Explore pathways to a successful paralegal career by choosing a quality paralegal program that focuses on critical thinking, legal knowledge, and essential professional competencies.
Becoming a successful paralegal requires more than just basic legal knowledge. Critical thinking, organizational, research, writing, oral communication, and interpersonal skills are all vital components of effective paralegal education. When looking at potential programs, consider their curriculum, faculty qualifications, accreditation, and opportunities for real-world experience.
For more information on how to choose a high-quality paralegal program, check out this guide to choosing a quality program .
Not all paralegal programs are created equal. A quality program should offer:
When selecting a paralegal program, research the institution’s accreditation and approval status. Programs approved by recognized organizations (e.g., the American Bar Association) or accredited by reputable educational bodies often provide higher standards of education. Consider the program’s length, degree or certificate options, and whether it aligns with your career goals (e.g., associate’s or bachelor’s degree vs. certificate track).
Look for programs with flexible schedules (online or hybrid) if you’re balancing work or family, and always inquire about the school’s job placement rates and alumni success stories.
In order to be a successful paralegal, an individual should possess not only a common core of legal knowledge, but also must have acquired vital critical thinking, organizational, research, writing, oral communication, and interpersonal skills. All paralegal education programs, regardless of the specialty areas they choose to emphasize, should provide an integrated set of core courses that develop these competencies.
Paralegal Core Competencies (PDF)
AAfPE encourages paralegal programs to meet or exceed educational standards that ensure students receive rigorous and relevant training. This includes:
Associate degree programs typically require around two years of full-time study. These programs often blend general education courses with foundational paralegal coursework, such as legal terminology, civil procedure, and practical research assignments. Graduates gain an entry-level academic credential and valuable exposure to legal procedures.
Bachelor’s degree programs in paralegal studies (or legal studies with a paralegal concentration) provide a more in-depth academic experience. Typically spanning four years, these programs delve deeper into specialized legal topics and often include higher-level critical thinking and research components. Graduates may be more competitive in certain job markets or for career advancement opportunities.