In most cases, workers must take written and physical fitness exams. Most correctional institutions require random drug tests for their employees. A clean criminal record is a must. Legal services require more education. In addition to a law degree, lawyers must pass the bar exam.
Paralegals usually have a bachelor's degree, plus specialized training.
Outlook Faster than average employment growth and the rapid turnover associated with high stress jobs will create lots of openings for correctional officers. The need for clerical workers is expected to stay the same, but those employees will need to keep up with changing technology, software, and support systems. Law schools are still churning out lawyers faster than the economy can absorb them. Demand for lawyers will grow with the population, but more slowly than in the past. Growth in legal action will push lawyers to specialize in such areas as health care, intellectual property, elder law and international law.