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Writing, time management, effective communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking skills are necessary for paralegals. These skills will serve you well in the profession, so it would be useful to develop them to the best of your ability in order to be the most desirable job candidate you can be.  Some colleges, universities, or other schools where paralegal programs are offered may also offer courses that help with the development of these kinds of professional skills. Computer skills play an important role as well, from familiarity with office suites to web browsers and email applications. Many employers prefer candidates who have had at least one year of experience working in a legal environment. Find a job or internship at a law office doing administrative tasks like filing or answering telephones, or working as an assistant to other paralegals. These kinds of jobs will not only look good on your résumé, they will also familiarize you with the legal environment and allow you to gain hands-on training from professionals in the field. Though paralegal certification is not required by all employers, it will give you an advantage over competing candidates. If you have already graduated with a bachelor's or associate degree in an unrelated field, it might be a good idea for you to become a certified paralegal. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) offers certification.  Many other certification programs are available that are taught by practicing attorneys and give you the hands-on skills that you can apply directly to your job working as a paralegal. These programs generally last between 6-12 months. Consider taking a certified paralegal examination. This may or may not be part of your certification program. The NALA is the main organization that offers these exams. Your resume should include a sentence-long career objective passage that explains the type of job you are seeking, including your desired specialization, unless you are interested in general practice. Be sure to include your education and experience as well, followed by a passage that lists your skills, such as computer skills—including industry-specific software applications. Once you have achieved the proper education and work experience, you can start applying to jobs. Check job listings in your area, and apply to various law firms and law offices. Send your résumé, cover letter, and any other information that the potential employer requests. Other positions may be available outside law firms, such as in corporations, real estate firms and title offices, public defense offices, non-government organizations (NGOs), and more. The paralegal profession is very competitive, so apply to as many jobs as possible and be prepared to have many different interviews before landing a job. Paralegals can take additional courses or attend seminars in order to advance their careers. Sign up for continuing legal education (CLE) courses in order to stay up-to-date with the ever-changing field of law.
Develop useful general skills. Get relevant work experience. Get certified. Design an impressive paralegal resume. Look for jobs. Continue your education.