[Question] Paralegal Training Question

[Ideal VA]

So, I am considering training at Penn Foster their paralegal program and was wondering if anyone recommended this. It is not an ABA approved school. However, I am in need of doing something when my children start school in August and was wanting to do some training at home. I was thinking about starting a service, but have no experience. What do you ladis (and gents) recommend? I am just in a need for a career and cannot seem to find one that excites me, that there is a calling for, or that is flexible enough to train for with my schedule.

[CustomVA]

Hi there,

I'm not sure where you are located but here in California in order to work as a paralegal completion of an ABA approved program is highly desirable if not required. I believe most law firms are leaning toward paralegals that have at minimum a 2-year degree in paralegal studies or a 4-year degree with a paralegal certificate (feel free to correct me if I am wrong on this). One of the reasons that this is the minimum requirement, (this is what my professors have said) is because as a paralegal you would be doing a lot of writing, communicating, and critical thinking, in order to graduate with a degree a student must complete these college-level courses, thus providing you with the skills necessary to be successful. I hope this is helpful.

Anita

[Kerans VA]

Hi Dekota,

While I wouldn't want to discourage anyone from self-improvement by way of further education, I don't know how well you would be served by the paralegal program you're interested in. I agree with Anita that these courses won't qualify you in CA or SD as per their website:

State Licensing Requirements
In the States of California and South Dakota, a Paralegal Diploma will not qualify graduates for employment as paralegals.

I would also say that many law firms require some form of on-the-job experience at a minimum in order to even be considered for a position. I would say that by going with Penn Foster you might have a tough time when it comes to getting clients.

Have you looked at any of the courses at VA Classroom? As the courses are for VAs to expand specific skills that are usually in high demand, I would think it might be more beneficial in the long run.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

[HoustonVirtualParalegals]

The OP is located in Florida, so the CA and SD requirements do not apply. However, FL has a "registered paralegal" program, but I couldn't determine after some quick research if that designation is mandatory. Here's a link to the requirements necessary to become a FL registered paralegal, as published by the Florida State Bar:

http://www.floridabar.org/tfb/tfbres...df?openelement

That being said, becoming a virtual paralegal from the get do without prior law firm or comparative experience in a government agency or corporation will be daunting indeed. Most attorneys will want to work with a paralegal with a significant amount of experience. You won't get enough education in school to provide the same amount of experience that can only be gained by years of on-the-job training.

[Penelope and Partners]

Hi:

Experience is what you need. I think you would be better off if, when your kids go back to school, if you go and get yourself a job as a legal secretary. After a coupe of years of actual legal secretary experience you would have more credibility if you then went virtual.

Good luck,

Penelepe PLS = Professional Legal Secretary