5 Reasons to Become a Paralegal

Looking for a career that has it all? There are many reasons to become a Paralegal, but here are the top five. Keep reading to learn more about Paralegal salary, education requirements, and the duties, prospects, and meaningful impact you can look forward to in this career.

1. Earn a High Pay

One of the most appealing aspects of this career path is that a Paralegal salary is quite high! In British Columbia, the average Paralegal salary is almost $71,000 a year or $39.58 an hour, according to WorkBC. Depending on their employer and their level of experience, Paralegals can earn up to $50.67 an hour, according to WorkBC.

2. Education Takes 2 Years or Less

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to go to college for several years in order to enter a high-paying career. In British Columbia, most Paralegal programs are only 15 to 24 months long.

Sprott Shaw College’s Paralegal program is 16 months long, and it provides all the theoretical learning and hands-on training needed to prepare prospective Paralegals for an exciting legal career. Our curriculum teaches students about the BC and Canadian legal systems, such as court procedures, legal terminology, and rules of evidence. Our paralegal program also covers a wide variety of areas of law, such as family law, intellectual property law, wills and estate law, and criminal law, just to name a few.

Our Paralegal program emphasizes hands-on learning through mock hearings, role playing, legal office simulations, and analyzing case studies. Through these experiences and our up-to-date modern curriculum, our students graduate with the skillset, experience, and confidence needed to thrive in the field.

A bonus about going to school to become a Paralegal? You can take Paralegal classes online! Sprott Shaw College is proud to offer in-person and online delivery for our Paralegal program, and monthly start dates, allowing you to take classes however and whenever works best for you.

Ready to take Paralegal classes online? Our admission advisors would be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the enrollment process when you’re ready. Click the button below to fill in a contact form, and an advisor will reach out to you shortly!

3. You Can Make a Difference

For those who are passionate about justice, a career as a Paralegal can be immensely fulfilling. Whether you choose family law, criminal law, or whichever area calls to you – you would be an essential part in ensuring that your clients are receiving the fairness they deserve. Your clients count on their legal team to be thorough, perceptive, and logical, and to use those skills to help them navigate the complex legal system. As a Paralegal, you play an important role in making lengthy and intricate legal procedures—which are likely challenging and stressful for your clients—go as smoothly as possible.

4. Every Day is Different

If you’re looking for a career that keeps things interesting, you should definitely consider becoming a Paralegal! This field is well suited for individuals who enjoy a challenge and working with details and complex information. No two cases are the same, and each one will require a different course of action. With every client comes a different set of needs, experiences, and challenges that must be handled with nuance and a keen eye.

For more information on Paralegals’ responsibilities and duties check out our blog post: How to Become a Paralegal in BC

5. Demand and Job Security

When choosing a career path, it’s important to think long term, and ensure that the time, effort, and money you invest into your education is worth it! Pursuing a Paralegal career is a worthwhile investment, as there is a high demand in British Columbia, so you can enter the workforce quickly upon earning your diploma. WorkBC predicts that there will be over 1,600 job openings for Paralegals in BC from 2025-2035. Additionally, a career as a Paralegal typically offers job security, which means that you can enjoy and grow your career in this field for many years to come.

At Sprott Shaw College, we understand that job hunting can be stressful, which is why we provide our students and alumni with lifetime access to our Employment Services Specialists, who can help you with writing cover letters and resume and searching for jobs.

Launch Your Career with Sprott Shaw College

Ready to take the first steps to become a Paralegal? Our admission advisors can answer any questions you may have about the enrollment process, funding options, and intake dates. They can also guide you through the enrollment process when you’re ready. Click the button below to complete an intake form, and an advisor will get back to you soon!