Although not quite, “a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma” the fact remains that a paralegal is still not required to pass any type of post educational exam (i.e. bar exam equivalent) in order to work in the field of law. Indeed, a surprising truth that after nearly 50 years of existence, the position of paralegal is still an unlicensed profession. However, common sense dictates that for those that do become certified comes better opportunities and increased status and therefore, more and more paralegals are taking one of the many certification exams available to them to help take their careers to the next level.

Intrinsic fundamental yardsticks to be aware of when assessing any paralegal program:

1. Teaching applicable, useful work skills in conjunction with cornerstone legal theory is an indispensable aspect of any quality paralegal programs school curriculum. Additionally, a solid paralegal degree program should also embrace everything from torts and business organizations to ethics and legal writing. Furthermore, paralegal courses should focus on enhancing students’ critical thinking abilities, improve and hone communication skills and prepare them emotional and psychologically to handle ethical issues.

2. Who’s behind the paralegal curriculum? In other words, what kind of credentials does the program director and the faculty possess. The director should have some type of paralegal education, a law degree or related advanced degree and if they also have legal field experience that’s a plus. In addition, faculty should either have direct paralegal field experience or at a minimum, experience working with paralegals. Of course, they must be an expert in the subject they are teaching.

3. Are you searching for a conventional college campus learning environment or does online training appeal to you? Online paralegal programs have become more and more popular among paralegal schools but if you’ve never taken an online class you need to ask yourself if online learning is right for you. Moreover, it’s imperative that you find out (before you enroll) what type of online training will be use. Will it consist primarily of web-based content or interactive video or both or something else? How much interplay will there be between you and the instructors and do you have the self-discipline and motivation to attend all the lectures and do all the assignments on you own?

Clearly, pursuing a paralegal career isn’t for everyone but for those that enjoy research, have solid organizational and writing skills and can work under pressure this is a wide open and growing field that can offer financial security and professional satisfaction.