A paralegal degree can be extremely valuable, even if you decide that being a paralegal is not for you. As with many degrees, studying law causes one to obtain a number of skills that can be transferred to a variety of jobs and careers. As everyone is different and may not fit into the same mold, here are here are five possible career paths for people who have earned a paralegal degree:
Become a Paralegal
The natural progression after studying to become a paralegal is to be a paralegal. Paralegals work under the supervision of at least one attorney. As paralegals are not authorized to perform any substantive legal work under their own name, the attorney employing the paralegal is ultimately responsible for the paralegal’s work. While unable to practice law, most paralegals handle a significant amount of work, including much of the paperwork required in procedural motions, bankruptcies, foreclosures, and divorces. Depending on the law practice, paralegals can move into a senior paralegal role over time.
Work on Capitol Hill
You don’t have to run for office to help make policy on Capitol Hill. People with paralegal training can be hired as a legislative assistant, who helps the elected member of Congress understand and establish policy. They often write proposed laws on behalf of the elected official.
Become a Project Manager
The goal of the project manager is to effectively plan, execute, and close a specific task or project. Typically project managers work in architecture, construction, and software development, though there are a number of additional industries that use project managers regularly. People in these positions plan, track, and help execute all aspects of a project from inception to completion.
Become a Clerk or Administrator in the court system
County and court clerks help maintain the records of the court in their jurisdiction. On occasion, the clerk is the party responsible for collecting fees from tickets, and then depositing the money on behalf of the court. In some states, the clerk or administrator has limited judicial powers that allow them to process certain hearings, including adoptions and foreclosures.
Become a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant
As the medical field continues to expand, there is a greater need for people who have been trained to understand the complexities of medicine and law. Legal Nurse Consultants have dual training in medicine, as they have either earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, or have a medical background as a registered nurse, or certified medical doctor, as well as legal training. This blend of knowledge prepares them assist medical and legal personnel in resolving medical and legal cases.
Become a Paralegal
The natural progression after studying to become a paralegal is to be a paralegal. Paralegals work under the supervision of at least one attorney. As paralegals are not authorized to perform any substantive legal work under their own name, the attorney employing the paralegal is ultimately responsible for the paralegal’s work. While unable to practice law, most paralegals handle a significant amount of work, including much of the paperwork required in procedural motions, bankruptcies, foreclosures, and divorces. Depending on the law practice, paralegals can move into a senior paralegal role over time.
Work on Capitol Hill
You don’t have to run for office to help make policy on Capitol Hill. People with paralegal training can be hired as a legislative assistant, who helps the elected member of Congress understand and establish policy. They often write proposed laws on behalf of the elected official.
Become a Project Manager
The goal of the project manager is to effectively plan, execute, and close a specific task or project. Typically project managers work in architecture, construction, and software development, though there are a number of additional industries that use project managers regularly. People in these positions plan, track, and help execute all aspects of a project from inception to completion.
Become a Clerk or Administrator in the court system
County and court clerks help maintain the records of the court in their jurisdiction. On occasion, the clerk is the party responsible for collecting fees from tickets, and then depositing the money on behalf of the court. In some states, the clerk or administrator has limited judicial powers that allow them to process certain hearings, including adoptions and foreclosures.
Become a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant
As the medical field continues to expand, there is a greater need for people who have been trained to understand the complexities of medicine and law. Legal Nurse Consultants have dual training in medicine, as they have either earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, or have a medical background as a registered nurse, or certified medical doctor, as well as legal training. This blend of knowledge prepares them assist medical and legal personnel in resolving medical and legal cases.