Steps Toward a Paralegal Career in Indiana
Follow the step by step process on how to become a paralegal below:
- Get Paralegal Education in Indiana
- Accrue Paralegal Work Experience in Indiana
- Seek Indiana Paralegal Certification (Optional)
- Find Paralegal Jobs in Indiana
- Now That You’ve Become a Paralegal in Indiana
Paralegal Job Description in Indiana
Indiana does not regulate paralegals, placing any requirements on them educationally or experientially. By the Indiana Code, a paralegal is defined as a person who is qualified through work experience, education, or training to perform paralegal duties under the employment of an attorney, law office, government agency, or other entity. These paralegal duties must be performed under the supervision of an attorney and involve substantive legal work, legal concepts, and be work that an attorney would perform if he or she had no paralegal. If you wish to join the ranks and become a paralegal in Indiana, read on.
Get Paralegal Education in Indiana
The first step in your journey to becoming a paralegal in Indiana is to complete paralegal education.
Indiana Paralegal Online and Campus Schools
This program can be but does not have to be, accredited by one of two organizations: the American Bar Association (ABA) or the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE). Accreditation of a paralegal program does not mean that it is better than non-accredited programs. Some employers prefer to hire graduates of ABA or AAfPE accredited programs. The choice of a paralegal program in Indiana is strictly up to you, the student.
Only the AAfPE accredits these paralegal programs in Indiana:
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College – Saint Mary-of-the-Woods
- Bachelor of Science-Paralegal Studies
- Associate of Science-Paralegal Studies
- Certificate – Paralegal Studies
- Ivy Tech Community College– Fort Wayne
- Associate of Applied Science-Paralegal Studies
- Associate of Science-Paralegal Studies
- Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) – Indianapolis
- Certificate – Paralegal Studies
Both the ABA and the AAfPE accredit these paralegal programs in Indiana:
- Ball State University – Muncie
- Associate of Science- Legal Studies
- Bachelor of Science- Legal Studies
Get Paralegal Work Experience in Indiana
If you choose an ABA or AAfPE-accredited paralegal program in Indiana in Step 1, chances are you will be expected to complete a paralegal work experience internship. You will learn valuable skills and knowledge during this time. If your school does not offer such an internship, you may pursue paralegal work experience in Indiana on your own through one of the following volunteer legal services:
- Indiana Legal Services, Inc.– with offices in:
- Bloomington
- Ft. Wayne
- Evansville
- Columbus
- New Albany
- South Bend
- Merrillville
- Lafayette
- Indianapolis
- Local Bar Associations in all counties in Indiana
Seek Indiana Paralegal Certification (Optional)
Certification is not necessary in order to work as a paralegal in Indiana. If you desire certification, the first step is to become PACE certified. This involves passing the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. PACE certified paralegals in Indiana say that this certification gets them better jobs with higher salaries. If you have two years of paralegal experience and meet one of the following educational requirements, you may sit for the PACE exam:
- You have an associate degree in paralegal studies and six years of paralegal work experience
- You have a bachelor degree in any field and three years of paralegal work experience
- You have a bachelor degree and completion of a paralegal program with two years of paralegal work experience
Find Paralegal Jobs in Indiana
Paralegals in Indiana do not only work in law groups or law firms. They are also found within businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, and other institutions. The following are examples of potential employers of Indiana paralegals:
- Franklin Electric- Ft. Wayne
- Simon Property Group – Indianapolis
- Remy International – Pendleton
- Faegre Baker Daniels- Indianapolis
- Allstate Corporate – Indianapolis
- Springleaf Financial Services – Evansville
- Liberty Mutual – Carmel
- Krieg Devault – Indianapolis
- CBS Office – Indianapolis
Now That You’ve Become a Paralegal in Indiana
Congratulations to you! Your years of education and experience have paid off and you are now a working paralegal in Indiana! Think about becoming a member of one of the following types of organizations for paralegals in Indiana. They can help you in finding continuing education opportunities (if desired) and in networking with like-minded professionals:
- Indiana Paralegal Association, Inc., with specialty sections in:
- Marketing and public relations
- Litigation
- Legislative
- Family law
- Alliance
- Bankruptcy
- Fundraising
- Labor and employment
- Health law
- Ethics
- Pro bono
- Intellectual Property
- Real estate
- Probate tax
- Northeast Indiana Paralegal Association
- Michiana Paralegal Association