Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
The Oregon Employment Department Workforce Quality Info notes that in 2010, employment for paralegals and legal assistants in Oregon was larger than the statewide average for all other occupations. Through the next decade, the total number of paralegal/legal assistant job openings is expected to remain higher than the statewide average for job openings for all other occupations. If you would like to benefit from the increase in paralegal job openings in Oregon, keep reading.
Oregon does not set standards or mandates for paralegal education. Most currently employed paralegals and paralegal employers in Oregon agree, however, that specialized education is necessary if you want to become a paralegal in Oregon.
Oregon 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
Paralegal education programs may be accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) but do not have to be. The following paralegal programs in Oregon hold ABA approval:
Experience is key to becoming a paralegal in Oregon. There are many skills and day-to-day job duties that are best taught in the workplace. If your paralegal program in Oregon does not offer a paralegal internship, you should seek paralegal work experience on your own. Legal aid and pro bono offices in Oregon are a great place to gain this type of experience, namely:
Paralegals in Oregon need not become certified. The Oregon Paralegal Association, however, recommends certification for paralegals as a way of proving that you hold the highest skills and professional standards within the profession. It recommends certification through the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), which offers two certifications:
Paralegal jobs in Oregon are found in non- profit organizations, government agencies, large and small law offices, businesses and in many other institutions. Examples of recent employers of paralegals in Oregon include:
Congratulations! You are now a qualified paralegal working in Oregon! Your next step should be to join the Oregon Paralegal Association, a great membership organizations for paralegals and legal assistants in Oregon. It can help in advocacy, networking and finding continuing legal education opportunities for Oregon paralegals.
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