By
Lanee’ Blunt
 |
| Paralegal is a challenging career-- Image by Shho. |
Paralegal
school programs prepare students for their future careers in the field by
providing programs in law and legal studies that address the function,
organization and processes of the judicial system. Paralegals do heavy research and support
attorney functions like prepping legal cases, compiling relevant documents and
data, analyzing research material and writing reports. In smaller law firms
they do miscellaneous administrative work.
Courses
students take are principals of paralegal studies, legal research, legal case
analysis, civil litigation, the practicing paralegal and internship. You
can attend a 4-year bachelor's degree program or a 2-year associate degree
program. There are community colleges
that offer 2-year associate degree programs.
In an associate degree course of study students will earn approximately
60-70 credits. A 4-year bachelor's degree program paralegal will be the major
course of study. Some schools offer job
placement so check with your admissions office to see if they offer this service.
Most
certificate programs offer specialized paralegal training for people that
already have a bachelor's degree and want to enter the paralegal field. Most offer an internship where the student
gains experience working for several months in a private law firm, corporate
legal department, and bank, legal aid, or government agency. As an intern you
will do your final semester of the program and will be given a choice of
different sponsors.
There
are many law firms and attorneys that need paralegals. Paralegal jobs are in
demand and a talented paralegal can make a great living and have a challenging
career.
