How to Prepare for a Paralegal Career as a Military Spouse
Being a military spouse often means navigating a mobile lifestyle and adapting to new challenges. Planning a paralegal career as a military spouse is an excellent way to build a portable, rewarding profession. Paralegals are in demand nationwide, and with the right preparation and use of military spouse resources, you can confidently pursue this path. This guide will walk you through what a paralegal does and how to leverage special programs and opportunities to kickstart your paralegal career as a military spouse.
What Does a Paralegal Do?
A paralegal (sometimes called a legal assistant) is a trained legal professional who supports attorneys in delivering legal services. Paralegals perform tasks such as conducting legal research, drafting documents and correspondence, organizing case files, and communicating with clients. They work under the supervision of licensed lawyers, but their contributions are essential to a law firm or legal department’s efficiency.
Start Your Training with the MyCAA Scholarship
A major advantage of pursuing a paralegal career as a military spouse is access to the My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship program. MyCAA is a Department of Defense program that provides up to $4,000 in tuition assistance for eligible military spouses seeking a certification, license, or associate’s degree. You can use MyCAA funding to cover your educational expenses to pursue paralegal education.
To take advantage of MyCAA, first check your eligibility and open an account through the MyCAA portal. When choosing a program, note that Blackstone Career Institute’s online Legal Assistant/Paralegal Program is approved for MyCAA funding and costs only $1,214 for full pay. This means you can enroll in Blackstone’s flexible, self-paced paralegal program with the tuition covered by MyCAA and have funding left over.
Blackstone’s program is DEAC and MSA accredited, can be completed in under a year, and is designed to prepare you for entry-level paralegal roles. The convenience of an online, asynchronous course is ideal for military spouses, since you can study from anywhere and accommodate your family’s schedule. For more details on using military benefits with Blackstone, visit the Military Spouses page, which explains MyCAA and other support available.
Earn Professional Certification (NALA Certified Paralegal)
After completing qualifying paralegal education, you can pursue professional certification. The Certified Paralegal (CP®) credential offered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) is highly valued by employers and can set you apart in the job search.
Blackstone’s online Legal Assistant/Paralegal Program contains 915 clock hours and qualifies graduates to sit for the CP® Exam. To make the certification process easier, Blackstone offers a NALA Certification Bundle available to its students for purchase. This bundle includes study resources, a practice exam, a NALA student membership, and even an exam voucher to cover the exam fee. Earning your NALA CP® credential demonstrates your commitment to the profession and can increase your job opportunities.
Leverage Military Spouse Career Resources
Military spouses have access to several exclusive career support resources. These tools can help you with everything from resume writing to job networking as you transition from training to employment:
- Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (MySECO): The Department of Defense’s MySECO program offers free career coaching and employment tools for eligible spouses of military members. You can speak with a professional through the MySECO career coach service for personalized guidance on your paralegal journey. MySECO also provides a Resume Builder to help you craft a polished resume tailored to legal positions. Once you have a draft ready, you can submit it for a resume and cover letter review – experts will give feedback to ensure your application materials are top-notch.
- Free LinkedIn Premium Membership: Networking is key in any job search. Fortunately, as a military spouse you may get one year of LinkedIn Premium for free. This offer includes access to LinkedIn Learning courses and premium job search tools. Use this benefit to connect with other legal professionals, join paralegal groups, and take courses on topics like legal writing or software. Building a strong LinkedIn profile and network can lead you to job opportunities in new locations as you move.
- RecruitMilitary Career Fairs: When you’re ready to look for a job, consider attending military-focused career fairs such as those organized by RecruitMilitary. These events (held both in-person and virtually) are geared toward veterans and military spouses, and many participating employers are eager to hire candidates with military community experience. Attending gives you a chance to meet recruiters face-to-face, expand your professional network, and discover job opportunities.
Launching Your Paralegal Career as a Military Spouse
Preparing for this career path is a journey you don’t have to navigate alone. By utilizing these programs and resources, you can gain the education, credentials, and support you need to succeed. Start by getting the proper training at a learning institute that understands the military lifestyle – such as Blackstone Career Institute. Then, enhance your qualifications with NALA CP® certification and use military spouse career services to help you land a job.
With determination and the right support, your paralegal career as a military spouse can flourish wherever the military takes you. Take advantage of scholarships, certifications, and networking opportunities, and you can be well on your way to a portable, fulfilling career. If you’re ready to get started, consider enrolling in Blackstone’s online Legal Assistant/Paralegal Program to take the first step toward your future.
Written by Colt Parris
