This online Ed2Go course, offered in cooperation with SDSU Global Campus, will train you to become a paralegal in just 12 months.
Start Your Paralegal Career — 100% Online
Certified paralegals play an important role in San Diego County law firms by keeping costs lower and allowing attorneys to take on more clients.
This training course will show you how to perform the tasks you’ll be responsible for performing on the job every day, including legal research, interviews, analysis, and more. You’ll also prepare for the Certified Paralegal (CP) exam, offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).
Job Outlook For Paralegals
Paralegals are needed in San Diego County now. Nationwide, the U.S. Department of Labor expects paralegal jobs to grow 10% through 2029. However, in California, job opportunities for paralegal are expected to grow by 13.7% over the same period. This should result in 5,000 new jobs over the next eight years and 4,620 job openings each year.
Paralegals in San Diego County also make a competitive salary. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), San Diego County paralegals make an average salary of more than $66,000 per year — nearly $15,000 more than the national average for paralegals.
Paralegal FAQs
What Does a Paralegal in San Diego County Do?
Paralegals perform many duties within a legal office that attorneys may also perform themselves. Paralegals can assist attorneys and law firms by conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, answering client questions, and helping attorneys prepare for trial.
Is Being a Paralegal a Good Job To Have in San Diego County?
U.S. News & World Report listed paralegal on their list of “The 100 Best Jobs.” This ranking is based on the salary, job market, potential growth, and work-life balance. There are also many job opportunities for paralegals in San Diego County, making it a great career move.
Can Paralegals Specialize?
Absolutely. When you prepare to become a paralegal, you’ll be trained to work in any type of law firm. But when it comes time to choose a job, you also get to choose the type of law that interests you most, including criminal, family, immigration, real estate, and others.
Is a Paralegal the Same as a Legal Secretary?
No, a paralegal is not exactly the same as a legal secretary. Paralegals perform many of the same tasks an attorney might do, such as conducting legal research or preparing legal documents. Legal secretaries, on the other hand, fill a more administrative role within a law firm.
If I Leave California, Can I Still Be a Paralegal?
Yes. Even if you begin your career as a paralegal in San Diego County, you can move to another city, region, or even state and still qualify for jobs. Unlike attorneys, paralegals are not bound to a specific state licensing board, so a paralegal certification is valuable nationwide.
Is It Possible To Go From Being a Paralegal to a Lawyer?
Yes, it is possible. Starting as a paralegal can provide you with an inside view of the legal system and help you better prepare for law school. However, you'll need a bachelor’s degree before applying for law school and eventually taking a state bar exam.