Do I need an associate's degree to be a paralegal?
Asked by: Tiffany Raynor I | Last update: February 18, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (34 votes)
No, an associate's degree isn't always strictly required, but it's a very common path, with most employers expecting either an Associate's in Paralegal Studies, a Bachelor's in a related field, or a specialized paralegal certificate, often from an ABA-approved program. While some states lack legal mandates, education in legal research, writing, and ethics provides the foundational skills employers look for, making degrees or certificates crucial for success, notes this Reddit thread.
What degree does a paralegal need?
To become a paralegal, you generally need at least an associate degree in paralegal studies, but a bachelor's degree in any field combined with a paralegal certificate is often preferred and offers more opportunities, especially with larger firms, while a bachelor's degree in a related field like criminal justice also sets you up for success. While some firms might train those with just a high school diploma, formal education significantly boosts marketability, with many employers favoring ABA-approved programs.
How much do paralegals make in NE?
Paralegal salaries in Nebraska vary, with statewide averages around $58,000 - $68,000 annually, but higher in cities like Omaha (closer to $65,000) and Lincoln (around $58,000 - $63,000), while entry-level positions start lower, often in the low-to-mid $40,000s. Specific roles like Insurance Defense or Paralegal Specialists can earn more, and experience and location heavily influence pay, with top earners exceeding $90,000.
How to become a paralegal without a college degree?
You Don't Need a College Degree to Start a Paralegal Career
While some firms prefer applicants with an associate degree or bachelor's degree, a degree is not legally required in most states. Key qualifications employers often accept instead of a degree: Paralegal certificate from a training program.
Can paralegals make $100,000?
Yes, experienced senior paralegals in specialized fields, large firms, or major markets can absolutely earn $100,000 or more, especially in roles like Paralegal Managers or specialized areas like Intellectual Property, with factors like experience, location (e.g., NYC, Silicon Valley), and employer size being key determinants. While the median salary is lower, achieving a six-figure income is realistic through strategic career moves like gaining certifications, specializing in high-demand areas, and working in lucrative markets or large corporations.
Paralegal Degree / Do You Need it to Become a Paralegal?
Is it hard to get hired as a paralegal?
Yes, getting an entry-level paralegal job can be hard due to high application volumes and competition from experienced candidates, but it's definitely achievable with the right strategy, focusing on networking, internships, certifications, transferable skills (like organization and client management from other jobs), and applying broadly to roles like legal assistant or file clerk to get a "foot in the door". While many firms prefer experience, a strong application with practical experience (even non-legal) and targeted skills can overcome this hurdle.
Are paralegals being replaced by AI?
The Bottom Line. Paralegals aren't going anywhere. The legal profession needs their expertise, judgment, and human touch now more than ever. While AI will certainly change how they work, making some tasks faster and potentially eliminating others, the value of paralegals is fundamentally human.
What disqualifies you from becoming a paralegal?
What disqualifies you from being a paralegal generally involves a felony conviction, especially for crimes involving dishonesty, fraud, or breach of trust, as this impacts handling sensitive client information and funds, but some states and firms may allow it depending on the nature of the crime, time passed, and rehabilitation, while a disbarred attorney also faces significant hurdles. Ethical violations and a pattern of untrustworthiness are key disqualifiers, though some employers might look past a criminal record if you demonstrate responsibility and a unique perspective.
Do paralegals usually go to law school?
“The common standard as of today is that paralegals have either a certificate or an associate degree in paralegal studies as their education requirement before becoming a paralegal,” Burns wrote.
How fast can you become a paralegal?
You can become a paralegal very quickly, sometimes in as little as 3 to 6 months with a post-degree certificate or fast-track program, or in about two years with an Associate Degree; if you already have a bachelor's degree, a certificate program can take under a year, while a full bachelor's degree takes four years, offering different entry points depending on your prior education and career goals.
Do paralegals go to court?
While paralegals may not represent clients in court or provide legal advice, they often play a vital role in trial preparation and courtroom support. During trials, paralegals might assist attorneys by organizing exhibits, managing trial notebooks, and ensuring all necessary documents are readily available.
How many hours do paralegals work?
A full-time paralegal typically works around 35 to 40 hours per week, while part-time hours can vary. Billing expectations: Different law firms may have different billing expectations for paralegals.
Can paralegals work remotely?
