Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
According to the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation’s Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, 1825 jobs for paralegals in Maryland are expected to become available between 2010 and 2020, including 845 jobs by replacement. This is good news for you if you wish to learn how to become a paralegal in Maryland. The state has no standards on education, certification or experience for paralegals. However, Maryland employers of paralegals expect these legal professionals to be well trained and highly knowledgeable and skilled. The right type of education and experience will help you to enter the field of legal assistants and paralegals in Maryland. To discover how to become a part of this exciting career option in Maryland, read on.
Paralegals in Maryland are not required by law to hold post-secondary education. However, it is almost impossible to get a job as a paralegal in Maryland without some type of college degree. Paralegal programs in Maryland do not need to be approved by the ABA.
Maryland 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
The following Maryland schools provide paralegal education programs approved by the American Bar Association and the Maryland Association of Paralegals (while paralegal programs need not be approved by the ABA, ABA approved programs are noted below):
Depending upon your paralegal studies college program in Maryland, you may have an internship built into the program. This can provide valuable experience for you working directly in the legal field in an assistant position. If not, you should search for a position as an entry-level paralegal (or junior paralegal as some law firms refer to them) or assistant-type job. Case assistants, legal assistants, legal administrative assistants, paralegal interns and paralegals are all term that entry-level paralegal jobs in Maryland may carry. Legal aid bureaus in Maryland may also hire paralegals who are seeking experience, at a slightly lower salary. Gaining a bit of experience can help in your further career plans, whether or not you plan to seek certification.
Certification is voluntary for Maryland paralegals, but is highly recommended by the Maryland Association of Paralegals. Paralegal certification in Maryland indicates that you possess the greatest amount of knowledge and experience in the field. The Maryland Association of Paralegals recommends the following certifications offered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Inc. (NFPA):
Passing this examination allows you to use the designation Registered Paralegal (RP). It is offered at the Maryland Prometric Test Centers listed above.
With degree and optional certification in hand, you are now ready to search for a paralegal job in Maryland. Some of the state’s largest law firms and other major employers of paralegals in Maryland include:
Congratulations! You have completed your education and optional certification, and have gained experience and are now a paralegal in Maryland! You might want to consider joining one of the following Maryland organizations that can provide you with continuing legal education (CLE) and networking opportunities:
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