A Brief History of the Paralegal Major
Lawyers could not function properly without the aid of a reliable paralegal team. Paralegals assist lawyers the day-to-day work that it takes to run a law office and are able to take on independent projects in the pre-trial and post-trial litany of things that need to be done to make cases run smoothly.
Paralegals can be found everywhere, from courtrooms and corporate firms to banks and insurance companies. They work for attorneys and government officials. A career in paralegal offers the prestige and luster that accompany the legal field.
Paralegals study topics such as business and contracts law, civil litigation and trial, as well as family and probate law. With a degree in this area, you’re well prepared to positively affect the lives of others. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demands for paralegals and legal assistants is expected to continue to grow. More than ever, law firms are hiring more paralegals to do tasks previously done by lawyers. This helps employers cut costs, while increasing the employment opportunities for paralegals.
Delving Into the Paralegal Major
Several online colleges and universities now offer various levels of paralegal courses and degrees. Almost every program begins with introductory classes before offering more advanced, specialized courses. Students get a foundation and introduction to the law in the first few years of their paralegal education. Courses will also center around many of the same topics that are focused upon in law school, from torts and contracts, to personal injury law and criminal law.
Paralegals must have a wide perception of the law in order to make themselves more marketable. Therefore classes will also be offered in real estate law, business law, patent law, employment law, immigration law, environmental law, tax law and property law, in addition to a whole host of other concentrations. Students should make sure that their paralegal program offer the specialization areas in which they hope to work. Typical reading material will focus on case studies and research skills.
At the end of the education, they gain the skills and knowledge that help prepare them for assisting attorneys in drafting documents, preparing for trial, and conducting legal research and analysis. If paralegals decide to go on to law school, they will definitely have an advantage over their classmates.
Degree Levels:
Associate
Paralegals are usually required to complete an associate degree if they seek employment in law. The purpose of this degree program is to provide a substantive and practical overview of the law and the legal system. Students will be exposed to the tools necessary for the effective interpretation and application of the law. Courses in English, Arts, and Humanities constitute part of the associate curriculum. Coursework may also include: Legal Research, Legal Writing, Legal Liability and Ethics, Business and Contracts Law, and more.
Ultimately, this degree level provides a doorway to a career as a working professional, a stepping stone for those who may wish to continue to seek a degree that will enhance their current career path. In some cases, paralegals may need to receive additional training if they aim to gain employment with a specific kind of law unit.
Bachelor’s
The purpose of the bachelor’s degree curriculum is to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the law field. Courses will vary based on institution and legal experience. Coursework may include: Introduction to Paralegal Studies, Legal and Research Writing, Personal Injury and Tort Litigation, and Paralegal Ethics & Responsibility, among others. Under the supervision of an attorney, students at this level will be required to interview, gather, review and analyze factual situations. Projects may include the research, preparation and interpretation of various legal documents.
The goal is to strengthen students with the toolset needed to conduct day-to-day operations in a professional legal office. Students who graduate with a bachelor’s in paralegal studies may find employment in legal offices, corporate departments, insurance companies, and state and federal government agencies.
Master’s
Students who decide to pursue a master’s degree in paralegal studies expand their knowledge and broaden their employment opportunities. This degree level will expose students to a wide array of legal theories and practices, from civil litigation to trial preparation. The curriculum at this level covers a vast range of legal issues present in today’s society.
You can obtain a master’s degree from a four-year college or graduate institution. These are typically conferred as master of arts or master of science degrees in law, legal studies or legal administration. These programs take approximately two years to complete.
Students who can afford the time and financial resources in this area stand to benefit from lucrative employment opportunities. Those already working as paralegals should consult their company to see if they offer continuing education benefits. Advanced-degree graduates may gain employments in attorney’s offices, courtrooms, corporations, and governmental offices and banks.
Doctorate
A doctorate degree in paralegal studies, while rare, is a great way to to set yourself apart. In addition to a solid foundation in business and liberal arts, a doctorate degrees in paralegal studies provides in-depth paralegal training for students who want to find positions in law firms and who want to increase their likelihood of promotion later in their careers. It is also a viable option for those who wish to write, teach, and research paralegal studies.
Supplementing Your Paralegal Major
Most paralegal programs are generally designed to prepare paralegals with first-rate training, but other professionals can also benefit from the background. Paralegal degrees pair well with other legal studies. Unless you have already secured another degree, it is important to find out whether employers in your niche would consider a paralegal certificate training program alone adequate or enhanced preparation for work in the field.
You can definitely advance your career in other research-oriented fields by obtaining an education in paralegal studies. The type of paralegal program you choose will depend on a number of factors, such as your current level of education, previous work experience, specialty interests, or the availability of part-time paralegal training or paralegal training online.
Schools are typically clear about which type of program they provide, but it is worth your time to make sure before deciding on a paralegal school. Every year more lawyers join the workforce, and more organizations are seeing the benefits of having skilled paralegals on staff.
Learn More About the Paralegal Major
The Paralegal Major in the Job Market
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is projected to grow much faster than average, as employers try to reduce costs by hiring paralegals to perform tasks formerly carried out by lawyers. A litany of job opportunities await paralegal graduates. Paralegals may find employment opportunities with law firms, corporate legal departments, courts, and government agencies.
Those who pursue a degree in paralegal studies do so because they either want to personally assist someone with their legal issues without being a licensed attorney or they want to work in a law firm. Paralegal jobs are as diverse as legal professions though, so students may want to try and specialize in a particular field in order to make themselves more attractive to lawyers. The paralegal profession is expected to grow at a much faster rate than the average rate of growth for other professions over the next decade which is good for those looking to have a degree in paralegal studies.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average paralegal will make about $30,000 at the entry level. Middle level paralegals can make upwards of $59,120, while upper level paralegals can make around $70,000 per year with experience. Paralegals work in real estate, corporate industries, litigation, and estate planning. Job sites like careerbuilder.com and Yahoo Jobs offer plenty of employment postings for paralegals.
