Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
Indiana does not regulate paralegals, placing no requirements on them educationally or experientially. By the Indiana Code, a paralegal is defined as a person who is qualified through work experience, education or training to perform paralegal duties under the employment an attorney, law office, government agency or other entity. These paralegal duties must be performed under the supervision of an attorney and involve substantive legal work, legal concepts and be work that an attorney would perform if he or she had no paralegal. If you wish to join the ranks and become a paralegal in Indiana, read on.
The first step in your journey to become a paralegal in Indiana is to complete paralegal education.
Indiana Paralegal Online and Campus Schools
Featured Programs:
Arizona State University Online - Earn Your Master of Legal Studies in as little as one year.
Regent University - Online Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
Liberty University - Online Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies
Purdue University Global - Online Bachelor's in Legal Support and Services - Paralegal Concentration
Rasmussen College - Online Paralegal Associate Degree and Post-Degree Certificate Programs
Liberty University - Online Juris Master – American Legal Studies
Washington University School of Law, Top-20 law school by U.S. News & World Report - 1-Year Online Master of Legal Studies, Bachelor's Required
Pepperdine Caruso School of Law - Online Master of Legal Studies Program, Bachelor's Required
American University - Online Master of Legal Studies- No GRE/ LSAT Req'd, Five Concentrations Available, Bachelor's Required
This program can be, but does not have to be, accredited by one of two organizations: the American Bar Association (ABA) or the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE). Accreditation of a paralegal program does not mean that it is better than non-accredited programs. Some employers prefer to hire graduates of ABA or AAfPE accredited programs. The choice of a paralegal program in Indiana is strictly up to you, the student.
Only the AAfPE accredits these paralegal programs in Indiana:
Both the ABA and the AAfPE accredit these paralegal programs in Indiana:
If you choose an ABA or AAfPE-accredited paralegal program in Indiana in Step 1, chances are you will be expected to complete a paralegal work experience internship. You will learn valuable skills and knowledge during this time. If your school does not offer such an internship, you may pursue paralegal work experience in Indiana on your own through one of the following volunteer legal services:
Certification is not necessary in order to work as a paralegal in Indiana. If you desire certification, the first step is to become PACE certified. This involves passing the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. PACE certified paralegals in Indiana say that this certification gets them better jobs with higher salaries. If you have two years of paralegal experience, and meet one of the following educational requirements, you may sit for the PACE exam:
Paralegals in Indiana do not only work in law groups or law firms. They are also found within businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations and other institutions. The following are examples of potential employers of Indiana paralegals:
Congratulations to you! Your years of education and experience have paid off and you are now a working paralegal in Indiana! Think about becoming a member of one of the following types of organizations for paralegals in Indiana. They can help you in finding continuing education opportunities (if desired) and in networking with like-minded professionals:
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