Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean wage of Virginia paralegals as of May 2012 at $50,990. This is a high average salary in a state in which the paralegal profession is not regulated by the government. Education is not mandatory in Virginia in order to become a paralegal, although it is recommended. With the many opportunities for paralegals in Virginia and nearby Washington, D.C., this is a great time for you to discover how to become a paralegal in Virginia.
Virginia does not require paralegals to obtain any education, by law. However, the Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations has set educational standards that they feel all paralegals working in the state must meet. Most Virginia employers of paralegals go by these standards. Paralegals in Virginia should complete one of the following educational options:
Virginia 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
In lieu of education, you can complete one of the following requirements, which will be discussed in detail later:
These paralegal programs in Virginia are approved by the ABA:
One way to fulfill the standards of the Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations is to accrue five years of paralegal work experience. Some prospective paralegals reach out to legal aid agencies in Virginia to begin their work experience. These legal aid agencies would likely hire an aspiring paralegal in Virginia:
Another route to meeting the paralegal standards of the Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations is to become nationally certified. While this is not required of a paralegal in order to work in Virginia, the Alliance recognizes two national certification bodies:
Jobs for paralegals abound in Virginia, especially with its proximity to our nation’s capital. Law firms, corporations, government agencies and many other entities employ Virginia paralegals, including:
Congratulations! You have worked hard to become a paralegal in Virginia! If you haven’t already, think about joining one of the following voluntary membership organizations for paralegals in Virginia. They can help you with advancement of your career, networking, and more:
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