Online Paralegal Degree

by admin on June 26, 2009

Are You Ready to Become a Paralegal?

Are you interested in the law but don’t want to be a lawyer? If so, read on to find out more about how to become a paralegal.

Paralegals are vital parts of many law offices, government agencies, and corporate legal departments, and they’re becoming more important everyday as legal departments seek to lower costs and maximize production. Paralegals, also sometimes called legal assistants, work closely with attorneys to provide for the needs of clients. As operating expenses of law firms rise, paralegals are increasingly gaining more responsibilities, often performing duties once done by young attorneys.

Indeed, the paralegal profession is one of the fastest growing in the country. If you’re ready to learn how to become a paralegal and also why this is such a promising career path, check out the information below and get started on your online paralegal degree today!

How to Become a Paralegal

First of all, you should know that although in the past paralegals were often hired without training or experience and learned on the job, times have changed–and so have employers’ expectations. Now those looking to hire paralegals are increasingly looking for candidates with degrees, certification, or both.

Paralegal Education and Certification

Make no mistake: you will have the best employment opportunities if you have earned a paralegal certificate or degree, so this is where you should start on your journey to becoming a paralegal.

Online paralegal degrees are available at all levels of education, including certificate, associate degree, bachelor degree, and master degree; you will often see the programs listed as “Paralegal Studies.” While degree programs take anywhere from two years and up to complete, online certificate paralegal programs can last anywhere from three to 24 months.

Online paralegal programs are designed to introduce students to many aspects of different kinds of law and teach them how to do legal research effectively, particularly on computers. Some programs will also include internships to give students a chance to practice their newly acquired paralegal skills at law firms, government agencies, and other locations that utilize paralegal services.

Note also that if you are interested in specializing in one area of law, such as real estate or health care law, some paralegal programs allow for this, so be sure to read descriptions carefully.

Once you have been trained, you can look toward certification. Most states don’t have specific requirements you will need to fulfill to become a paralegal, but several professional organizations grant certification; each has its own educational, examination, experience, and renewal requirements:

Paralegal Job Duties and Responsibilities

Paralegal job duties and responsibilities are getting closer to those of attorneys every day. They assist lawyers in various tasks and often find themselves in an office or library. Some things a paralegal may be asked to do include:

  • Research and prepare court documents, contracts, mortgages, and other legal papers;
  • Prepare for hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings;
  • Investigate claims of clients and potential clients;
  • Handle subpoenas, affidavits, and other court paperwork;
  • Track and organize files;
  • Contact and interview witnesses.

Even though they have a long list of duties and responsibilities, paralegals cannot “practice law,” which includes attorney-only tasks like presenting court cases, giving out legal advice, signing on clients, and setting legal fees.

Essential Paralegal Qualities

Because they handle confidential legal documents and information on a daily basis, paralegals must be responsible, organized, reliable, and also understand the importance of maintaining client confidences. Excellent written and oral communication skills are also crucial as paralegals need to be understood by attorneys, clients, court personnel, witnesses, and others.

A good working knowledge of the legal system and its procedures is essential for a paralegal, and this should be complemented by outstanding research, writing, and investigative skills. Moreover, because the resolution of some cases will involve “thinking outside the box,” paralegals should also have a healthy curiosity and a desire to solve challenging issues.

Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

In May 2006, median annual earnings of paralegals were $43,040 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The middle 50% earned between $33,920 and $54,690, but salaries varied depending on location, employer type, education, training, and experience.

Regarding job outlook, opportunities in the paralegal profession are expected to increase by 22% through 2016, which the BLS classifies as “much faster than average,” especially for those with training and certification. The areas predicted to see the most growth are community legal services, elder law, environmental law, intellectual property, international law, medical malpractice, product liability, and real estate.

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