Keith Mack
A corporate paralegal is a legal professional who assists a company's in-house legal department with various legal needs. They help lawyers with research, document preparation, and providing general legal assistance. To become a corporate paralegal, you can follow these steps: earn a bachelor's degree in a program recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA), obtain your paralegal certification, and complete an internship to gain corporate law experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Education | An associate or bachelor's degree in a program recognised by the American Bar Association (ABA) |
| Certification | A professional paralegal certification from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the Association of Legal Professionals (NALS) |
| Internship | At least six months of internship experience is recommended by the AAfPE and NALA |
| Skills | Strong communication, research, writing, organisational, and computer skills, as well as attention to detail |
| Salary | $37,690 to $94,960 per year, with an average of $67,515 per year |
What You'll Learn
Earn a bachelor's degree in a business/law-related field
Earning a bachelor's degree in a business or law-related field is a crucial step towards becoming a corporate law paralegal. This field of work requires a strong foundation in business or legal knowledge, and a bachelor's degree serves as a comprehensive introduction to these areas of study. While an associate degree may be sufficient for entry into the paralegal field, a bachelor's degree is often preferred by employers in the highly competitive world of corporate law.
When choosing a bachelor's degree programme, it is essential to select one that is recognised by the American Bar Association (ABA). This accreditation ensures that your degree meets the high standards expected by the legal profession. Examples of suitable degree programmes include business administration, business management, or business law. These degrees provide a solid understanding of business operations, management, and the legal framework within which businesses operate. They also equip you with valuable skills in communication, research, and analysis, which are essential for paralegals working in corporate law.
During your studies, you will gain a broad knowledge of business principles, including finance, marketing, and human resources. You will also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, which are invaluable for interpreting legal information and applying it to real-world corporate scenarios. Additionally, a bachelor's degree will enhance your research and writing abilities, which are fundamental for drafting legal documents and conducting legal research.
Completing a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. This timeframe allows for a deep exploration of your chosen subject area and provides opportunities for internships or practical experiences that can enhance your resume when applying for corporate law paralegal positions. Remember to check the specific requirements of the corporate law firms you are interested in working for, as some may have additional educational requirements or preferences.
By earning a bachelor's degree in a business or law-related field, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials necessary to pursue a career as a corporate law paralegal. This degree will not only make you a more competitive candidate but will also provide you with the foundational knowledge and abilities needed to excel in this challenging and rewarding field.
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Get a certificate from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations
To become a corporate law paralegal, you can pursue a certificate from the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA). The NFPA is one of the leading professional organizations that offer advanced certification options for paralegals. Their certifications are widely recognized and can enhance your employment prospects and increase your income.
The NFPA offers two levels of certification: the CORE Registered Paralegal (CRP) and the Registered Paralegal (RP). The CRP is an entry-level certification, while the RP is an advanced-level certification. To obtain these certifications, you must pass a certification exam and meet certain educational and work experience requirements. The CRP exam fee is $215 for NFPA members and $250 for non-members, while the RP exam fee is $225 for members and $250 for non-members.
In addition to the NFPA, there are two other major national organizations that offer paralegal certifications: the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and the Association for Legal Professionals (NALS). All three organizations have similar standards for experience and education required to take the exams.
Pursuing a certification from the NFPA or any other recognized organization can be beneficial for your career as a corporate law paralegal. It demonstrates your advanced knowledge, expertise, and commitment to the profession. It can also lead to promotions, increased salaries, and improved job opportunities.
It is important to note that while professional certification is widely pursued, it is typically voluntary and not a mandatory requirement to practice as a paralegal. However, it can set you apart from your peers and showcase your expertise and ambition to employers.
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Complete an internship to gain experience
Completing an internship is a great way to gain experience in the field of corporate law and to understand the day-to-day workings of the profession. It is an opportunity to put your knowledge into practice and develop your skills in a real-world setting.
