The first requirement is to graduate from high school, or earn your GED, and enroll in a college (community or university) that offers paralegal programs. According to the American Bar Association, as of 2009, more than 1,000 institutions offer paralegal programs.
Successful paralegals must become proficient in legal research and legal writing. The course work will generally include a class teaching these essential skills.
Paralegals must be familiar with contracts, torts, property, criminal law and constitutional law. The courses will be similar to those a first-year law student would take.
Paralegals can take classes on how to manage a law office. Taking such a class will improve the marketability of the paralegal, as the employer will not have to spend additional time training the paralegal in this matter.
Paralegals must take courses that train them to be proficient in interviewing and counseling potential clients. In some law firms, the client will meet the paralegal first, then relay the information to the firm's partner. Paralegals must be proficient in these skills.