Steps Toward a Paralegal Career in Massachusetts

Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:

Accomplish Paralegal Education in Massachusetts
Get Paralegal Work Experience in Massachusetts
Certification for Paralegals in Massachusetts (Voluntary)
Hunt for Massachusetts Paralegal Jobs
Now That You’ve Become a Paralegal in Massachusetts

Paralegal Job Description in Massachusetts

Massachusetts, like 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.

Step 1

Paralegal Education in Massachusetts

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 the education required of paralegals working in the state.

Massachusetts Paralegal Online and Campus Schools

Featured Programs:

Get Paralegal Work Experience in Massachusetts

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:

Step 3

Certification for Paralegals in Massachusetts

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

Step 4

Hunt for Massachusetts Paralegal Jobs

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

Step 5

You’ve Become a Paralegal in Massachusetts

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