Paralegals, or legal assistants, assist lawyers and participate in legal proceedings. Paralegals are trained to do the non-litigation part of law work, such as researching case law, preparing briefs and explaining legal options to clients. Unlike lawyers, paralegals don't try cases in court. However, if you're interested in becoming a lawyer for a Chicago law firm, working as a paralegal is a good way to get some experience and make contacts within the field of law you hope to practice.

What Do Paralegals Do?

Most paralegals perform a wide range of functions related to assisting the lawyers they work for. Paralegals do extensive research and investigative work. For example, paralegals may interview witnesses and fact check legal briefs. They also assist lawyers in preparing opening and closing statements, legal briefs, motions and other courtroom business. Paralegals can do much of the same things that attorneys do; however, they are not allowed to participate in Chicago courtroom activities without a degree or paralegal certificate.

What Education Do Paralegals Need?

Paralegals come from a wide variety of educational backgrounds. They may or may not have a Bachelors degree in criminal justice or political science. Many paralegals get an

associate's degree in paralegal studies from a Chicago-area community college. Paralegals who have a bachelor's degree in a related field may take a paralegal certificate program at a Chicago university. Some paralegals get a Bachelors or Masters Degree in paralegal studies. There are many paralegal programs, Chicago having many.

On-the-Job-Experience

Some paralegals don't have any formal education at all; the attorneys they work for train them to work in the legal profession after hiring them. Other paralegals complete internships as part of their degree or certificate program. In any case, you'll learn a lot more from working in a Chicago attorney's office than you will in the classroom because you'll face actual situations where you have to research information or assist attorneys with preparing materials.

Job Placement

Some paralegal programs, Chicago area, help you find a paralegal job after you graduate, while others require you to finish an internship as part of the program. Choose a paralegal program that helps you make contacts in the field so that it'll be easier for you to get a job after you finish.

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