Online Paralegal Degree

By Lanee’ Blunt

Earn your degree online--Image dmpop.

Today's job market is competitive and having a paralegal degree is an option to consider. If you are working a full time job, or a busy parent you may not have time to attend a university to earn your degree. Online programs offer students the opportunity to build a foundation of knowledge in a specialized area of law. You will learn how to write legal briefs, research, and learn how to conduct informative interviews of witnesses and clients.

Completion Time

If you want to enroll in an online paralegal certificate program it may take from three months to one year to complete.  Most students are allowed to live anywhere in the U.S. and the program includes texts, online lecture notes, mock exams, writing labs and reference materials for all fifty states. 

Online Degree

Many recognized schools offer online degree programs. An online degree program is a convenient way to earn your degree. You will be able to choose your courses based on the specialization of paralegal profession.  You have the flexibility to complete your degree at your own pace. Make sure that you choose an accredited online school, make sure that the credits are transferable if you want a higher degree, and if there is job placement available.

Classes Needed

Apply for admission. If you are accepted you will need to plan how you will go about your course work. If you are working now you may need to do your coursework during the evenings or weekends. Take classes on a regular basis so that you can complete your degree. If you stop or take only one class at a time it will take you longer to complete your degree. You have the opportunity to specialize and in your online studies you will explore family, criminal law, real estate law, and advanced legal writing. The degree program will involve a study of contract law, policies regarding estate planning and other specialized areas of law.  Courses students take are principals of paralegal studies, legal ethics, tort law, advanced legal analysis and writing, legal research, legal case analysis, civil litigation, the practicing paralegal and internship.

Benefits

Earning a paralegal degree will help you achieve advanced career opportunities in legal offices, government agencies, insurance companies, banks and legal aid offices.  There are many law firms and attorneys that need paralegals. "Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is expected to grow by 18 percent from 2010 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations," according to the US Department of Labor Statistics.

Reference:

Bureauof Labor Statistics: Job Outlook

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Paralegal Training Programs

By Lanee’ Blunt

Train to become a paralegal--
Image by Wilpersou.

Training for a paralegal may require you to get a two year Associate degree or a four year Bachelor’s degree. You may want to be part of the legal profession, but not want to commit yourself to law school and becoming a lawyer. A paralegal program may be what you are looking for. A paralegal can work on many interesting tasks, including research, interviewing witnesses, and preparing complaints.

Types of Paralegal Programs

Associate’s degree is a common way of entry. You can enroll in a community college. The tuition is much cheaper than a university and it takes two years to complete.

Bachelor’s degree is another common way of entry. Earn your Bachelor’s in paralegal studies. There are some colleges that offer master’s degree in paralegal studies also.

Online Paralegal Programs are convenient for students that are working a fulltime job, live a great distance away from school, or just don’t want to attend a traditional school. Many different online schools offer degree programs and certificates.

Paralegal Classes

Most courses will include legal research legal applications of computers, introduction to the legal system and paralegal, ethics, contracts, civil litigation and real estate law. There will be courses in communications, for example legal writing, and case analysis. Some schools offer an internship in which students gain practical experience by working in the office of a public defender, a corporate legal department, a bank, or a government agency, and the student will receive college credit hours upon completion.

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How to Become a Paralegal with a Bachelor’s Degree

By Lanee’ Blunt

Become a successful paralegal
Image by Carin.

Paralegal's earn a good salary and are in demand in the legal industry.  Paralegals with more education are offered more money.  An online school offers students training and after the student has worked in the industry for a few years they are paid a higher wage also.  Having a bachelor's degree is not required to enter the field however; a bachelor's might set you apart from the other applicants.

Bachelor's Degree

The degree program combines paralegal training with other academic courses. Some of the classes you will take are principals of paralegal studies, legal research, legal case analysis, civil litigation, the practicing paralegal and internship. Search for paralegal programs that offer a variety of internships. Most of them offer an internship in which the student will gain on the job experience in their field of study, working for a private law firm, the office of a public defender, attorney general, government agency, a legal aid organization, or corporate law.

If You Have a Bachelor’s Degree

If you hold a bachelor's degree in another major and it is not related to law and if you don't have any experience in law another form of entry is through a program that leads to certification in paralegal studies. Although, some employers hire paralegals on the job that have finished college and train them, and some promote experienced legal secretaries to that position. Others have experience in technical fields that are useful to law firms. A certification program provides intensive paralegal training for people that already hold a Bachelor's degree.  The program usually takes only a few months to complete. 

