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A probate paralegal works under a licensed attorney in real estate law and/or wills and estates. Education and certification requirements vary by jurisdiction. Basic legal education is recommended, and some jurisdictions require passing a standardized exam. A good resume and interview skills are essential.
There are many different jobs in the legal industry. Some positions require a specialized type of education, knowledge or experience to be successful. The paralegal probate job is one such position. A probate paralegal is someone employed or supervised by an attorney who works within the domains of real estate law and/or wills and estates. Depending on the jurisdiction, there are various requirements in the areas of education and certification that are needed if you want to become a probationary paralegal.
To become a probate paralegal, you must start by understanding what a probate paralegal does. A probate paralegal works under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney. It is often the job of the paralegal to conduct client interviews, research case law, conduct title searches, and draft documents. Paralegals also manage correspondence, phone calls and calendars, as well as the general office workflow. Some paralegals assist attorneys in court hearings.
Next, you need to familiarize yourself with the laws of the jurisdiction in which you live. Some countries and states require a certain level of education and certification. Others require that only certain conditions of employment be met in order to claim title legally. Education, testing and certification may be required, depending on the jurisdiction in which you wish to work.
If your jurisdiction does not require a certain type of education, it is possible to become a probationary paralegal by applying for a lower-level job at a law firm. Many paralegals in these jurisdictions started out as clerks or legal secretaries who proved their worth and rose through the ranks. Basic legal education is still recommended and definitely helpful in accomplishing this task. If you need help determining the requirements to become a paralegal in your community, contact your local legal association.
For those jurisdictions that require an education, most colleges offer a degree or certificate program in paralegal studies or criminal justice. Many colleges offer formal or extension credits in real estate, insurance, wills, and estates. These classes will be immensely helpful in your quest to become a probate paralegal. Probate paralegals generally deal with matters of guardianship of the person or status of the elderly, young or disabled. Sociology and psychology classes can also be helpful.
Many jurisdictions require candidates who wish to become a probationary paralegal to take and pass a standardized exam. If so, find out about the requirements for taking the exam. Some of these tests require you to have worked as a paralegal for a certain number of years or have a degree in a certain field in order to take the certification exam.
After obtaining the appropriate education and test scores, a good resume should be prepared. The resume should list not only education and relevant work history, but also the skills and abilities that will make you an asset to the law firm you are applying to. Send a cover letter with your resume, introducing yourself and requesting an interview.
In interviews, be confident and genuine. Be prepared to answer general legal questions, specific probate questions, and questions of ethics and procedure. Show your intelligence, knowledge and professionalism, and it won’t be difficult to achieve your goal of becoming a paralegal inventory.
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