Yes, remote paralegal jobs can be just as good and effective as in-office positions. With advancements in technology and secure communication tools, paralegals can efficiently collaborate with attorneys and legal teams from a remote location.
Can you call yourself a paralegal without a degree?
To be a paralegal in California, you must obtain one of the following: Completion of an ABA-approved paralegal program. Completion of a paralegal program or degree from a postsecondary institution accredited by a recognized accrediting organization.
Is being a paralegal hard?
Yes, being a paralegal can be hard due to high stress, long hours, demanding attorneys, and tight deadlines, but the difficulty varies greatly by firm, practice area, and individual personality, with some finding it rewarding for career growth and stability, while others struggle with the pressure and monotony. It requires strong multitasking, problem-solving, and attention to detail, as errors can be costly, and you'll need resilience for dealing with intense situations and personalities.
What's the difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant?
The main difference between a paralegal and a legal assistant (often a legal secretary) lies in their responsibilities, education, and billability: Paralegals perform substantive legal work like research and drafting, requiring specialized training, while Legal Assistants handle administrative/clerical tasks (scheduling, filing, phones) with more general skills, acting like an office manager with legal exposure, though roles can blur in smaller firms. Paralegals are often billable to clients, leading to higher pay and clearer career paths in legal practice, whereas legal assistants support the team more broadly.
Is it better to have a paralegal certificate or degree?
A paralegal certificate offers fast, focused training for immediate job readiness, ideal for career changers or those with existing degrees, while a paralegal degree (Associate's or Bachelor's) provides comprehensive, in-depth legal education and general studies, leading to broader opportunities and deeper knowledge but requiring more time and money. Certificates are shorter and cheaper, focusing on core skills; degrees are longer, more expensive, but offer greater depth, potentially leading to better advancement, with ABA-approved programs often requiring specific coursework components.
What disqualifies you from law school?
What disqualifies you from law school often involves dishonesty, serious criminal history (especially crimes of moral turpitude like fraud), significant financial irresponsibility, or academic misconduct, all falling under the "character and fitness" evaluation, though a single minor issue usually isn't a bar if disclosed honestly and explained well; failure to disclose, lying on the application, or misrepresenting facts is often a more significant reason for denial or later disbarment.
Can paralegals make $100,000?
Yes, experienced senior paralegals in specialized fields, large firms, or major markets can absolutely earn $100,000 or more, especially in roles like Paralegal Managers or specialized areas like Intellectual Property, with factors like experience, location (e.g., NYC, Silicon Valley), and employer size being key determinants. While the median salary is lower, achieving a six-figure income is realistic through strategic career moves like gaining certifications, specializing in high-demand areas, and working in lucrative markets or large corporations.
What degree do most paralegals have?
Paralegals and legal assistants typically need an associate's degree or certificate in paralegal studies to enter the occupation. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor's degree; others may consider candidates who have a high school diploma and experience.
Why can't I get a paralegal job?
It's hard to get a paralegal job due to intense competition, especially for entry-level roles, with many applicants for few spots, and employers often prioritizing candidates with some experience over new graduates. Other factors include a lack of practical skills from some online programs, small firms' budget constraints for training, and the general "catch-22" of needing experience to get hired, but needing a job to get experience, all while dealing with massive application volumes.
What is the easiest way to become a paralegal?
#1: Complete Your Paralegal Education
The degree programs of Associate or Bachelor of Applied Business in Law & Paralegal Studies can open doors to new career opportunities in paralegal studies. Consider a fully online program to allow you to study alongside your current line of employment.
What is the $900,000 AI job?
A $900,000 AI job refers to a high-paying role, famously a Machine Learning Product Manager at Netflix, that gained attention in 2023, highlighting intense demand for AI talent with compensation packages including substantial bonuses and stock, rather than just base salary, for roles like AI/ML Engineers, Research Scientists, and NLP Engineers. These roles focus on building AI platforms, integrating AI for business value, and require deep technical skills, commanding massive salaries due to high demand and specialized expertise.
Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?
Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially Big Law partners, senior corporate counsel, specialized litigators, and successful solo practitioners in high-value fields like IP or medical malpractice, though this is not the norm for all attorneys, with median salaries being much lower. Reaching this income level requires specialization, strategic business growth, marketing, and often working in major markets, with top-tier law firms (Big Law) offering high starting salaries and significant bonuses that can push senior associates past the $500K mark.