An experienced paralegal who has obtained a college degree knows, by comparison, that the interests of a paralegal who has not obtained a college degree are extremely different. Most paralegals who graduate college have student loans to repay; however, the law defines a paralegal as someone who works under the supervision of an attorney. Therefore, a college degree is not required to be a paralegal and it unfairly broadens the range of competition in the job market. However, the State of Florida has resolved the paralegal problem by requiring paralegals to register with The Florida Bar. Paralegals that don’t have a degree but have the required work experience are grandfathered-in if they apply by March 1, 2011. Grandfathering also requires that non-degree paralegal must have been employed for 5 of the past 8 yearsin the State of Florida. In the State of Florida, registered paralegals are required to apply for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits, like attorneys.
In the State of New York there are paralegals that have Bachelor of Science degrees in Legal Studies that have been competing with non-degree candidates for employment as a paralegal or legal assistant. Economically, hiring non-degree candidates as paralegals makes no sense because it betrays the banks that issue the student loans and causes a well intentioned student to default on his/her student loan(s). A more comprehensive plan is required in the State of New York in the way it defines a paralegal. Following the State of Florida’s lead regarding the registration of paralegals would be a wonderful start toward increased payments being made to banks by now-employed student borrowers. Employers in the State of New York have a hard time understanding what the law considers as “qualified.” In fact, it’s so troublesome, that many employers are sued for discrimination when they overlook an individual’s qualifications. Although a paralegal is not required to register in the State of Florida, employers can determine a paralegal’s qualifications from their registration with The Florida Bar.
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