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The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for paralegals.
Most entrants have an associate's degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree in another field and a certificate in paralegal studies. Some employers train paralegals on the job.
Education and training. There are several ways to become a paralegal. The most common is through a community college paralegal program that leads to an associate degree. Another common method of entry, mainly for those who already have a college degree, is earning a certificate in paralegal studies. A small number of schools offer bachelor's and master's degrees in paralegal studies. Finally, some employers train paralegals on the job.
Associate's and bachelor's degree programs usually combine paralegal training with courses in other academic subjects. Certificate programs vary significantly, with some taking only a few months to complete. Most certificate programs provide intensive paralegal training for individuals who already hold college degrees.
For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoIt is very good if you plan on a career as a paralegal.
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Is a college degree required to get a paralegal job?
A college degree is not required to get a paralegal job. A paralegal needs plenty of experience. It's also good for the paralegal to take some courses or classes.
Online Paralegal Courses of Study?
A paralegal does much of what an attorney does. He drafts letters and pleadings, does deposition summaries and interviews clients. Paralegals also negotiate medical liens. In the field of civil litigation, a paralegal writes discovery documents, follows a trial checklist and prepares all pretrial documents. In the field of Workers' Compensation, a paralegal can also represent clients in court in the capacity of a hearing representative.Bachelor's DegreeA Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies can be obtained online. Many four-year state colleges and universities offer this online major. There are a multitude of online private universities that offer this online degree, as well. The benefit of obtaining an online Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies is that, if a paralegal eventually decides to become an attorney, his Bachelor's Degree will provide the easiest transition to law school. All the law school applicant needs is a qualifying score on the LSAT for law school entrance.Associate of Arts DegreeCommunity colleges offer an Associate's Degree of Paralegal Studies online. The largest portion of a paralegal's job is preparing court forms and pleadings. So an online paralegal course of study lends itself perfectly this particular major.Paralegal CertificateA paralegal certificate can be obtained online through a university's extension program or private online school. Usually this involves several very condensed core subjects and two or three areas of legal specialization, such as Probate Law, Civil Litigation or Family Law. In these specialties, the paralegal student undergoes a very intense course of study online.Pros and ConsA paralegal's salary is well under that of an attorney for doing much of the same work. Also, a paralegal must have a good eye for detail because legal filings are replete with dates, statutes and deadlines. A positive for obtaining a paralegal degree online is that it is a good stepping stone to law school. Many law firms will pay a paralegal's law school costs, in exchange for the paralegal's agreement to work for that firm for a set amount of time afterwards.
The Four Types of Paralegal Degrees?
A paralegal, also known as a legal assistant, is as vital to a lawyer as a nurse is to a doctor. The paralegal is responsible for many tasks to assist the lawyer in their cases. A paralegal can investigate the information for a hearing, trial or closing. They can also interview and prepare clients for hearings and trials. Depending on how large the law firm is will determine the salary of a paralegal. In May of 2004, the median salary of a paralegal was anywhere from $31,040 to $49,950. This salary also depends on the level of education and degree obtained. There are different levels of education to become a paralegal. The four types of degrees are associate’s degree, certificate, diploma and an online degree. The associate’s degree can be a great way to begin a paralegal career. With an associate’s degree, the expected pay is $8,000 more than someone with a high school diploma. Obtaining an associate’s degree when already in the field can expect to receive a pay raise. A certificate in paralegal is a good option for those who are looking to further their career. Certification can be done either online or on campus so it is convenient to take the course while still working full time. In some cases a law firm will require a paralegal to maintain up-to-date certification. A diploma program is the best choice for someone who did not complete high school. Most employers require a diploma to be able to work. There are now many colleges that allow students to take the courses online. Having a diploma is vital in becoming a paralegal. Getting an online degree to become a paralegal is becoming widely popular. This is the best way for someone who has to maintain a full time job and go to school at the same time. This type of degree is becoming more common among adults that want a career change or advancement. Whichever type of degree that is chosen, there is a course for everyone in every type of situation. Paralegal schools are available to anyone who aspires to become a paralegal or stay current in the field.
What are some good online schools to obtain information about legal/paralegal studies?
There are many options when considering a paralegal program online. You can try http://nationalparalegal.edu/ or http://www.theparalegalinstitute.edu/
What are some good paralegal schools in New York area?
There are no actual schools devoted to paralegal studies in New York but if the American Bar Association is contacted they have over twenty Paralegal educational programs that are taught in many schools.
What is a good pregnancy diet for a 29 year old?
