I had a question for a friend who is looking to become a licensed paralegal. He has a record in the past for assault. If that was pardoned would he be able to become a licensed paralegal?

Once the pardon for assault has been granted your friend is safe for virtually all types of jobs including paralegal, police and firefighter.  However, since it was a crime of moral turpitude, his name may remain in the vulnerable sector database which could show up if he is applying for work that deals with children or seniors.  He may apply to get his name removed from the vulnerable sector with the local police but there is no guarantee that they will do it.