Taking on a career in Paralegal can be a tough decision, especially for students, who are looking for entry level Paralegal jobs. No one wants to be bound to only one prospective career choice. This article will offer you alternative Paralegal careers that will not leave you wondering if the rest of your career is in the hands of Law firms!

Government Paralegals

Even though getting a government job is not easy and involves a lot of red tape, working for the government provides great perks, such as job security and a higher pay than the private sector.

Each department or agency in the government has need of a good legal team, of which Paralegals are an important part. The Paralegal working for the government needs to have substantial knowledge about the specific department they will be working for, in order not to face any issues, later in their career. 

Corporate Paralegals

Paralegals are hired by corporations all over the world. Paralegals working with corporations usually have only one client; the corporation they work for. Hence, unless the corporation is facing a lawsuit, the Paralegal will work regular hours. A recent trend shows corporations do not hire legal teams, and instead hire only a Paralegal. This Paralegal then works alongside the Human Resources Department or under a special title, being called upon purely for legal advice. Corporate Paralegals need to have a working knowledge about laws and regulations related to incorporation, board of directors and human resources, among other things. 

Working in a corporation may be demanding, but the reward is equally high, as Paralegals are offered the chance to advance to higher positions with hard work and efficiency!

Paralegals with NGOs

Non-Government Organizations are usually non-profit, and do not pay their employees as much as other organizations. Hence, most Paralegals that end up working for NGOs, believe in the cause of the specific NGO. However, the office environment in these organizations are usually casual, leading to employees feeling comfortable with each other.

NGOs that hire Paralegals may be activist groups; such as environmental, women or civil rights groups, advocacy groups, or law organizations providing legal services to disadvantaged people.

Paralegals working for NGOs, need to be familiar with law that would help the NGO achieve its cause. Being familiar with how government regulations affect the work done by the NGO, is also a great advantage to the Paralegal working with the NGOs. In some cases, it also helps to be knowledgeable in International Law, in order to advocate the NGOs’ cause in other countries that might engage its interest.

Working as a Paralegal for an NGO, can be a challenging job, but it is equally unique and rewarding!

Real Estate and Title Insurance Paralegals

Most Real Estate Firms and Title Insurance Companies offer alternative careers to Paralegals. These Paralegals need to be familiar with the numerous steps and characteristics of transactions in both commercial and residential real estate. Hired Paralegals also need to know about government regulations regarding real estate in each region of the country.

Paralegals working in these organizations must be thorough in their jobs, as they often manage real estate transactions ranging from a small residence, to a multi-million-dollar venture, and any small error may have catastrophic consequences for all parties involved!

Although these real estate transactions may seem regular, the paperwork required is as unique as the client. Hence, managing a successful deal requires good people skills, efficiency in the work done, and attention to detail.

Nursing Paralegals

Hospitals and Medical Institutions are regularly hiring Paralegals, with prior medical education. High medical costs, encourage these institutions to minimize litigation. Paralegals who have prior medical training, can better understand the medical conditions, and how to evade a party planning to sue the institution.

Judicial Paralegals

Paralegals are often hired to work with judges; helping them with legal research, and even helping them draft aspects of a decision in pending cases. An alternative Paralegal career, this is an excellent opportunity for entry level Paralegals.

Conclusion

The vast opportunities in this field is among the things you need to know before becoming a paralegal. Being bound to a Law Firm is not necessary, and each Paralegal may prioritize their career choice, depending on if they want to work for monetary reasons, personal satisfaction, or any other reason.