The CLA exam is a comprehensive two-day exam offered 3 times annually (March/April, July, and December) and registration for the exam is through NALA, not UTSA. The CLA exam is administered at locations across the United States and many schools, universities and junior colleges may serve as testing centers through an arrangement with NALA. NALA will establish a testing center where 10 or more candidates apply. The testing dates and deadlines for filing the requisite forms (available from NALA) and paying the fees are available at www.nala.org.

The exact job duties of a paralegal will vary depending on the attorney's needs and the firm's practice areas. Paralegals assist attorneys in all legal disciplines including general civil litigation, business law, criminal law, family law, labor law, real estate, bankruptcy, probate and more. Specific duties might include legal research, investigation of facts, gathering medical and other written data, managing litigation deadlines and case files, writing case status reports, summarizing deposition testimony, and creating legal documents for attorney review. In many firms paralegals will assist the attorney at trial by coordinating witnesses, tracking exhibits, monitoring jury reactions and quickly accessing pertinent information as the case unfolds.

Paralegals are required to work under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Providing legal services to the public by non-attorneys constitutes the unauthorized practice of law for which civil and criminal penalties exist. Paralegals who wish to freelance may contract their services to attorneys or law firms but not to members of the general public.

Individuals wishing to work in the paralegal field typically will need one of the following: a paralegal certificate, a college degree, the CLA credential, or experience in the legal field. Some large law firms and corporate legal departments seek job candidates with both a college degree and a paralegal certificate. Others simply require job skills, a good attitude and the ability to get the job done. Hiring criteria appears to be the most flexible among the small to mid-sized law firms, particularly among the solo practitioners.

During or immediately following the program, participants should plan on volunteering for an unpaid internship with a private attorney or legal clinic to gain on-the-job legal experience to supplement your classroom training. Even a few hours a week will be beneficial.

The paralegal salary depends upon the region, the type of law setting, the level of experience and the amount and quality of job skills. In general, our graduates report entry-level salaries ranging from $9.00 - $14.00 per hour ($17,280 - $26,880 annually) in the greater San Antonio area, plus possible overtime, bonuses, and/or medical benefits. Many graduates report that law firms prefer to start new paralegals in case clerk, file clerk, or administrative assistant positions to help them gain experience and learn the ropes of that firm. Often times, diligent graduates report their first pay raise came within the first few months on the job. The paralegal profession is one in which salaries can escalate quickly once you get your foot in the door and prove your ability. Paralegals with 1-3 years experience averaged $36,503 statewide in 2003 with bonuses of $2,052. With seven years experience, the average paralegal salary jumps to $46,345 with bonuses of $3,347. You can find more research on salary figures for the state of Texas at www.txpd.org, and nationwide at www.nala.org.

Paralegals can obtain a better starting salary by marketing their transferable job skills. More skills = more money. Start by identifying your job skills gained from other industries that will transfer to a law office. For example, do you have a demonstrated ability to write reports, coordinate projects, organize information, meet deadlines, assure compliance with regulations, summarize information, or interact positively with clients? Are you familiar with medical terminology, skilled in Internet research, talented with numbers, knowledgeable about human resource issues, good with grammar, or able to use a variety of computer software? Highlight these skills. Add the UTSA Paralegal Certificate and market yourself, based on your prior background, to e.g., personal injury, insurance defense, business law, employment law, criminal, probate, or general practitioner lawyers. Marketing these skills will help you obtain an increased starting salary.

While we cannot guarantee that every student who attends our program will find a job, our program does include important tools to help you obtain your new career. All students will receive the highly acclaimed “job-hunting workshop” designed especially for paralegals, as well as a lab experience for writing resumes and cover letters particular to the legal industry. The program also includes the “Profiles in Success” series hosted by practicing paralegals, illustrating a variety of individual career paths and effective techniques for finding that right job. Additionally, students can network through our Facebook page "UTSA Paralegal Certificate Program" and view job postings in the San Antonio area and surrounding areas.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that positions for paralegals will grow faster than average for all occupations through 2010. It is basically a question of economics. To meet the client’s demand for legal services at more affordable rates, attorneys are delegating many traditional “attorney only” legal functions to paralegals working directly under their supervision. Absent the paralegal’s assistance, the attorney would have to perform the legal task for the client at the attorney’s higher billing rate.