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A paralegal assists lawyers and law firms with clerical and administrative duties such as legal research, filing reports, entertaining clients and preparing for court sessions. A criminal law paralegal focuses on criminal cases over other aspects of the law, and will frequently handle the details of criminal cases for the criminal defense lawyer. Like all paralegals, there are some legal assistant education requirements you should be aware of before applying for paralegal employment opportunities. These tips can help you prepare for your paralegal career. Here’s how to become a criminal law paralegal: Research the salary potential and job outlook for paralegals. Job growth is forecasted to be 22% for the coming decade, as employers will hire more paralegals than lawyers to perform basic legal work as a cost-cutting measure, as well as an increase in the demand for legal assistance from such sectors as elderly care and intellectual property. This will drive more paralegals to these specific areas of the law, leaving space for those pursuing criminal law opportunities. The median annual salary for paralegals is $46,120, with the middle 50% earning between $36,080 and $59,310. Enroll in a four-year college degree of any major. You can either earn a Bachelor’s Degree in paralegal studies or with a legal assistant certificate or an associate degree in legal assistance from a community college. Other forms of relevant educational attainment will be an advantage. Get certified. Although many firms do not require it, having a certificate in paralegal studies can place you at an advantage over rival applicants. Obtaining a paralegal certification will require passing a written exam to establish adequacy in legal knowledge and skill as well as paying a fee. Those who pass the exam can use the credential of Certified Legal Assistant or Certified Paralegal. Apply for paralegal jobs at several criminal law-oriented firms. Private firms, community legal services, district attorney’s offices and government organizations are all places that hire criminal law paralegals. Search for these offices using your school’s career-placement program or on the Web. Some firms have training programs for resident paralegals and may hire applicants with no legal experience, although those specifically looking for criminal law paralegals will favor applicants with experience in this area of the law. Stay updated on new paralegal techniques and regulations. Renewing your certificate after a certain number of years will require continuing education credits, either from classroom lessons or online schooling. There is also an Advanced Paralegal Certification for those who wish to specialize in criminal law or other sub-fields. Advance in your career. Criminal law paralegals can be promoted to a supervisory or managerial level where they oversee other paralegals and organize their department. These advancements will come with a salary and benefits increase. As a criminal law paralegal, you cannot legally dispense legal advice or represent a client in court, no matter your level of knowledge with regards to the law. Make sure the clients you encounter understand this distinction in paralegal work and refuse any invitation to perform legal representation. Inner Body. “How to Become a Criminal Law Paralegal.” March 2011.
http://www.innerbody.com/wordpress3/careers-in-criminal-justice/how-to-become-a-criminal-law-paralegal.html
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