Some paralegal positions do not require extensive training and provide it on-the-job. However, most employers prefer applicants who have had formal training in a paralegal school. These law firms need paralegals who already demonstrate proficiency. On-the-job training calls for a commitment of more resources and time, which may not be cost effective for firm.

Because of increasing demand for paralegals that specialize in particular fields, paralegal training courses and paralegal schools have also gained popularity. For those considering a career in this field, enrolling in a paralegal school is a good decision. A paralegal school will provide extensive training on duties and functions of a paralegal. The training that a paralegal school provides is very advantageous to student compared to on-the-job-training. In a paralegal school, future paralegals can complete paralegal training programs and even proceed to taking additional classes in a specialized area of study.

Individuals enter a paralegal school and obtain paralegal certificate because of several objectives. Some attend paralegal classes to earn paralegal certificate and would provide them enough passport as an entry-level to an employment; others seek paralegal education to lend them more knowledge on paralegal matters; others necessitate themselves to be equipped with continuing trend in terms of paralegal concerns or enhance/empower their know-how or expertise in technicalities of paralegal activities. Whatever objective they may have behind acquiring additional knowledge in paralegal profession, there are paralegal schools sprouting everywhere country and who offer different paralegal programs and paralegal certifications. Each paralegal school stipulates similar concepts of goals and objectives as a means of assuring quality of paralegal studies.