When to Decide
Many beginning paralegals start their education with an idea of what area of the law most interests them. Others are attracted to an area of the law as they study. Still others do not select an area of the law but simply accept one dictated by their first job.
The truth is that you can select a specialty at any time in your career. Picking a specialty is a matter of becoming familiar with the law and procedures in a particular field. You will become familiar with some areas of the law through your education, but there are many specialty fields that are not addressed in the paralegal curriculum.
On-the-job training creates a specialist. Work in an area of the law long enough to decide if you like it. If not, take steps to move to another area, either within your firm or with another firm. Many paralegals hold several positions before they decide on a specialty.
Alert
The decision to pursue a legal specialty is not a lifelong commitment. While you should choose a specialty carefully, legal specialties are relatively easy to change. A change of job or a change of assignments that has you working in a different area of the law is all that is required. As you gain competency with different areas of the law, you may find that you have several specialties.
