Kaplan College in Dallas offers a Paralegal Certificate in General Practice that prepares students for entry-level employment in the paralegal field. This program is offered through evening classes for working students and includes 600 contact hours over a 28-week period, totaling 44.5 hours of quarterly credit. In addition, students must complete a 130-hour contact internship. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 22,730 paralegals employed in the state of Texas in May 2017, placing Texas fourth nationally in the number of paralegals employed.2 From 2016 to 2026, the employment of paralegals and paralegals is expected to increase by 15% nationally, compared to a projected 22.2% increase in the employment of paralegals and paralegals in Texas in the same year. Period.1, 3 As the role of paralegals and legal assistants becomes larger and more diverse, it is expected that law firms of all sizes will increase the number of support staff and create new opportunities for qualified paralegals. Overall, paralegal employment prospects in Texas are favorable given statewide trends in paralegal job creation and expansion, and the presence of well-known law firms and businesses throughout the state. Employment prospects are likely to be strongest in metropolitan areas where a large number of paralegals are currently employed, such as Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Texas Board of Legal Specialization certification is available to experienced paralegals who have chosen to focus their work and continuing education on one area of law. Similar to the Certificate of Legal Specialization available to lawyers, the Paralegal Certificate is available in the areas of civil procedure, criminal, estate planning and estate law, family law, personal injury litigation law and real estate law. The minimum requirements to take the specialization certification exam include five years of experience as a paralegal, three of which focus on an area of expertise. Further requirements can be found here. Because the Texas State Bar has accepted paralegals as its members and helped create career paths for them, it has also taken the initiative to develop standards for entering the paralegal profession.
These standards require lawyers to hire paralegals who possess one of the following qualifications: Texas Board of Legal Specialization – This organization offers voluntary certified paralegal certification in the following six specialties for paralegals who wish to differentiate their skills: Currently, there are no compulsory licensing requirements for paralegal certification in Texas at the state level. However, the Texas Board of Legal Specialization offers voluntary paralegal certification in seven practice areas. In addition, completion of a paralegal degree program recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) and obtaining a national certification from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or similar organization can enhance candidates` marketing opportunities. The American Bar Association has officially approved 11 paralegal programs in Texas.5 The Paralegal Division of the Texas State Bar provides more information about employment opportunities and certifications in Texas. Texas is home to more than twenty paralegal associations as well as several paralegal departments of state bar associations. In addition, there are several paralegal associations in the Houston area and other areas of Texas. Yes, you can go from being a paralegal to a lawyer. Starting as a paralegal can give a good insight into how the legal system works.
However, you will need a bachelor`s degree before you can apply to law school and pass a state bar exam. Individuals who wish to work in the field of paralegals generally need one of the following: a paralegal certificate, university degree, CLA diploma or legal experience. Some large law firms and corporate legal departments are looking for candidates with a college degree and a paralegal certificate. Others simply require professional skills, a good attitude, and the ability to get the job done. Recruitment criteria appear to be the most flexible among small and medium-sized law firms, particularly individual practitioners. According to the 2015 Bureau of Labor Statistics, 22,350 paralegals were employed in the state of Texas at the time. The Texas State Bar and many local professional associations encourage aspiring paralegals to take training before seeking employment as paralegals. Many employers also want training because it demonstrates an employee`s commitment to the field and provides basic legal knowledge. Fortunately, there are a number of schools in Texas with a paralegal program. Paralegals seeking national certification or state specialization certification should thoroughly research educational programs to ensure they are approved by the ABA or offered by an accredited institution.
The severity of the program can vary greatly. Texas A&M is known and respected throughout the country and offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies. These broad-based liberal arts programs emphasize the fundamental principles of law and how those principles relate to real-life cases and business organizations. Mandatory internships prepare students to compete in an expanding and demanding job market. You probably wouldn`t be surprised to learn that Texas ranks among the best states in the country due to its number of paralegals, which was 27,630 in May 2020. From San Antonio to Dallas to Houston and beyond, Texas is a hot spot for paralegal jobs in everything from corporate law to litigation to bankruptcy law and beyond. Home to companies like Exxon Mobile, ConocoPhillips and AT&T, and a landing pad for major law firms like Baker Botts LLP in Houston, Locke Lord LLP in Dallas and Kelly Hart & Hallman in Fort Worth, Texas, the opportunities for paralegals are as plentiful as you can imagine. In the world of paralegals, the terms certified, certified, and certified are often used interchangeably, even if they mean different things. Introduction to the Texas and Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence, which govern civil procedure; Investigation of the role of the paralegal during investigation, preparation and trial with a focus on civil litigation in the courts of the State of Texas.
Includes a legal writing lab. Learn about the general responsibilities and duties of paralegals within the U.S. legal system. Another criterion lawyers should look for in the paralegals they want to hire, according to the Texas State Bar, is experience, with and without training. For example, in Step 1 above, candidates with a bachelor`s degree in any field must have one year of work experience as a paralegal. In the absence of training beyond high school graduation, it is recommended that lawyers hire paralegals who have completed at least four years of paralegal work under the supervision of a lawyer. Where do you get that kind of experience from? Legal aid associations in Texas often hire students who need work experience. These organizations include: U.S.
News and World Report ranked Paralegal as #2 on its list of “Best Jobs That Don`t Require a College Degree.” Paralegals were also included in the “Top 100 Jobs” list based on salary, labour market, potential growth and work-life balance. The requirements for national examinations differ between the three national paralegal organisations and can be found here. In addition, the Texas State Bar Association strives to promote the professional development of paralegals by recommending to lawyers employing paralegals to encourage them: You may be eligible for certification in a specialty by having at least five years of experience as a paralegal, currently working as a paralegal under the supervision of a lawyer, with at least half of your paralegal duties related to your choice Participation in continuing education seminars, pass an exam and meet one of the following requirements: The BLS reports that the average annual salary for paralegals is $50,000. However, the salary may increase depending on your legal profession and level of experience. referral to the paralegal profession; ethics, including Texas disciplinary rules of professional conduct; basic legal concepts; and the Texas and federal justice systems. Includes a tour of the Bexar County Courthouse and grammar lab. Congratulations on becoming a paralegal in Texas! If you are certified by TBS, remember to complete the CLE required to maintain certification every five years. Also consider joining a voluntary, optional affiliate of paralegals in Texas.