Paralegal Degree vs. On-the-Job Training: Which One is Right for You?

If you’re thinking about becoming a paralegal, you might be stuck on this question:

Do I need a degree, or can I just learn on the job?

I get it. It’s not an easy decision. Some people say you absolutely need a degree if you want to be taken seriously. Others swear they got their foot in the door without one and never looked back.

The truth? Both paths work—but they lead to different experiences, different opportunities, and different long-term outcomes.

I’ve worked with paralegals who started as receptionists and worked their way up, and I’ve worked with those who came in fresh from a degree program. Some struggled. Some thrived. And what made the difference wasn’t just how they got into the field—it was what they did once they got there.

So, if you’re trying to figure out which route to take, let’s slow down and really talk through what each one looks like. No fluff, no generic career advice—just the real pros and cons, from someone who’s seen both sides.

The Case for a Paralegal Degree

Going to school for a paralegal degree is the most structured way to enter the profession. You sit in a classroom (or online), take courses in legal research, contracts, litigation, ethics, and other topics, and walk away with a credential that says, “I know what I’m doing.”

Sounds good, right? It definitely has its benefits.

What a Degree Gets You

• A Foot in the Door at Bigger Firms and Corporations

Some law firms—especially large ones—won’t even consider you without formal education. And if you want to work in corporate legal departments, government offices, or big-name law firms, having a degree can give you an edge.

• A Strong Legal Knowledge Base

A degree gives you a structured education in legal concepts. You learn the why behind the work, not just how to do it. That’s huge when you start handling more complex cases or want to move into specialized areas of law.

• Better Pay and Long-Term Career Growth

Not always, but in general, paralegals with degrees tend to earn more over time. Some firms even have specific salary brackets based on education.

• A Path to Certification

If you ever want to become certified (like earning the NALA Certified Paralegal credential), most programs require a degree. Having one makes the process smoother.

The Downsides of a Degree

• It’s Expensive

Tuition isn’t cheap. Even a two-year associate’s degree can cost thousands of dollars, and a bachelor’s degree can be a major financial commitment.

• It Takes Time

If you’re eager to start working, spending two to four years in school might feel like a delay.

• Not Always Practical

Some degree programs focus too much on theory and not enough on the actual skills you’ll use every day. You might graduate knowing about constitutional law but have zero experience filing a motion in court. That’s why internships and part-time legal jobs while in school are so important.

The Case for On-the-Job Training

Now, let’s talk about the other path: skipping school and learning on the job.

Some people start as legal assistants, clerks, or even receptionists at a law firm and work their way up to a full paralegal role. It’s a more hands-on, trial-by-fire approach, and for the right person, it works really well.

What On-the-Job Training Gets You

• Hands-On Experience Right Away

Instead of sitting in a classroom, you’re in the thick of it from day one—drafting documents, dealing with clients, sitting in on meetings. You learn by doing.

• No Student Debt

A major plus. Instead of paying for school, you’re getting paid to learn.

• Tailored, Relevant Training

If you work in a family law firm, you’re learning family law in real time. If you work in litigation, you’re getting hands-on experience with filings and court procedures. No wasted time studying areas of law you’ll never touch.

• Faster Entry into the Field

If you need to start earning a paycheck ASAP, this route gets you there quicker.

The Downsides of Learning on the Job

• Fewer Job Opportunities at Bigger Firms

Some employers will only consider paralegals with a degree, period. That means fewer options if you want to switch jobs later.

• Lower Salary Ceiling

Not always, but often, paralegals without formal education hit a ceiling where they can’t advance or earn as much as those with degrees.

• Harder to Get Certified

If you ever want to become a certified paralegal, many programs require a degree. So, you might have to go back to school later anyway.

• You Have to Prove Yourself More

Without a degree, you may need to work twice as hard to show employers you’re just as capable as formally trained paralegals.

So, Which Path is Right for You?

Here’s the real answer: it depends on what you want.

A Degree Might Be Best If:

• You want the widest range of job opportunities
• You’re aiming for corporate law, government, or big firms
• You want the security of formal education backing you up
• You’re interested in certification and long-term career growth

On-the-Job Training Might Be Best If:

• You need to start working now
• You already work in a firm and can move up internally
• You don’t want to take on student debt
• You’re comfortable learning through experience instead of formal education

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Some of the best paralegals I’ve worked with never got a degree, and some struggled without one. Some paralegals with degrees were prepared for the job, and some weren’t.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about how you start—it’s about how hard you work once you get there.

A degree can open doors, but it doesn’t guarantee success. Learning on the job can get you in the door, but it doesn’t guarantee long-term growth.

The best thing you can do? Keep learning. Stay curious. Pay attention. Whether you learn in a classroom or in a law office, what really matters is becoming a paralegal who knows their stuff and does the job well.

That’s what will make you stand out—degree or not.

FAQs: Paralegal Degree vs. On-the-Job Training