Paralegals function in a supportive capacity, performing tasks that help attorneys better serve their clients. Whether working in a private law firm or in government, paralegals may help lawyers improve their practice. 

There’s an increasing demand for paralegals. As of 2026, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates that employment of paralegals and legal assistants will stay the same (0% change) through 2034.

There’s no single pathway to becoming a paralegal. Here, we’ll break down different paralegal requirements that may help you prepare for a paralegal career:

Step 1. Fulfill Paralegal Education Requirements
Step 2. Determine a Specialty
Step 3. Complete a Paralegal Certification (Recommended)
Step 4. Meet State-Level Paralegal Requirements (Optional)
Step 5. Gain Paralegal Experience and Find a Job

Below, you’ll find some common steps you may take to become a paralegal. Familiarity with the prerequisites for paralegal roles can help you better prepare for a career in the field

Paralegals are not licensed at the national level, and most states do not issue a state paralegal license. However, some states define the role and set requirements for using the title ‘paralegal’; for example, California law defines ‘paralegal’ and outlines qualifying education and experience pathways.

In the absence of state and federal regulations, employers establish the hiring standards for paralegals. At the most basic level, you typically must have some formal education to become a paralegal. You may consider earning one of the following:

If you want to make a career change or have unique scheduling needs, you may consider enrolling in an online Master of Legal Studies program, which grants you the flexibility to pursue a degree while working.

As you map out your graduate degree pathway, you may choose to explore programs approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). The Directory of ABA Approved Paralegal Education Programs can help you evaluate options and consider common paralegal requirements.

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There are a number of specializations to choose from when considering your path to becoming a paralegal. If you’re interested in pursuing a master’s degree, you may select one of the numerous legal studies concentrations offered by programs across the country, allowing you to specialize in a specific area of law. Different concentrations can lead to different careers. For instance:

If you’re not interested in a career in government, you may pursue jobs in real estate, hospitals, social work, human resources, or other fields in the private sector. Of course, paralegals can also be found working at law firms or corporations.

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Beyond your education, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) offers national credentialing exams, including the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE®) and the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE®). Passing one of these exams earns an NFPA credential.  Paralegal certifications are available through several professional organizations. Your options for paralegal certifications include, but are not limited to:

Paralegal certification is usually voluntary, but some employers value it. One well-known option is NALA’s Certified Paralegal (CP®) credential.  

In addition to certification, NALA publishes professional standards and guidance (including ethics and utilization guidelines) intended to help define qualifications and professional expectations for paralegals. These qualifications are not a requisite and are simply intended to demonstrate, both to the attorney and the public, that you have a formal legal education and have received broad exposure to the issues you may encounter as a paralegal.

Each certification has its own criteria for continuing education and renewal. Review the requirements and choose a certification that best aligns with your goals.

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In addition to national certification, some states have voluntary registration programs (often administered by a state bar) or optional credentialing opportunities through professional organizations. Requirements vary widely, so it’s important to check the rules and expectations in the state where you plan to work.

Most states do not require a state-issued certification to work as a paralegal. However, some states have state-defined rules for using the title ‘paralegal’ (for example, California) or offer voluntary programs/credentials (for example, Florida’s voluntary registration program and Texas’s voluntary board certification). Utah’s program is a limited license to provide certain legal services in approved practice areas.

Of course, you’ll want to double-check the latest information for the state where you want to practice. To find a complete list of paralegal certifications by state, check our guide on paralegal certifications.

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Some accredited degree programs help students find an internship. This internship experience allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to a practical setting, demonstrating their understanding of legal precepts and their ability to function as a real-world paralegal. Internships may also provide students with opportunities to network and potentially earn full-time employment post-graduation.

Upon graduating, paralegals may have a myriad of job options available to them, including working for banks, insurance companies, trade organizations, private law firms or in the legal departments of large corporations. Within the public sector, paralegals may choose to work for state and federal government agencies, public defenders’ offices, district attorneys’ offices and consumer organizations.

Experienced paralegals might want to continue their education or pursue new certifications to advance to more advanced positions or be entrusted with greater job responsibilities.

Learn more about how to pursue a career in law and become a paralegal with the guide: What Can You Do With a Master’s in Legal Studies?

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So, what does a paralegal do? The work paralegals do can be complex and quite extensive, requiring a thorough understanding of law. Attorneys rely on their paralegals, and the success of a case is most often a team effort between the attorney and their support staff.

Paralegal responsibilities may include:

Although paralegals are legal professionals, some tasks are beyond their scope and are reserved for the attorneys who oversee their work. Paralegals work under the supervision of attorneys and must avoid the unauthorized practice of law. For example, according to NALA, paralegals generally may not give legal advice, set fees, accept cases, or represent clients in court unless specifically authorized to do so. Providing legal advice, accepting a case, setting fees, and representing clients in court are generally outside a paralegal’s role (unless a court specifically authorizes a limited form of representation).

Paralegals use a combination of hard and soft skills to get their work done. Continually developing such skills may prove beneficial to your career. Whether you’re pursuing a master’s degree in legal studies or a certification, be sure to familiarize yourself with in-demand paralegal skills. Here are some common skills paralegals use:

Eager to sharpen your skills? You can browse our collection of online resources for paralegals to explore certification options, catch up on the latest legal trends and more.

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Still wondering what it takes to become a paralegal? Check out the answers to some common questions.

Information last updated: February 2026