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27D Career Guide

Army

27D: Paralegal Specialist

Career transition guide for Army Paralegal Specialist (27D)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 27D veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Paralegal

$60K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Paralegal StudiesParalegal certification (e.g., NALA or NFPA)

Legal Assistant

$48K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced proficiency in legal softwareExcellent communication skills

Compliance Officer

$75K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Knowledge of regulatory frameworks (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR)Certification in compliance (e.g., Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional - CCEP)

Human Resources Specialist

$65K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certificationKnowledge of HR laws and regulations

Contract Administrator

$62K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) certificationNegotiation skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 27D training built — and where they transfer.

Procedural Compliance

This role demands strict adherence to legal protocols and military regulations. You're responsible for ensuring all legal documentation and processes are handled correctly and efficiently, leaving no room for error.

Your meticulous approach to following established procedures, ensuring accuracy and completeness, translates directly into any role requiring strict adherence to guidelines and regulations.

Resource Optimization

You manage legal office resources, including personnel, budgets, and equipment, to maximize efficiency and effectiveness in providing legal support. This includes coordinating tasks and ensuring resources are allocated appropriately to meet the needs of the command.

Your experience in allocating and managing resources, streamlining processes, and maximizing efficiency will make you invaluable in any role requiring effective resource management and problem-solving.

Team Synchronization

You coordinate and synchronize the efforts of legal specialists and other personnel to provide comprehensive legal support to the command. This includes training, mentoring, and providing guidance to subordinates to ensure everyone is working towards common goals.

Your ability to lead and coordinate teams, ensuring everyone is working in sync and effectively, will make you a valuable asset in collaborative environments.

Situational Awareness

This role requires a strong sense of awareness of the legal and operational environment. You need to anticipate potential legal issues, understand the implications of different courses of action, and adapt your approach accordingly.

Your ability to quickly assess situations, understand their implications, and adapt your strategies to achieve desired outcomes will translate well into dynamic civilian roles that require adaptability and strategic thinking.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

You've been immersed in a world of regulations and procedures. As a Compliance Officer, you'll use your sharp eye for detail and understanding of legal frameworks to ensure organizations adhere to industry standards and internal policies.

Human Resources Manager

SOC 11-3121

You've been a mentor and guide to countless soldiers, navigating complex HR policies and resolving personnel issues. As an HR Manager, you'll leverage these skills to build and support a positive and compliant work environment for employees.

Project Manager

SOC 11-9151

You've honed your ability to plan, organize, and execute complex tasks with precision and efficiency. As a Project Manager, you'll leverage your experience to lead teams, manage resources, and deliver successful project outcomes on time and within budget.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Paralegal Specialist Course, Fort Jackson, SC

640 training hours16 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Military Justice (UCMJ)
  • Administrative Law
  • Legal Assistance
  • Claims Processing
  • Courts-Martial Procedures
  • Line of Duty Investigations
  • Separation Board Proceedings
  • Legal Research

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Paralegal (NALA)70% covered

Requires study of specific state and federal laws, legal terminology, and procedures not covered in depth in military training. Focus on civil litigation, real estate law, and business organizations.

Professional Paralegal Certification (PPI)60% covered

PPI requires passing an exam testing knowledge of legal research, interviewing techniques, investigation, and ethics, which may require additional self-study.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Legal Manager (CLM)Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)Project Management Professional (PMP)SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Army Legal Assistance Program (LAP)Pro bono legal services platforms, legal aid societies
Automated Military Justice Analysis and Management System (AMJAMMS)Case management software for law firms (e.g., Clio, MyCase)
Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS)
Total Army Personnel Database (TAPDB)Human Capital Management (HCM) Systems
Installation Management System (IMS)Facilities management software (e.g., IBM Maximo, Accruent)
Electronic Military Personnel Office (eMILPO)Human resources management systems (HRMS)
Army Training Requirements and Resources System (ATRRS)Learning Management Systems (LMS)

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