Paralegal Spinoff

My sister is going through a rough divorce and is considering moving up from Georgia back to LI where she'll have more support from family. Currently she works as a teacher but we know how that job market is going up here...she was wondering about becoming a paralegal and if you need a certificate to get a job doing that?

After going through her divorce I suppose she's learned a lot about legal proceedings and feels its an area she'd do well. She's extremely smart, well-spoken / written...I think she'd do great, but it's a matter of breaking into it. Any advice in getting started from people who have worked in this field?

Re: Paralegal Spinoff

You do not need a Certificate or Certification to become a Paralegal in NY.

I opted to get a Certificate but it was not necessary.

I am currently a paralegal but started off as receptionist and worked my way up. I also got my Certificate while I was working there, not before.

Hope it helps!

Re: Paralegal Spinoff

I went back to school to get my Paralagel certificate. I went to Hofstra p/t in the evenings and Sat mornings. If I remember correctly, I believe it is a 9 month program. Some companies do look for the certificate, and some want an ABA approved program. CW Post offers the ABA approved program. If she doesn't have some type of training in paralegal studies, I would think she may have to start out as an assistant or something to be trained. But, there are alot of opportunities for paralegals. Good luck to her.

Re: Paralegal Spinoff

Thanks for the feedback!

Re: Paralegal Spinoff

Like others have said you do not need a certificate but I chose to get one. I went to Nassau bc it was cheaper and it was an ABA certified program. All the interviews I went on tgey asked if I had a certificate and if the program was ABA certified. If you have any further questions send me a FM

Re: Paralegal Spinoff