Step 1: Complete a Formal Paralegal Education Program. If you’ve started researching what it takes to enter the paralegal field, you’ve likely come across some iffy information.

Grounded by the massive metro area of Baltimore and strategically placed near other major metro areas like Philadelphia and Washington D.C., Maryland has always enjoyed a strong legal services field that has translated into an equally strong paralegal field.

While the question of state regulation of paralegals continues to dominate the discussion (To date, there is no mandatory licensing or regulation of paralegals), a number of paralegal professional organizations offer advanced certification options for those in the field that want to demonstrate their advanced knowledge and competency and specialize their careers in …

The body of knowledge required to effectively perform legal support services can only come from a formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to be able to take on has also increased.

This is up for debate. But here’s what we know. The American Bar Association (ABA) is synonymous with law schools in the U.S. Since 1952, the ABA (or rather, the Council of the ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar) has been accrediting programs leading to the Juris Doctor (JD) degree for lawyers.

An ABA paralegal is a paralegal that received training through an American Bar Association-approved program. Many employers and professional organizations seek paralegals who have completed a course of study through an ABA-approved program, thereby speaking to the ABA’s legitimacy in the United States.

Kentucky’s paralegals are the most valued support professionals in the legal field. Known for their organizational prowess, their expertise in producing legal documents and correspondence, and their proficiency in multi-tasking, paralegals are indispensable members of corporate law departments, independent law firms, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations throughout the state.

You’re in luck. The profession is experiencing strong job growth and more opportunities than ever before. The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) reported that high job growth in the field is being driven by law firms looking …

Paralegal careers are about as multi-faceted as they come. Changes in industry and economics are fueling growth in the field, particularly in areas like intellectual property law, elder issues, medical law, environmental law, bankruptcy and international law.

Immigration paralegals may work for non-profit organizations, government agencies or private law firms. Most immigration paralegals work to help their clients become legal residents or naturalized citizens, though some immigration specialists may work for government agencies that deport illegal residents.