Do you need a degree to work with lawyers?
The legal field consists of more than just attorneys. People fill extremely important roles as paralegals, legal assistants, office managers, bookkeepers, and more.
None of these positions require a law degree. In many cases, they don’t even require a bachelor’s degree, though additional education certainly doesn’t hurt. Today we’re going to take a closer look at some of these roles, as well as what you can do to prepare yourself – even if you don’t have a degree.
Here are the careers in law without being a lawyer.
Non-Attorney Legal Careers
Paralegal
One of the most common professions in the legal field outside of attorney is a paralegal.
In this position, you work on legal work as directed by an attorney. A paralegal completes many high-level legal tasks such as drafting legal documents, investigative evidence gathering, and organizational tasks. Due to the high-level nature of the work, many law firms prefer to hire those paralegals with degrees or certifications.
One thing you can do to set yourself on the course towards a paralegal career is to take distance learning courses. Stratford Career Institute offers courses that can help prepare you for a new career.
Legal Assistant
A legal assistant fills a valuable role at a law firm.
They usually perform a variety of tasks similar to a paralegal, though they typically require less training or experience. While many firms prefer a paralegal with a 4-year degree, they are more lenient with legal assistant requirements. It is a fantastic position for those considering a more extensive career in the legal field. Since the education and experience requirements aren’t as stringent, the jobs are easier to get.
Still, having training is an advantage.
Office Manager
When a law firm has more than a few employees, an officer manager becomes an essential role. A manager doesn’t need a law degree, and many firms don’t require a 4-year degree.
They will however, want to see experience related to the job. Since office managers at law firms are often responsible for finances and the overall well-being of the business, they cannot offer the job to just anyone.
Again, business management training with Stratford can give you a solid base and set you on a trajectory towards the position you would ultimately like. When combined with real-world experience, distance learning can provide a boost to your career.
Bookkeeper
Tracking firm finances and balancing budgets is complex. The task requires someone who is experienced in bookkeeping and knows how a law firm operates.
Still, with the right training and experience, a 4-year degree is unnecessary for law firm bookkeepers. Distance learning training programs, however, provide a solid knowledge base for you to work with. Combined with experience, it can make the difference between a job offer and a rejection.
Start Your Career in Law Without Being a Lawyer Today!
The legal field offers a wide variety of engaging and interesting careers.
None of them explicitly require extended education, but it is definitely beneficial. Distance learning provided by Stratford can also help elevate your position. For example, if you’re a legal assistant aspiring to become a paralegal, why not take a distance learning course to improve your understanding and appeal as a candidate?
By bolstering your experience with education, you improve your chances of long-term success.
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