A paralegal specialist has a prestigious position within a law firm.
While they must work under an attorney, they perform many legal duties on their own.
They are also responsible for supervising other paralegals in the firm.
What Is a Paralegal Specialist?
A paralegal specialist is a paralegal who has the education and experience to handle most legal tasks.
They work under the supervision of an attorney, who is ultimately responsible for their work.
However, they often spend most of their time working independently.
They may also be responsible for supervising other paralegals.
The duties of a paralegal specialist include:
- Legal research: researching case law, precedents, regulations, etc.
- Creating legal documents: including motions, pleadings, contracts, confirmation letters, and correspondence.
- Evaluating case files: identifying issues and the strength of a case
- Summarizing: summarizing depositions, testimony, and interrogations
- Attending legal proceedings: this may include real estate closings, court hearings, trials, and depositions
- Communicate their findings: reporting findings to the attorney
Steps to Become a Paralegal Specialist
Becoming a paralegal specialist typically takes a few years.
You’ll need to start with education, then move on to certification and experience.
1. Education
There are no specific educational requirements to become a paralegal specialist.
However, most paralegals complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or legal studies.
You can earn an associate’s degree in two years, and a bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete.
You can also earn a certificate in paralegal studies, which typically takes 6 to 18 months to complete.
While not required in most states, most employers require you to have a degree or certificate in paralegal studies to be a paralegal specialist.
2. Certification
Certification isn’t a requirement for being a paralegal specialist in most states, but it does make you more attractive to potential employers.
Most employers will not hire you as a paralegal specialist without a certification.
3. Experience
Because a paralegal specialist is often responsible for many legal duties and other paralegals, you’ll need some experience as a paralegal before becoming a paralegal specialist.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal Specialist
If you plan to work in California, Utah, or Washington, you will need a paralegal certification.
In other states, licensing or certification isn’t required.
This is because paralegals are supervised by a licensed attorney.
Practically speaking, however, you’ll need a paralegal certification to become a paralegal specialist.
NALA Certification
Most paralegals choose NALA or the National Association of Legal Assistants.
There are three ways to qualify for the exam.
The first is to complete an approved training program.
These include a certificate program approved by the ABA, or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or legal studies.
You can also qualify if you have at least 5 years of paralegal experience.
Lastly, if you have a bachelor’s degree in any field you may qualify.
You’ll need one year of experience as a paralegal or 15 hours of paralegal courses.
Once you qualify, you’ll need to take an exam.
If you pass the exam, you are eligible for paralegal certification.
NFPA Certification
You can also get certified through the NFPA or the National Federation of Paralegal Associations.
The NFPA offers two certifications.
The first certification is the CRP or Core Registered Paralegal.
You’ll need to take the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE) to earn this certification.
You can qualify for this certification with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies.
If you have a degree in another field, you must meet some additional requirements.
You can also qualify if you have 5 years of experience as a paralegal.
Paralegal specialists may need to earn their RP or Registered Paralegal certification.
You’ll need to pass the PACE exam for this certification.
To qualify, you’ll need a degree in paralegal studies and experience.
Experience requirements range from 2 to 7 years, depending on your education.
Online Training Programs
To become a paralegal specialist, an associate or bachelor’s degree is recommended.
National Paralegal College
National Paralegal College was founded in 2003.
They offer several certificates and degrees.
You can earn a paralegal certificate in just 7 months.
You’ll need a total of 24 credits.
This includes four core legal courses and four elective courses.
The Paralegal associate degree can be completed in 15 months, depending on your course load.
You’ll need a total of 60 credits to graduate.
This includes four core legal courses and 8 advanced or specialty legal courses.
You’ll also need 24 credits from other courses offered by the college, including 15 general education courses.
To earn your bachelor’s degree in legal studies, you’ll need a total of 120 credits.
This includes four core legal courses, 12 courses of advanced legal and specialty courses, and 72 credits from any course offered by the college, including 30 general education credits.
George Washington University College of Professional Studies
The George Washington University College of Professional Studies offers a certificate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in paralegal studies.
Each program is approved by the ABA or the American Bar Association.
The college has a strong professional network, including judges, lawyers, and legal experts.
This is one reason why graduates have a nearly 100% employment rate.
Washington Technical Institute
Washington Technical Institute offers a paralegal certificate course.
You can complete the course in just 4 months, and it requires 252 clock hours or 6 credits.
This is a great way to get started as a paralegal, but you’ll need more education to become a paralegal specialist.
National University
National University has been offering adult-focused education for more than 50 years.
They offer several degrees, including an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law Studies.
They offer a unique course schedule. Instead of taking several courses at one time, you’ll take one course every 4 weeks.
This allows you to balance work and responsibilities while earning your education.
Rasmussen University
Rasmussen University offers two paralegal studies programs.
You can earn your Associate degree in Paralegal Studies or a post-degree certificate.
The college offers assessments that can allow you to earn credit for courses that you already understand without completing the course.
You can choose between a civil or criminal track.
You’ll complete a capstone course, which allows you to gain real-world experience.
Once you’ve completed the course, you are eligible to take the CLA/CP certification exam.
National American University
National American University offers two degree programs.
You can choose an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies or a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies.
The associate program can be completed in two years.
You’ll learn substantive and procedural law and how to apply legal theories to cases.
You’ll be able to communicate verbally and in writing effectively and understand how to behave professionally.
The bachelor’s program takes 4 years to complete.
This program is more in-depth and includes applying legal theories to cases, and how to utilize legal research.
After completing the program, you are eligible to take the NALA certification exam.
