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How to Become a Paralegal Online: Everything You Need to Know

If you’ve always wanted to work in the legal field, becoming a paralegal could be the right move, and you can do it entirely online. Paralegals play a critical role in law offices across the country, and the career path is more accessible than most people think. 

This guide covers everything you need to know: what paralegals do, what skills and credentials you need, how long it takes, and how to find the right online program to get you there. 

What Is a Paralegal?

A paralegal is a legal professional who works alongside lawyers, barristers, and solicitors to support the legal process. They are not attorneys, but they are essential to how law offices run. 

Paralegals can work across a wide range of legal areas, including:  

  • Probate law and estate planning 
  • Intellectual property law 
  • Corporate law 
  • Real estate law 
  • Criminal defense 
  • Family law  

Some paralegals focus on one specialty. Others work across several areas, especially in smaller firms.  

What Does a Paralegal Do?

Paralegal duties vary depending on the firm, the department, and the area of law. That said, most paralegals can expect to:  

  • Communicate with clients and act as a link between the client and the attorney 
  • Draft motions, pleadings, and basic legal documents 
  • Conduct case research and investigations 
  • Interview clients and witnesses 
  • Manage and organize legal documents 
  • Prepare evidence 
  • Support attorneys during live trials 
  • Produce reports and manage projects  

In a large law firm, you might work as part of a team of dozens, or even hundreds, of paralegals, each with a specific role. In a smaller firm, you may wear more hats and take on a broader set of tasks.  

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Paralegal?

Strong paralegals combine sharp thinking with careful attention to detail. The most important skills for the job include:  

  • Excellent research and analytical thinking 
  • Strong written and verbal communication 
  • High attention to detail 
  • Ability to stay organized under pressure 
  • Solid knowledge of legal processes and terminology 
  • Good teamwork and collaboration  

You’ll also want to get comfortable with legal technology. Programs like Bryan University’s Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies and Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies include hands-on training in Relativity, the leading eDiscovery software; Clio, one of the largest legal software systems, and more.  

Do You Need a Degree to Become a Paralegal?

A college degree isn’t always required, but it makes a significant difference. A degree gives you deeper legal knowledge, specialty training, and a stronger resume. 

Related: ABA Approval vs. ABA Accreditation: Do You Need ABA Approval for a Paralegal Program? 

Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies

An associate degree typically takes less than two years to complete. You’ll learn skills like managing electronic databases, indexing legal reports, preparing evidence, and launching investigations. After graduating, you can apply for roles like litigation clerk, legal assistant, legal support specialist, or legal analyst. 

bachelor’s degree opens the door to more specialized roles like discovery paralegal, litigation paralegal, and corporate paralegal. It’s a degree valued by government agencies, insurance firms, and corporate legal departments.  

Both programs at Bryan University combine computer-based coursework with individual coaching, electronic learning platforms like Cerego, and interactive weekly events including workshops, coaching sessions, and guest speakers from the legal industry. Our paralegal program has different live events five days a week that students can participate in.  

Recommended: A Passion for Students and Justice: Christine Leavitt’s Bryan University Journey 

Courseware and books are covered in tuition, keeping the cost of your education predictable.  

Do You Need a Certification to Become a Paralegal?

Certification isn’t required to work as a paralegal, but it can strengthen your resume considerably. The most recognized credential is the Certified Paralegal (CP) certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), an organization with more than 50 years in the field. 

To qualify for the CP exam, you must meet specific requirements and NALA offers several different pathways to get there. The eligibility can get confusing, but at this link on NALA’s website you can find graphics where they break down all of the pathways to a CP certification.

The exam has two parts: the Knowledge Exam and the Skills Exam, taken separately. 

It’s valid for five years, after that CPs must complete 50 hours of continuing legal education (CLE), including at least five hours focused on ethics, to renew it. There’s also a $125 recertification fee for NALA members; $175 for non-members. Click here for more information.  

Bryan University’s paralegal programs include CP exam prep as part of the curriculum. As a student, if you’re eligible, BU covers the cost of your first exam attempt.  

How Long Does It Take to Become a Paralegal Online?

The timeline depends on how far you want to take your education:  

  • Undergraduate Certificate: Less than a year  
  • Associate degree: Less than two years 
  • Bachelor’s degree: Less than four years  

Studying online can speed this up. Bryan University’s stacked program structure lets you move efficiently from a certificate to an associate degree and up to a bachelor’s if you choose to continue. All from home, on a schedule that works for you.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I become a paralegal with no experience?

Yes. Enrolling in a paralegal degree program is the most direct route into the field. You don’t need prior legal experience to start. 

Is paralegal a good career?

Yes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics1, the paralegal and legal assistant field is expected to have nearly 40,000 job openings every year for the next decade. It’s a stable, rewarding career with a range of specializations to explore. 

Can I study to be a paralegal online?

Yes. Online programs like those at Bryan University offer full paralegal degrees completely online, with interactive learning tools, individual coaching, and a curriculum designed to match what employers expect. 

What jobs can I get with a paralegal degree?

With an associate degree, you can pursue roles like litigation clerk, legal assistant, or legal support specialist. A bachelor’s degree opens doors to positions like discovery paralegal, litigation paralegal, or corporate paralegal at government agencies, insurance firms, and corporate legal departments. 

The terms are often used interchangeably, but paralegals typically take on more substantive legal tasks, like drafting motions and conducting research, while legal assistants may focus more on administrative work. A degree and certification help clarify and elevate your role. We have a standalone breakdown here.  

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm ↩︎

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