speed of service. It is not at all unusual to see paralegals working across many states, even across continents, from home-based offices.

In 2025, being tech-savvy is no longer optional. Familiarity with electronic filing systems, legal databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis, and digital communication tools is a standard expectation. Firms expect their legal assistants to be fluent in them.

If you’re looking for flexibility, a chance to work with international clients, or to freelance, a Paralegal Virtual Assistant role could be your ideal entry point into the legal process.

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Final Thoughts: Is This the Career for You?

In many cases, you do not require a law degree to work in the legal field. Becoming a paralegal, which is a very accessible, affordable, and flexible option, can open many doors. Also, with the increase of virtual legal services, the field is wide open for you to build out a very meaningful and impactful paralegal career.

In any of the settings, such as courtrooms, government agencies, private law firms, or working from your home on your laptop, the paralegal field is at your disposal and is only growing. If you are detail-oriented, enjoy legal research and analysis, and want to make an impact without the commitment of going to law school, this may be the smartest career move you will make.

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