Both programs are ABA-approved.
Salary
The average salary for a paralegal specialist is $67,696.
Most salaries range from $57,000, which is the 25th percentile, to $78,500 for the 75th percentile.
Earners in the 90th percentile will earn an average of $94,000.
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 4,000 | $53,450 | $25.70 | $74,820 | $35,210 |
| Alaska | 760 | $63,180 | $30.38 | $92,640 | $45,850 |
| Arizona | 7,550 | $65,400 | $31.44 | $93,640 | $38,030 |
| Arkansas | 1,460 | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - | - NA - |
| California | 39,220 | $79,210 | $38.08 | $117,120 | $48,320 |
| Colorado | 5,400 | $72,220 | $34.72 | $101,830 | $47,180 |
| Connecticut | 4,850 | $71,140 | $34.20 | $96,530 | $48,030 |
| Delaware | 1,590 | $71,360 | $34.31 | $102,510 | $47,760 |
| District of Columbia | 5,340 | $94,290 | $45.33 | $126,940 | $58,080 |
| Florida | 35,020 | $61,830 | $29.72 | $86,030 | $38,600 |
| Georgia | 12,440 | $61,210 | $29.43 | $90,810 | $35,880 |
| Hawaii | 1,170 | $64,250 | $30.89 | $86,240 | $43,760 |
| Idaho | 1,720 | $52,980 | $25.47 | $77,540 | $30,240 |
| Illinois | 15,780 | $63,340 | $30.45 | $96,030 | $45,540 |
| Indiana | 5,550 | $56,480 | $27.15 | $81,850 | $37,440 |
| Iowa | 2,520 | $59,610 | $28.66 | $83,700 | $38,180 |
| Kansas | 3,050 | $53,310 | $25.63 | $81,380 | $36,210 |
| Kentucky | 2,590 | $53,910 | $25.92 | $74,490 | $37,690 |
| Louisiana | 4,860 | $53,980 | $25.95 | $79,930 | $35,580 |
| Maine | 1,260 | $59,800 | $28.75 | $77,280 | $45,010 |
| Maryland | 6,190 | $68,070 | $32.73 | $94,100 | $43,480 |
| Massachusetts | 7,520 | $74,710 | $35.92 | $102,520 | $47,690 |
| Michigan | 7,580 | $63,460 | $30.51 | $85,750 | $40,450 |
| Minnesota | 5,650 | $68,410 | $32.89 | $97,230 | $39,790 |
| Mississippi | 1,980 | $46,620 | $22.41 | $67,020 | $35,290 |
| Missouri | 5,640 | $61,100 | $29.38 | $80,660 | $37,950 |
| Montana | 1,130 | $58,310 | $28.03 | $79,800 | $45,720 |
| Nebraska | 1,420 | $60,580 | $29.12 | $84,050 | $42,020 |
| Nevada | 3,360 | $61,200 | $29.43 | $81,500 | $33,810 |
| New Hampshire | 1,460 | $59,810 | $28.76 | $81,700 | $38,240 |
| New Jersey | 11,440 | $70,380 | $33.84 | $99,210 | $42,920 |
| New Mexico | 1,850 | $56,840 | $27.33 | $74,480 | $42,010 |
| New York | 30,930 | $78,850 | $37.91 | $128,400 | $50,010 |
| North Carolina | 12,160 | $57,860 | $27.82 | $83,880 | $37,650 |
| North Dakota | 690 | $55,940 | $26.89 | $73,680 | $40,260 |
| Ohio | 8,910 | $57,360 | $27.58 | $81,220 | $36,030 |
| Oklahoma | 2,790 | $56,430 | $27.13 | $79,000 | $37,340 |
| Oregon | 5,010 | $69,100 | $33.22 | $95,190 | $47,650 |
| Pennsylvania | 12,530 | $65,940 | $31.70 | $95,260 | $42,570 |
| Rhode Island | 1,450 | $70,220 | $33.76 | $94,450 | $49,980 |
| South Carolina | 7,050 | $50,820 | $24.43 | $68,540 | $35,560 |
| South Dakota | 470 | $59,560 | $28.64 | $75,840 | $44,550 |
| Tennessee | 5,360 | $56,440 | $27.14 | $83,430 | $35,360 |
| Texas | 28,140 | $63,720 | $30.64 | $97,280 | $37,690 |
| Utah | 3,190 | $57,440 | $27.61 | $80,620 | $39,750 |
| Vermont | 620 | $61,990 | $29.80 | $77,190 | $48,420 |
| Virginia | 9,460 | $63,820 | $30.68 | $93,670 | $38,170 |
| Washington | 7,960 | $75,560 | $36.33 | $107,500 | $47,840 |
| West Virginia | 1,780 | $56,870 | $27.34 | $83,200 | $32,610 |
| Wisconsin | 4,640 | $57,750 | $27.77 | $79,370 | $40,670 |
| Wyoming | 400 | $56,870 | $27.34 | $82,400 | $39,000 |
| Guam | 60 | $43,360 | $20.85 | $72,950 | $24,560 |
| Puerto Rico | ** | $39,350 | $18.92 | $58,720 | $23,420 |
| Virgin Islands | 80 | $53,080 | $25.52 | $64,670 | $40,000 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
The top earning state in the field is District of Columbia, where the average salary is $94,290.
These are the top 10 earning states in the field:
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
It’s inspiring to see a clear path for advancing in the legal field. Are there any certifications or specific training programs that are highly recommended for specialization?
Such a good read! What are some of the most in-demand specialties for paralegal specialists, like corporate law or litigation support?