Paralegal FAQ

Most states don’t license paralegals, but they must work under attorney supervision. Some states regulate the title or education requirements.

Certificate programs can take a few months to a year; associate degrees take about two years.

No. Only licensed attorneys can give legal advice or represent clients (with limited exceptions in some states for licensed paraprofessionals).

The median annual wage for paralegals was $62,890 ($30.24 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,740 and the highest 10% earned more than $101,500.

Most people need about 6 months to 2 years of training. BLS lists an associate degree as typical. Many paralegals complete a paralegal certificate (often ABA-approved), especially if they already have a bachelor’s degree. Some states, such as California, set specific education requirements to use the paralegal title.

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.

It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -0.3% from 2025–35 (little or no change), with about 40,800 openings each year. Upsides include substantive legal work without law school; a common challenge is that deadline pressure and occasional long hours.

Key technical skills include legal research, legal writing and drafting, discovery management, and docketing and calendaring. Employers also value attention to detail, organization, and discretion.

Common credentials include Certified Paralegal (NALA CP), NFPA PCCE and PACE, NALS Professional Paralegal (PP), and E-discovery certifications. Most states do not license paralegals, but paralegals must work under attorney supervision and may not practice law. A few states regulate the paralegal title or allow licensed paraprofessionals in limited areas.