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How to Become a Paralegal Online

By Lanee’ Blunt

Start your career online--
Image by Monstarx.

Paralegal programs online are able to bridge between actual practice and higher learning in the legal profession. Online classes are available for students that may have a great distance to travel to class. There are self-sufficient classes for those who want to get a certificate in paralegal studies or paralegal degree programs.  There are a lot of online schools that offer paralegal education through distance programs.

High school graduates that are interested in entering the paralegal field there are several options to consider including associate and bachelor degrees.  An associate degree can take two years to complete at a community college or university. If you are planning to work for a big firm you may need to enroll in a four year college and get your bachelor’s.

There are many recognized schools that offer online degree programs. Enrolling in an online degree program is a convenient way to earn your degree. You will be able to choose your courses based on your specialization.  An online school will offer you the flexibility to complete your degree at your own pace.

Many of the courses don’t utilize a lot of time and if you are working a full-time job and want to change your career online courses allow you to work and go to school at your convenience.  Your coursework can be done whenever you have time without putting a lot of pressure on you traveling to school and sitting in long lectures.

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Choose an accredited online school, make sure that the credits are transferable if you want a higher degree, and if there is job placement available. There are many different online schools available that offer degree programs and certificates.

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How to Get a Paralegal Certificate

By Lanee’ Blunt

Enroll in a paralegal certification
program--Image by Plex.

A paralegal certificate is not mandatory to enter into the profession, but it may help applicants get a paralegal job. Certification programs are available for people who already have an associate's or bachelor's degree in another subject and wanting to enter into the paralegal profession. Most certification programs require students to have at least one year experience and pass an examination.

Courses Needed

Some of the courses that students will take will be contracts, legal research, writing and civil litigation, professional responsibility and legal ethics. Most certification programs can be completed in a short time for example, if going full time 7 months and part time about 17 months. Some of the classes taken will be in general education that will cover subjects in technology, language arts, and natural sciences.  Classes are offered in the evenings and on weekends in most colleges.

Select and enroll in a paralegal certification program.  Select a program that is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).  There are programs that can be taken on campus or online.

Certification

School programs are designed to help you get a certificate. Paralegals that have an associate or bachelor's degree are eligible to take the National certification NALA which is obtained by passing an assessment examination offered at their local test site.  Certification from a college legally qualifies you as a paralegal, but a certification from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) may enhance your employment prospects and income potential.

Benefits

If you thought about a better paying position you may need to consider becoming a paralegal. Most employers prefer that a paralegal have at least one year experience in a law firm or office setting.  That they have technical understanding of a specific legal specialty, however most paralegal training programs also offer an internship in which students gain experience by working for several months in a law firm, public defender’s office, attorney general, or a corporate legal department.

Reference:

USBureau of Labor Statistics: Paralegals and Legal Assistants

About: Paralegal Certification; Sally Kane

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How Much Does a Paralegal Earn a Year?

By Lanee’ Blunt

Paralegals perform a variety
of tasks to assist attorneys--
Image by Oki975.

Paralegals work in law firms, corporations, and government agencies. In smaller firms a paralegal may have to prepare written reports that help lawyers determine how to handle their cases, and may help prepare the legal arguments and draft documents to be filed with the court. In larger firms they may work only on a particular phase of the case, for example maintain reference files, conduct research for lawyers, and collect and organize evidence for hearings.

Education

Training includes degree programs and certification. Classes may be taken at colleges, community colleges, and online.  The degree programs include associate and bachelor degrees in paralegal studies, and a 4-year bachelor's degree program with paralegal as the major course of study.  There are community colleges that offer 2-year associate degree programs. Some schools offer job placement so check with your admissions if they offer this service.

Average Paralegal Salaries

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage was $46,680 for a paralegal.  The lowest earned less than $29,460 and the top earned more than $74,870. Starting salaries for paralegals with 1 to 4 years’ experience may range from $26,454 to $50,589, according to PayScale.com. The hourly rate for 1 to 4 years’ experience is $10.13 to $20.80.

Most paralegals that work in large law firms earn more than working in smaller firms. Paralegals that work for the US Government earn the highest wages; the second is working for private business or law firms, and followed by insurance companies and legal services.

Benefits

The benefits that they receive are health insurance, 401k, dental and life insurance, disability, reimbursement for continued legal education, a 401(k) savings, vacation, paid sick leave, and personal time off. There may be long hours and overtime when the law firm is busy handling a big case.

Reference

Bureauof Labor Statistics: Paralegal and Legal Assistants

PayScale:Paralegal Salary

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