I want to know all about paralegal and what it takes to become one. Is there any paralegal's out there?

I am trying to decide whether or not I should become a paralegal. I need to talk to someone who was or is a paralegal. Anyone that could give me some good websites to go to or just some expert advice. Please serious inquires only...

Being a paralegal is a very fulfilling job. I love it! Here is a website that gives you a run down of the position, duties, salary, education, etc...
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm

My advice to you, and this is what I did, is to start working in a law office now to gain experience while you go to school. Try to get into an American Bar Association accredited paralegal program for your associates or bachelors degree. Mere certificate programs are a waste of time. A list of ABA accredited programs in your area can be found here...
http://www.abanet.org/legalservices/para...

I do not recommend getting only a certificate or going to a school that is not ABA accredited. Employers will ask!

When you graduate, don't get discouraged. It is hard to find a paralegal job as a recent grad. But having law office experience will help you.

Best of luck to you! If you have anymore questions, contact me.

In short, the training is not long, but the competition is tight. It's that way all over the legal job market. There are too many lawyers, and it's usually only the big or midsized firms that are hiring paralegals.

The opportunities for a paralegal really depends on the specialty. The most in demand paralegals are those in the litigation field; followed by corporate paralegals who are responsible for maintaining corporate records, articles of incorporation, etc. While the "least" markeable [but the "highest" paid] paralegals are in the field of intellectual property [i.e., patents, trademarks] and immigration law. In conclusion, choose your paralegal courses accordingly, with emphasis on litigation preparation [discovery], docketing/calendaring of incoming pleadings [calendaring] and trial preparation [creating Exhibit tabs, Bajii jury instructions, etc.]. The "pro" side of a litigation paralegal is often "unlimited" overtime which can amount to a high salary range of $65,000 to $75,000 per year, while the "downside," being constantly pressured to meet a monthly client billable quota. And failing to meet that quota, often results in the paralegal's overnight dismissal. It's not a pretty picture. I just want to lay out what really happens in the real world of litigators and their relationship with subordinate paralegals.

Good luck!