While the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) recognizes an associate degree, it strongly recommends getting a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies.
Try to get at least 24 semester hours of legal studies that will help you in your job as a paralegal.
The Paralegal Core Competencies Exam (PCCE) is offered by the NFPA. The Certified Paralegal/Certified Legal Assistant (CP/CLA) exam is offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). The Professional Paralegal (PP) exam is offered by the Association for Legal Professionals (NALS).
Work on your management skills. Try to get leadership opportunities in your current job, or internship, or take a management class. This will show future employers that you’re able to handle leading and working with a team. [5] X Research source
Trademarks, which are protected words, names, symbols, or designs. [7] X Research source As a paralegal, you may be asked to search the trademark database to see if a trademark already exists on something. To conduct this type of search, go to this government website and follow the directions. Trade secrets, which is information protected by the government and can include things like formulas, patterns, compilations, programs, devices, methods, techniques, or processes. Trade secrets are protected without registration, and, therefore, there is no real way to search a database of them. [8] X Research source Most trade secret issues come up in litigation, so a paralegal would most likely be conducting much more conventional legal research here (i. e. , searching statutes and cases). Copyrights, which grants the holder of the copyright the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, and license the work that is copyrighted. [9] X Research source Paralegals are likely to be asked to search copyright records, which can be done on this government website. Patents, which grants the holder of the patent the exclusive right to make, use, import, and sell the patented object for a limited period of time. [10] X Research source As a paralegal, you may be asked to search for patents in order to see if someone has already patented a client’s idea. To search for patents, follow the directions on this government website, which includes all of the information you will need.
Specialization may allow you to get a pay increase if you’re already employed at a law firm. Intellectual property specialization is one of the more profitable specializations available. [11] X Research source
If you’re volunteering in a law office, don’t forget that you can ask for letters of reference from the attorney you work for.
Identify people to interview; Prepare for the interview; Initiate contact; Conduct the informational interview; and Follow-up with the person you interviewed with. [15] X Research source
Remember to specifically state why you’re interested in intellectual property law and working in that particular office.
If you have experience in a law office or legal setting, highlight this experience. Convince your interviewer that you understand how a law firm works and how you, as a paralegal, would fit in.
