Paralegal Schools

Your online resource for Paralegal Education and Career Information. Law is one of the fundamental institutions of our society, and many professionals are needed to keep that institution running smoothly. Today, law firms and clients are looking to paralegals for many of the same tasks once performed only by lawyers. In an economic climate ill-equipped for the high costs of lawyers, well-trained and educated paralegals are more in demand than ever before. Visit our extensive listings of online paralegal schools & degrees, paralegal jobs & careers, paralegal salary information as well as paralegal associate degrees, paralegal certificates, diplomas, and paralegal bachelor degrees online or at a campus nearby. If you're not sure where to start, see our overview of types of paralegal programs & degrees.

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Paralegal

What Are Paralegal Degrees?

Two common paths exist for becoming a paralegal - earning an associate's degree in paralegal studies or pursuing a bachelor's degree and then completing a certification course in paralegal studies.

The associate's degree from a community college is the more common of the two. A less common path offered by some colleges is to earn a bachelor's or master's degree in paralegal studies. This may appeal to potential employers, since it indicates a higher level of training than that earned in a 2-year associate degree program. But with jobs expected to remain plentiful, it shouldn't be necessary to have one of the more advanced degrees. Graduation from one of the 260 paralegal programs approved by the American Bar Association, however, can increase employment opportunities.

Any paralegal program should include:

  • Courses in the legal application of computers
  • Internship opportunities
  • Job placement services
  • Legal research courses

Voluntary certification does exist. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) has set the standards for this certification, called either the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP) credential. It involves a 2-day exam.

Job Opportunities for Paralegals

Most paralegals work at private law firms, while the rest work for the government and corporate legal departments. A very small percentage freelances, contracting out services to various employers.

Employment should increase 22% from 2006 to 2016, much faster than the national average. Since paralegals cost a lot less than lawyers, many firms choose to hire more of them and fewer attorneys.

Salaries for paralegals vary greatly, but the median annual earnings in 2006 were $43,040.

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