To become an IP paralegal first you must become a regular paralegal. Paralegals assist lawyers by doing research and writing reports related to cases. They also help them get prepared for hearings and trials. There is technically no training or certification required to become a paralegal, however most paralegals do have some kind of certification. Having the education and training will make employers view you more favorably because it shows that you have already made a commitment to your career as a paralegal. There are different levels of training you can get to be a paralegal. There are certificate programs for high school graduates and also two or four college programs for paralegals. To specialize as an intellectual property paralegal you can take a special IP paralegal certification program at the local college or on the Internet. The college course lasts a semester. The online course will take about fifty or one hundred hours to complete. These courses will prepare you to do the specialized tasks required of an intellectual property paralegal such as obtaining patents and copyrights.
Once you have completed your training you are a well-qualified paralegal and can begin looking for work. Make sure your resume is updated and ready to send to prospective employers. Try looking for employment opportunities online, there are many job sites to choose from. You may also want to enlist the help of a job recruiter or employment agency. Some recruiters and agencies charge for their services so make sure you understand their policies so there are no surprises.
This is fairly new field so be diligent on your quest for career information. Good luck on the career path of intellectual property paralegal.
