Job as a Paralegal

How to Get a Job as a Paralegal in the State of Texas

Texas legal assistants don't need a paralegal license, but taking a paralegal class from an ABA-approved program is key to landing a legal job in the state. I will try to write my research paper with a full review.

According to the National Association of Legal Assistants, or NALA, a paralegal is an individual who works under the instruction and guidance of an attorney to perform the same substantive type of legal work the lawyer himself does. Texas doesn’t outline any specific requirements to work as a paralegal. However, most Texas paralegals, also called legal assistants, come to the industry through a combination of education and experience.

This article discusses the steps a person should take to get a job as a paralegal in Texas. You have more chances If you don't need to beg someone to "write my english paper" and you prepared enough.

Educational Requirements for Texas Legal Assistants

Ideally, paralegal candidates should have a high school diploma (or its equivalency) as well as a two or four year degree. While a college education is not a must-have, competition for paralegal jobs in the state is fierce, and some attorneys will only hire legal assistants who have a degree and a certification.

There are a number of schools that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in legal or paralegal studies. While such a major is helpful, most employers don’t require such specificity. A degree in any major is fine.

More important than a person’s undergraduate degree is the act of gaining a paralegal certificate from a program that is approved by the American Bar Association, or ABA. As of 2020, six Texas schools offer a paralegal program that has the seal of approval from the national bar: El Centro College in Dallas; the Center for Advanced Legal Studies in Houston; Southwestern Paralegal Institute in Houston; Southeastern Paralegal Institute in Dallas; Lee College in Baytown and Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos.

While a number of institutions offer distances, or online, programs to students wishing to become certificated, the ABA does not currently approve of any online programs of study in the field.

Professional Paralegal Associations and Organizations

Texas paralegals should join the state bar and become involved in its paralegal division. Additionally, they should become a member of one of the various professional associations for Texas paralegals. Choose a local professional association in the area where one lives and wishes to practice. Finally, legal assistants in the state should join a national organization like NALA .

Joining and participating in these types of associations help new paralegals network for employment opportunities and keep abreast of important Texas laws and issues concerning this legal career path. Such membership also shows potential employers a dedication to the field.

How to Get a Job as a Paralegal in Texas

Most paralegal programs require students to participate in a working internship as a term of graduating and receiving their certificate. These internships give paralegal candidates invaluable experience in a law firm environment, allowing them to practically apply the skills they have learned in school.

While working internships look good on the resumes of entry-level paralegals, it’s better to have more experience in a legal arena. One way to do gain more experience is to volunteer time on a regular basis to one of the local legal aid offices. Every Texas county has one, and they are always in need of extra help.

Prepare a resume that focuses on individual education, paralegal certification, professional organization membership and on-the-job experience in a legal environment. Also, be sure to highlight any special skills, such as bilingual capabilities or strong skills with certain types of general software or specific legal software, on the resume. If you think the information isn't full, I might re write my paper. Feel free to contact me.

Tips for Getting That First Legal Assistant Job

Look for potential job openings in the newspaper and online. Send a resume, along with a copy of the paralegal certificate and a professional cover letter, to any position that looks interesting. While many Texas law firms are often seeking experienced legal assistants, plenty of attorneys and firms will consider entry-level candidates for certain types of openings. Getting that first paralegal job is always the hardest part of the search.

Be open to working in a non-paralegal role – such as a receptionist or legal secretary – in order to get a foot in the door. That way, when a paralegal position opens within the firm, applying for it as an internal candidate will give a better shot at landing the job.

Working as a paralegal in Texas can be lucrative and professionally fulfilling. Potential legal assistants give themselves a better shot at securing a rewarding position in the field by obtaining the proper education and training as well as showing a commitment to the profession through involvement in local and national associations.