Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
In order to become an effective paralegal or legal assistant in Iowa, you should possess some basic skills and abilities. These include basic computer skills, analytical and critical thinking skills, technical writing skills, communication skills and reading skills. Additionally, having education in paralegal studies is desirable, though not required, for Iowa paralegals. Experience and certification can help you to further your career as a paralegal in Iowa. If you want to learn more about becoming an Iowa paralegal, read on.
You need not attend any mandatory education for paralegals in Iowa, as there is no such mandate. The best paralegals working in Iowa, however, have progressed through paralegal education and have earned a certificate, associate or bachelor degree.
Iowa Paralegal Online and Campus Schools
Featured Programs:
Purdue University Global - Online Bachelor's in Legal Support and Services - Paralegal Concentration
Regent University - Online Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
Arizona State University Online - Earn Your Master of Legal Studies in as little as one year.
Washington University School of Law, Top-20 law school - 1-Year Online Master of Legal Studies, No GRE/LSAT required.
Post University - Online Associate and Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
Rasmussen University - Online Paralegal Associate Degree and Post-Degree Certificate Programs
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
Paralegal programs in Iowa may or may not carry accreditation through the American Bar Association (ABA). The choice of an accredited or non-accredited paralegal program in Iowa is yours, as the state does not require paralegals to be graduates of any type of institution, accredited or not.
Iowa paralegal programs carrying ABA accreditation include:
Your paralegal education program in Iowa will likely offer you the opportunity, or stipulate a requirement, to work in a paralegal internship for a period of time. If it does not offer you this work experience, you should pursue it on your own. One of the following Iowa pro bono organizations may welcome the chance for you to work there as a paralegal on a volunteer basis:
You do not have to seek national certification if you wish to work as a paralegal in Iowa. The Iowa Supreme Court stated in 2003 that it is preferred that Iowa paralegals seek voluntary national certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). This is strictly optional, however. Certifications available through NALA include:
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:
Kudos! You are now a paralegal working in the Hawkeye State! Ponder contacting one of the organizations listed below. They can put you in touch with other paralegals, attorneys, and those in the legal profession in Iowa:
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