Paralegals are sometimes called "legal assistants."
Many legal assistant programs are offered part-time, with day and evening classes.
Many law firms will only hire paralegals who have a bachelor's degree and a paralegal degree or certificate.
Many paralegals work for lawyers in law firms. However, as a paralegal you can also work in a courthouse, for a government agency, or for a legal department in a large company.
Paralegals often take "continuing legal education" (CLE) courses throughout their career. These classes keep paralegal's skills and knowledge up-to-date.
Lawyers have to pass a state bar exam to get their license to practice law. Paralegals don't need a license.