What Is a Contract Paralegal and How to Become One
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What Does a Contract Paralegal Do?
As a contract paralegal, your job is to work for a law firm for either a specific term or for a particular task. For example, you may help the firm for three months over the summer or through the entire process of negotiating a specific real estate deal. You can do this job remotely or in their office. Contract paralegals may help create and fill out paperwork, research legal matters for attorneys, or help evaluate the qualifications of each client to participate in a case. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a contract paralegal requires attention to detail, communication skills, flexibility, and the ability to prioritize tasks in a deadline-driven environment.
How to Become a Contract Paralegal
As a contract paralegal, you help lawyers prepare for cases on a freelance basis. Instead of working as an employee of the law office, you have a contract for a specified amount of time. This can mean that qualifications are less strict, but you still need an associate degree or certificate in paralegal studies and several years of experience. While in school, you should apply for an internship or part-time job in a law office. This can help you gain crucial experience in trial preparation and hone your legal research skills. After you have finished your degree and built up enough experience, complete the NALA Paralegal certification exam. Basic business skills are essential for this career, as a contract paralegal has business management duties as well.
