Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that in May 2012, paralegals and legal assistants working in Vermont made an average median wage of $42,110 per year. Paralegals earning in Vermont’s 75th percentile averaged $47,230; while those earning in Vermont’s 90th percentile averaged $59,430. Considering Vermont does not place any restrictions or regulations on paralegals at this time, these average annual salaries are quite favorable. Read on to learn how you can become a paralegal in Vermont.
The American Bar Association (ABA) may approve paralegal programs, but this is not a requirement. Currently, there are no ABA-approved paralegal programs in Vermont. These paralegal programs are available in Vermont:
Vermont 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
Although the state of Vermont does not require any specific paralegal education for persons who wish to become paralegals in the state, the Vermont Bar Association (VBA) has adopted standards for paralegals who wish to become associate members of the VBA. These standards are being accepted as educational and experiential standards for paralegals in Vermont. The following educational criteria have been set forth for paralegals desiring associate membership in the VBA:
Your paralegal studies program may provide you with the great opportunity of experiencing the daily work life of a paralegal first-hand, through an externship or internship. If it does not or if you desire more experience than what college provides, seek out one of the following legal aid or pro bono agencies and ask if you can help them. The experience you receive will be invaluable:
National certification is not required of Vermont paralegals. The Vermont Paralegal Association does recommend certification through the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) if you so desire. This organization offers two certification- the PACE Registered Paralegal and the PCCE Core Registered Paralegal. Both are attainable through examination.
VPA also recommends certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). They provide two certifications, Certified Paralegal (CP) and Advanced Paralegal Certified (APC) attainable through examination.
Law firms, both large and small, employ paralegals in Vermont, as do small and large corporations, non-profit organizations, government agencies and more. Recently, the following employers advertised open positions for legal assistants or paralegals in Vermont:
Kudos to you! Your hard work and years of discipline have been rewarded with a job as a paralegal in the Green Mountain State! Think about becoming a member of the Vermont Paralegal Organization, which can help you in networking, finding advancement opportunities in your career, continuing legal education and more. If you qualify, seek associate membership with the Vermont Bar Association Paralegal Associate Membership. This will look great on your resume and make you more attractive to potential employers in Vermont.
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