Paralegal Degrees
There is an ever-increasing need for trained paralegals, also known as legal assistants. These assistants often perform many of the tasks necessary in legal work - and at an hourly fee that is billed to the client at a substantially lower rate than that of an attorney. Paralegal duties can encompass anything from conducting client interviews to locating and interviewing witnesses, conducting investigations, performing legal research, drafting legal documents, summarizing depositions and attending trials in order to assist the attorney. There are certain legal duties paralegals are specifically prohibited from carrying out, including setting fees for legal services, advising clients on legal matters and arguing cases in court.
Paralegal education is available at the certificate, associate and bachelor's level, and includes coursework in areas such as legal research and writing, report writing, oral communications, law office management, torts, contract law, family law, legal ethics and rules of evidence. When comparing programs, be sure to check to see if they have been approved by the American Bar Association. Although ABA approval is voluntary, it can be a major plus when it comes to seeking employment.
If you really wish to pursue a fairly high-level legal education without going to law school, a few institutions do offer master's degree programs in paralegal studies. In such a program you'll have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as international law, government law or intellectual property law, and upon graduation you can be assured that you will enter your chosen profession at the top of the list of qualified candidates.
Virginia College
Associate Degree - Paralegal Studies
The online associate's degree in paralegal studies prepares graduates for employment in attorney's offices, courtrooms, corporations, insurance companies, governmental of... 
The online associate's degree in paralegal studies prepares graduates for employment in attorney's offices, courtrooms, corporations, insurance companies, governmental offices and banks. This online paralegal program provides knowledge of legal office procedures, delivery of legal services, legal research and writing and paralegal training in professional skills, general education, and technical competencies.
With the online paralegal degree from Virginia College, you can enter a skilled and prestigious profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2006-07 Occupational Outlook Handbook, paralegal employment is projected to grow much faster than average, as employers reduce costs by hiring paralegals to perform tasks formerly carried out by lawyers.
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Westwood College
Paralegal Associate Degree
Behind Every Great Lawyer Is a Great Paralegal
Lawyers may win justice all by themselves on TV. But in the real world, much of what goes into the legal process is cr...
Lawyers may win justice all by themselves on TV. But in the real world, much of what goes into the legal process is cr...
Behind Every Great Lawyer Is a Great Paralegal
Lawyers may win justice all by themselves on TV. But in the real world, much of what goes into the legal process is created by paralegals - people like you. Get a real-world education taught by paralegal professionals. Become a skilled researcher in LexisNexis, Westlaw and more while earning a degree that prepares you for the industry-standard Certified Legal Assistant exam*.
If the thought of "doing good" gives you a rush, listen to what your gut is telling you. Instead of just dreaming about your future, click here to start building it now- with Westwood College, A Place Where You Can Succeed.®
*State and local restrictions may apply. Additional training may be required. Westwood prepares graduates for certification. Graduates wishing to attain certification must take and pass all applicable test/exams.
Not all programs available at all campuses.
Lawyers may win justice all by themselves on TV. But in the real world, much of what goes into the legal process is created by paralegals - people like you. Get a real-world education taught by paralegal professionals. Become a skilled researcher in LexisNexis, Westlaw and more while earning a degree that prepares you for the industry-standard Certified Legal Assistant exam*.
If the thought of "doing good" gives you a rush, listen to what your gut is telling you. Instead of just dreaming about your future, click here to start building it now- with Westwood College, A Place Where You Can Succeed.®
*State and local restrictions may apply. Additional training may be required. Westwood prepares graduates for certification. Graduates wishing to attain certification must take and pass all applicable test/exams.
Not all programs available at all campuses.
More details on Paralegal Associate Degree
Kaplan University
Advanced Start of BS in Paralegal Studies
If you have your associate's or bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university, Kaplan University's online advanced start program coul...
If you have your associate's or bachelor's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university, Kaplan University's online advanced start program could help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies in under two years.** A completed bachelor's degree may give you the qualifications you need to increase your income potential and marketability in today's job market. Kaplan University's innovative online bachelor's degree program combines the career-oriented focus of a two-year degree with the academic curriculum of a four-year program. You could experience the flexibility of joining the workforce while pursuing your lifelong goals. This online degree program is designed to provide a solid foundation in the law and paralegal skills, including litigation preparation, document supervision, and legal research.
