While there are no formally established specializations for paralegals, those with experience in certain fields might have the easiest time qualifying for related positions. Paralegals with experience in fields such as healthcare, intellectual property, international law, elderly issues, and environmental law are able to bring something extra to the position that an employer will greatly appreciate.

Beginning a career as a paralegal can be achieved in a variety of ways.  Numerous schools offer associate or bachelor's degree programs in paralegal studies. Paralegal associations offer voluntary certifications that could give expectant paralegals a competitive edge in the job market. On the other hand, with the right amount of expertise and experience in fields such as healthcare, real estate management, or intellectual property rights, just to name a few, paralegals can hit the ground running in their new position.

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 1.5 - 2 years to complete
• Certificate: 6 months to complete

Some law firms and corporations provide on-the-job training and require little experience. This is an excellent option for students eager to start a career as a paralegal, but who may be lacking in experience.

While some employers train paralegals on the job, degrees are available to those who seek more formalized training and offer excellent ways to enhance employment opportunities when entering the job market. Associate and bachelor's degree programs are available in paralegal studies, with some campuses offering master's degrees, as well. Make sure the degree/certificate program is approved by the American Bar Association. Internships are another great option to build into the degree program, which would provide students with practical experience.

Certificate programs are ideal for students who already hold a college degree. These programs offer intensive paralegal training that can be completed in a relatively short amount of time. Coursework may include topics such as legal terminology and research combined with other important academic subjects such as ethics, communication, technical writing, etc. For those pursing careers as paralegals without formal training, there is the possibility that entry-level paralegal positions can be found that offer on-the-job training with little-to-no experience needed.

Continuing education is also an important aspect of continued employment and advancement. Legal education seminars and conferences are excellent ways to ensure paralegals stay at the forefront of innovation in the legal field.

Certification is not required in order to become a paralegal; however, voluntary certification may improve a job seekers chance at getting hired. Here are some paralegal associations that offer voluntary certification.

• National Association of Legal Assistants
• American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc.
• National Federation of Paralegal Assocations

Each association has separate regulations for achieving certification.  Some associations offer certification to those who pass an exam, while others offer certification with the right amount of experience and education.

Salary depends heavily on the amount of professional experience and training/education the paralegal has obtained. Geographical location and the size of the company or institution are also big factors in the amount of money a paralegal will be paid.

Paralegals working for the Federal Executive Branch of the government can expect a median annual salary of $58,000, while those working in a legal services department can expect $44,000.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, earnings in 2008 ranged from about $29,000 at the extreme low end up to more than $73,000. (BLS)

Paralegals can also expect to receive fringe benefits such as vacation, paid sick leave, personal time off, dental, health, and life insurance, savings plans. Some paralegals also receive bonuses to compensate for working long hours during busy times of the year.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the paralegal profession to grow by more than 28% by 2018. However, the BLS also predicts that competition will be stiff as many people are expected to enter the profession within that time period.

Private law firms are the largest employers of paralegals, but job opportunities can also be found in corporate legal departments, insurance and real-estate companies, and banks. The highest demand will be for paralegals with experience in fields such as intellectual property, healthcare, international law, elder issues, criminal law, and environmental law.

Advancement opportunities exist for experienced paralegals, and promotions might include managerial or project management positions. Some paralegals find it easier to move to another law firm when seeking increased responsibility or advancement.

Paralegal work easily crosses over to other disciplines as well. Individuals in legal office administration, such as legal secretaries, will perform some of the same work as paralegals. This might include drafting correspondence, but also involves the day to day work of scheduling meetings and being a public-facing employee who deals with clients, vendors, and visitors.