An internship will allow you to work with people in the field and gain first-hand knowledge of the policies, regulations, laws, and privacy acts that are the basis of any corporate entity. You will learn how to work with cases and confidential information, and develop an understanding of the specific needs of a corporate legal department. This includes the various tasks that a corporate paralegal undertakes, such as preparing legal documents, maintaining corporate records, and assisting with compliance issues.
To find an internship, you can start by working with your school to see if they provide internship resources or have any connections with corporate law firms in your area. You can also reach out to corporate law firms directly to inquire about internship opportunities. Some paralegal associations, such as the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE) and the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), recommend an internship of at least six months as part of a comprehensive education in paralegal studies.
An internship is a valuable step in your journey to becoming a corporate law paralegal, as it will provide you with practical experience and help you build a network of contacts in the field. It will also allow you to determine if this career path is a good fit for your skills and interests.
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Develop strong communication and organisational skills
Strong communication and organisational skills are essential for a career as a corporate law paralegal. Paralegals must be able to communicate effectively with clients, witnesses, attorneys, and other professionals. They need to be confident in their communication skills, whether it's interviewing a client, writing a witness statement, or scheduling an appointment.
Communication skills are also vital when it comes to collaborating with other members of the legal team on special projects and initiatives. Corporate paralegals often work with a variety of teams within a company, so being a good team player is crucial. This includes working closely with the in-house legal team and professionals in other departments, as well as collaborating with other paralegals, attorneys, and business clients to manage contract negotiations and legal issues.
In addition to strong communication skills, organisational skills are also highly valued in corporate law paralegals. Organisation is key when it comes to managing files for multiple client cases and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. Paralegals must be able to prioritise tasks and complete them efficiently, all while maintaining attention to detail and accuracy in their work. They are often responsible for maintaining corporate records, preparing meeting minutes, and handling various documents.
To develop these skills, aspiring corporate law paralegals should focus on gaining practical experience through internships and short-term roles. This will allow them to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting and improve their communication and organisational skills through hands-on experience.
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Apply for jobs directly or via career centres at NALA/NFPA
Applying for Corporate Law Paralegal Jobs via NALA, NFPA, and Other Job Boards
Once you have earned your certification and completed an internship, the next step is to find a job in a corporate law firm or company. You can use the career centres at NALA and NFPA, as well as the job board at NALS, to search for national and local paralegal and legal support job opportunities.
NALA's career centre provides job search tips, job postings, and Simple Law resources to help you succeed in finding a paralegal position. You can also find job postings on their website, with openings for various paralegal roles across different states.
The NFPA Career Centre, with over 9,000 members, is another optimal location to find leading paralegal talent. Employers can email job postings directly to job seekers, post openings online, and seek qualified candidates through their Resume Bank.
In addition to these career centres, you can also utilize other job boards and websites that cater specifically to legal jobs, such as the one provided by All Criminal Justice Schools. They offer a range of resources, including job descriptions, salary information, and a job board with postings for paralegal positions in different states.
When applying for corporate law paralegal jobs, it is important to note that employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in a law-related area or a versatile business staple such as business administration. Make sure your program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Additionally, consider earning professional certifications from organizations like the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) and NALA, as these can enhance your employability and showcase your commitment to the field.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need an associate or bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as paralegal studies, criminal justice, business administration, or law.
No, a master's degree is not a requirement to become a corporate law paralegal. However, it may increase your chances of getting an interview and can bolster your earning potential.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, accuracy, attention to detail, and proficiency in computer applications are essential skills for corporate law paralegals. Additionally, organisational skills, teamwork, and the ability to work independently are advantageous.
Corporate law paralegals assist with various legal needs, including preparing legal documents, maintaining corporate records, conducting research, and providing general legal assistance. They may also assist with contract negotiations, compliance issues, and corporate meetings.
It typically takes 2-3 years to become a corporate law paralegal. This includes obtaining an associate degree and gaining some work experience or completing internships.
