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.

Related Paralegal Studies Degree & School News

  • Essential Skill Sets for Paralegals - Thinking of becoming a paralegal assistant? It's a great career choice, with Labor Department predictions of a sizzling 22 percent growth in jobs through 2016. Overburdened lawyers are hiring more paralegals than ever to help shoulder the workload. More than two-thirds of all legal assistants and paralegals work for law...
  • What is a Paralegal Program? - Who better to ask about the duties of a paralegal than the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Legal Assistants? They define a paralegal's job as "specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible." What does that mean? It means that paralegals are expected to be familiar...
  • Paralegal Job & Career Types - Requirements - When you earn your paralegal degree, you train for a wide range of careers in attorneys' offices, corporate law departments, financial institutions, and government agencies. If you're interested in law, a career as a paralegal is a great way to get into the field without committing to law school before...
  • Paralegal Salaries & Salary Outlook - Are you interested in working in the judicial system, but don't have the grades, time or money for a full on law degree? Maybe a career as a paralegal is right for you. Paralegals are in demand in both the government and the private sector. Learn more about paralegal salaries,...

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