Paralegal Job Description in Massachusetts

Massachusetts, as many other states in the union, does not regulate the paralegal profession, nor does it mandate any specific education, training or experience necessary to perform the duties of the job. Getting the right education and training, however, is vital to becoming an effective paralegal in Massachusetts. If you would like to learn more about the process of becoming a Massachusetts paralegal, read on.
 

Massachusetts paralegal students have a choice when it comes to getting paralegal education in the Commonwealth. They may choose a program in a different discipline, like legal studies or criminal justice, as Massachusetts sets no mandates on education required of paralegals working in the state.

Massachusetts Paralegal Online and Campus Schools

Students may choose a program that has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) or one that has not.
ABA-approved paralegal programs in Massachusetts are:

• Suffolk University-Boston
• Bachelor of Science in Applied Legal Studies
• Associate of Science in Applied Legal Studies
• Certificate in Paralegal Studies
• North Shore Community College-Danvers
• Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
• Paralegal Certificate
• Northern Essex Community College – Haverhill
• Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies – Career Option
• Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies- Transfer Option
• Certificate in Paralegal Studies
• Middlesex Community College – Bedford and Lowell
• Associate of Science in Liberal Studies- Paralegal Studies Transfer
• Associate of Science in Liberal Studies – Paralegal Studies Career
• Post-Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies
• Elms College – Chicopee
• Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies
• Certificate in Advanced Paralegal Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Social Services and Paralegal Studies
• Minor in Paralegal Studies
• Bay Path College- Longmeadow
• Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
• Certificate in Advanced Paralegal Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies

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Most ABA-approved and some non-ABA-approved paralegal programs in Massachusetts will mandate that you complete a paralegal work internship prior to graduation. This is a wonderful way to gain paralegal work experience before entering the career field. If your school does not offer this opportunity, you may pursue it yourself through paid or volunteer work. The following Massachusetts pro bono organizations may be able to offer you a work experience or internship, paid or unpaid:

• Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association
• South Coastal Counties Legal Services
• Merrimack Valley North Shore Legal Services, Inc.
• Massachusetts Justice Program, Inc.

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Professional certification for paralegals in Massachusetts is on a voluntary basis. Many national certification associations offer credentials through examination or curriculum. It is your choice whether or not to become certified. Some employers may look more favorably upon a certified paralegal than upon a non-certified one. Options for certification in Massachusetts for paralegals include, but are not limited to:  

• National Association of Legal Assistants:
• Certified Legal Assistant or Certified Paralegal (CLA or CP)
• National Federation of Paralegal Associations:
• Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) to earn the Registered Paralegal (RP) credential
• Paralegal Core Competency Exam (PCCE) to earn the Certified Registered Paralegal (CRP) credential

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While law firms are popular employers of paralegals in Massachusetts, they are not the only player when it comes to finding paralegal jobs in the Commonwealth. Businesses, organizations and academic institutions all may employ paralegals. Options may include:

• Commonwealth of Massachusetts- Boston
• Thermo Fisher Scientific- Waltham
• Goodwin Procter LLP- Boston
• Bunker Hill Community College - Charlestown
• Campbell, Campbell, Edwards & Conroy-Boston
• Progressive Insurance – Dedham
• Massachusetts Port Authority – East Boston
• State Street – Boston
• Aspen Technology - Burlington
• Lockheed Martin Corporation – Boston
  

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Kudos to you! You have completed the education, training and experience necessary to become a paralegal in Massachusetts! Now, think about joining an organization consisting of other paralegals and legal assistants working in the Commonwealth. You can find continuing legal education opportunities, network with other paralegals, and broaden your career horizons through organizations such as:

• Central Massachusetts Paralegal Association in Worcester
• Western Mass Paralegal Association in Springfield
• Massachusetts Paralegal Association in Cambridge
  

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