There are many paralegal schools in Indiana, and some are better than others, but more expensive. If you are looking for affordable paralegal schools, you should visit the paralegal degree website, they provide you with some of the best, and affordable paralegal schools in your area online.
How to Get Involved in Paralegal Studies?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegals face a promising job prospect as the field is growing at a rate faster than other industries. The job nature of a paralegal include helping attorneys in trail and hearing preparation, preparing written legal reports, and filing draft pleadings. The easiest and most efficient way to get involved in paralegal studies is to enroll in a community college program. These programs usually take two years and will lead to an associate degree in paralegal studies. You may choose to enroll in a campus-based program or online one, based on your learning style and schedule. For example, if you have good Internet access and enjoy learning at your own pace, you may enroll in an online course. However, if you learn better by interacting with your peers and instructors, you may want to attend paralegal classes in person. On the other hand, you may also pursue a paralegal certificate, which will take around one year. However, do bear in mind that larger law firms prefer paralegals who have a degree. Before you choose to enroll in a paralegal studies program, make sure that it is provided by a reputable education institute as the quality of paralegal programs tends to vary. Choose a program that is accredited by the American Bar Association. Currently, 260 programs are accredited. Some law firms do not recognize unaccredited courses. Try to enroll in a program which offers job placement service for its graduates. Make use of any internship opportunities the program provide, as you will gain valuable experience and become more employable when you graduate. If you already have an associate or bachelor’s degree in another field, you may take the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam or the Certified Legal Assistant Exam to demonstrate to potential employers that you have already developed the abilities to become a professional paralegal. Not only will the certification boost your earning potential, it will also give you more seniority over other paralegals.
Is an associate's degree a good degree to have?
No you get very little money. You probably want to get your masters degree or your doctorist degree. You get alot of money
Do epidemiologist have to have an associate's degree before a bachelor's degree?
No. An associate's degree is never a requirement for a Bachelor's degree, but having one can help some people who lack good High School records get into at Bachelor's program.
How to Get Your Paralegal Degree Online?
Becoming a paralegal can be a great career move for someone that is looking to boost their career in a new field. The paralegal field is extremely exciting as well as very rewarding. While paralegals are not lawyers, they do fully assist lawyers in their work. They’re a very necessary part of every law office across the United States. Making the switch to a career as a paralegal begins with getting your paralegal degree, which can now be done online across the United States. • Step One: Go for the four-year degree. To really be taken seriously as a paralegal, you’re going to want to go for that four-year degree. You can find many programs offered through local community colleges for an associate’s paralegal degree, which are fine, but you need to get the full bachelor’s degree. You can take the associate’s program first and find another two-year program at a larger university to finish your degree, just as long as you’re completing the bachelor’s. You can even go as far as getting a master’s in paralegal study, which would benefit you even more, but make sure you go for at least the bachelor’s degree. • Step Two: Find your school. If you decide to take the associate’s degree route, make sure you check with your local community college to find a program. This isn’t a bad way to start out, because classes will likely be able to fit more easily into your schedule than they will at a traditional four-year university. Either way, though, you should be able to find an online option, whether it’s associate’s or bachelor’s. Make sure you check with your local colleges about this option, because it’s much more flexible than traditional classroom work. • Step Three: Get in Gear. Once you’ve found a school and gotten yourself registered, it’s time to get serious. Make sure you really pay attention to what you need to get done and work hard. Being a good paralegal student is going to help you become a good paralegal professional. The practices you adopt now will transfer to your professional career, so pick up good habits. • Step Four: Find your place. Once you’ve worked hard enough to get that degree, you’re going to want to put it to work for you. Earning your degree is going to make you extremely marketable in the paralegal world, especially if you went for the bachelor’s or master’s. Earning your paralegal degree online is a big step toward your new career. You’re going to be able to use your education to get ahead, and really make a name for yourself in the legal world. You may not be in the courtroom arguing for clients, but you’ll know that the work you’ve done to prepare for the case can make or break it.
What qualifcations are necessary to apply for a paralegal studies course?
Provided you have a good standard of general education, which you obviously have, you can enter a paralegal course and qualify for that career. The national careers advice service has everything you need to follow this path.
Is an associate's degree in law good?
There is no AA in law. An AA is only 2 years of college. You can get a paralegal certificate with 2 years. To become a full lawyer you need to finish a 4 year degree at a university in history or prelaw, take the LSAT test, and then enroll in law school for 4 years. To finish you need to pass the bar exam.
