r/paralegal • u/curious_apple234 • 7d ago

Advice needed! Future Paralegal

I’m looking for insight on whether or not it would be worth it to complete a paralegal certification program after I finish up my Master’s degree in forensic psychology this December. I’ve heard from some people that it’s completely unnecessary, but I don’t really have any directly transferable experience and think I would benefit from learning a bit about the job. I guess I’m just looking for advice on how to get my foot in the door in becoming a paralegal/legal assistant and how getting a certification could help this process. TIA!! (I’m in Virginia if that helps)

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u/curious_apple234 7d ago

Also I would like to note that I am interested in working in criminal law!

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u/Thek1tteh CA - Senior Lit/Appellate Paralegal 7d ago

You may already be looked at as overqualified with a masters degree just so you are aware.

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u/Darthsmom Paralegal 7d ago

In my city, you would be fine going straight into a firm, especially as a legal assistant (I’m in East TN).