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BS in Paralegal Studies
If you want to pursue or advance a career as a paralegal, the online Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies program may help you meet your career goals. This program is...
If you want to pursue or advance a career as a paralegal, the online Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies program may help you meet your career goals. This program is designed to provide a solid foundation in the law and paralegal skills, including litigation preparation, document supervision, and legal research. Graduates may pursue career opportunities or job advancement in a legal environment such as a private law firm, corporate law department, or local, state, or federal agency. You are taught research and analytical skills along with technical competencies in specialized areas of law.
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AAS in Paralegal Studies
If you want to advance your career or make a career change by entering the legal profession, the Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies may give you the advant...
If you want to advance your career or make a career change by entering the legal profession, the Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies may give you the advantage you need to pursue the position you want. Kaplan University's program teaches you to communicate effectively within the legal environment, synthesize important concepts from specialized legal areas, demonstrate ethical decision-making skills, and develop effective legal research methods. Comprehensive study in areas such as civil litigation, contracts, legal research, and criminal law may help prepare you for diverse career opportunities in the field.
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Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate
If you've earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, Kaplan University's certificate program could help you pursue a career in the paralegal pro...
If you've earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, Kaplan University's certificate program could help you pursue a career in the paralegal profession. It will also provide you with foundational coursework to pursue employment as a certified legal assistant. Study how to communicate effectively in a legal environment, conduct legal research, and evaluate legal sources. Review how to apply concepts to relevant legal arguments and examine ethics in legal environments.
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Colorado Technical University
Associate Degree - Paralegal studies
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow much faster than average for all...
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014. Employers are trying to reduce costs and increase the availability and efficiency of legal services by hiring paralegals to perform tasks formerly carried out by lawyers.
Corporations in particular are boosting their in-house legal departments to cut costs. Demand for paralegals also is expected to grow as an expanding population increasingly requires legal services, especially in areas such as intellectual property, healthcare, international law, elder issues, criminal law and environmental law. Paralegals who specialize in areas such as real estate, bankruptcy, medical malpractice and product liability should have ample employment opportunities.
Job opportunities for paralegals will expand in the public sector as well. Community legal-service programs, which provide assistance to the poor, elderly, minorities and middle-income families, will employ additional paralegals to minimize expenses and serve the most people. Federal, State and local government agencies, consumer organizations and the courts also should continue to hire paralegals in increasing numbers.
At Colorado tech Online, students can take advantage of this trend by acquiring the real-world knowledge and skills required to offer quality legal assistance to the increasing number of organizations and law firms needing such services.
Real-World Career Opportunities
This industry-current degree program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills and credentials to pursue in-demand positions like: Paralegal
Legal Secretary
Law Clerk
Legal Aid
Legal Assistant
Court Clerk
Records Clerk
Legal Receptionist
and many other related occupations
Corporations in particular are boosting their in-house legal departments to cut costs. Demand for paralegals also is expected to grow as an expanding population increasingly requires legal services, especially in areas such as intellectual property, healthcare, international law, elder issues, criminal law and environmental law. Paralegals who specialize in areas such as real estate, bankruptcy, medical malpractice and product liability should have ample employment opportunities.
Job opportunities for paralegals will expand in the public sector as well. Community legal-service programs, which provide assistance to the poor, elderly, minorities and middle-income families, will employ additional paralegals to minimize expenses and serve the most people. Federal, State and local government agencies, consumer organizations and the courts also should continue to hire paralegals in increasing numbers.
At Colorado tech Online, students can take advantage of this trend by acquiring the real-world knowledge and skills required to offer quality legal assistance to the increasing number of organizations and law firms needing such services.
Real-World Career Opportunities
This industry-current degree program is designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills and credentials to pursue in-demand positions like: Paralegal
Legal Secretary
Law Clerk
Legal Aid
Legal Assistant
Court Clerk
Records Clerk
Legal Receptionist
and many other related occupations
More details on Associate Degree - Paralegal studies
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