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This question is about paralegal.
Can you become a paralegal without going to school?
Yes, you can become a paralegal without going to school. There are no legal education requirements governing the position of paralegal.
For those considering a career as a paralegal, it is highly recommended that you get a bachelor's degree in legal studies or a related field. A four-year degree is what most law firms are looking for in their paralegal candidates. Completing a bachelor's degree at a college or university involves many of the same skills employed by a paralegal such as concentrated research and presentation of findings.
An associate's degree may not require the depth or intensity of scholarly research that some employers are looking for, and those with no post-high school education will not be considered for employment by many legal firms.
The path for someone desiring to work in this field without a college degree begins with securing an entry-level position with a legal firm. Working as a clerk or an assistant for a law firm can provide you with the opportunity to prove your value and abilities despite the lack of formal education. Once an employer becomes aware of your abilities to tackle responsibilities typically reserved for a paralegal, they may be more willing to provide you with an opportunity.
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