Paralegals, also known as a legal assistants,
are trained in the law and legal procedures, and can perform research,
conduct interviews and prepare paperwork under the supervision of
lawyers. Online programs offer students training options, from
certificates to associate's and bachelor's degrees. Rapid job growth is
anticipated.
Online Paralegal Studies Undergraduate Certificate Overview
Traditional on-campus certificate programs in paralegal studies are predominately aimed at associate's or bachelor's degree-holders, but the bulk of online certificate programs are designed to accept high school graduates. These online programs are suitable for people seeking entry-level jobs in law or government, law firm staffers hoping to expand their knowledge base and skill set or college-bound students starting down a path which might lead them to a law degree.Program Information
Fully online certificate programs in paralegal studies comprise 18-24 semester units of paralegal courses. Full-time students could complete all work in seven months, and part-time students could expect to finish in 18-24 months. Some certificate programs also require as many as 36 credits of general education courses, approaching the total coursework of associate's degree programs.Distance learning programs often use the same faculty and textbooks, offer the same research and study resources, and follow the same lesson plan as their on-campus counterparts. Some programs allow students to transfer credits earned to an associate's or bachelor's degree program.
Course and Class Information
Paralegal coursework typically starts with research and writing skills, then covers the terminology, background and procedures required in several basic legal subject areas, to prepare students for the tasks awaiting them working with lawyers.Legal Research Course
Students are introduced to the primary legal research resources, including the U.S. Constitution, statutory law, regulatory law, case law and executive orders. Traditional and Internet search methods, standard forms of citation, common terms and abbreviations are discussed.Legal Document Preparation Course
This course reviews the format and style of documents such as case briefs and legal analyses. Students learn and practice the IRAC style of legal writing, short for Issue, Rule, Application and Conclusion, and are taught the appropriate use of legal precedent and persuasive authority.Personal Injury Course
Personal injury law, also called tort law, helps plaintiffs collect damages for pain and suffering, medical costs and lost income. Students learn the procedures involved in processing claims and litigating tort cases.Civil Litigation Course
The processes involved in bringing and pursuing litigation are examined. Topics include discovery, trial strategy, disclosure, work-product doctrine and attorney-client privilege.Career Information for Paralegal Graduates
Most paralegals work in private law firms, but other employers include corporate legal departments, health care organizations, banks, real estate firms and insurance companies. Paralegals also work for federal agencies, the judiciary, prosecutors and public defenders.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 263,800 people worked as paralegals in 2008, and a 28% increase in jobs was projected from 2008-2018, much faster than average. The median annual paralegal salary in 2009 was $46,980 (www.bls.gov).
Continuing Education and Certification Information
No U.S. state requires paralegals to obtain a license to practice. Of the several organizations which conduct certification examinations, the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) is the most active, with more than 16,000 Certified Legal Assistants or Certified Paralegals currently practicing. In addition, NALS (formerly the National Association of Legal Secretaries) conducts the Professional Paralegal Exam.Online Paralegal Studies Associate's Degree Overview
An associate's degree in paralegal studies is the most common pathway to a job as a paralegal. Online degree programs are plentiful, and most of them are fully online. A few are endorsed by the American Bar Association (ABA), a distinction which may be beneficial when applying for jobs.Associate degree programs in paralegal studies require completion of 60-96 semester credits, roughly half in paralegal subjects and the rest in general education. Full-time students could complete their coursework in 15 months, and part-time students might take as long as four years. Credits earned are generally transferable to a 4-year degree.
Program Information
Some hybrid programs offer online courses, yet still require the student to attend some classes on-campus, or in a pre-approved setting near the student's home. The on-campus courses typically provide practical training in subjects like writing, research and litigation, offering students professional face-to-face supervision.Students need access to a computer with multimedia capabilities and a high-speed Internet connection. Live lectures which allow student participation may require a webcam and microphone. Faculty advisors, instructors and technical help are generally available to resolve problems and respond to questions.
Course and Class Information
Required paralegal course credits increases the students' exposure to more subject areas than a certificate program.Legal Ethics Course
Lawyers and paralegals have their own professional codes of conduct. The ethical obligations of the paralegal are presented and discussed, including confidentiality, the unauthorized practice of law, billing, conflicts of interest and malpractice.Employment Law Course
Laws which govern the relationship between employer and employee are discussed. Another major issue presented concerns the distinction between an employee and an independent contractor.Real Property Course
The procedures and laws concerning the holding and transfer of property are the focus of this course. Topics include the preparation of documents, liens, due diligence, certifications of title and payoffs. Students check their work by conducting a series of mock closings.Immigration Law Course
Immigration law is form-based, and this course reviews all the forms that play a part in the practice of immigration law. Subjects include visas, foreign visitors, and the application process for permanent resident status.Career Information for Paralegal Graduates
Duties of paralegals vary widely, depending upon the size of the firm and types of law practiced, as well as the training received by the paralegal. Common responsibilities include writing correspondence, performing research, conducting client interviews and monitoring schedules. Paralegals are used in all areas of legal practice, but are most commonly used to assist in litigation.Continuing Education and Certification Information
Graduation from most degree programs satisfies the requirements to take NALA's CLA/CP exam. In most cases, credits earned in an online associate's degree program can be transferred to a bachelor's program at 4-year brick-and-mortar or online schools.National associations for paralegals include NALA, the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) and the American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc. (AAPI). Each is organized into local chapters, and offer training options, seminars, and opportunities to socialize and network with other member paralegals.
Online Paralegal Studies Bachelor's Degree Overview
Of the few online bachelor's degree programs in paralegal studies, several are hybrid programs, requiring the student to spend significant amounts of time on-campus. Graduates of a bachelor's program have taken more paralegal studies courses and have the greatest exposure to different areas of law, increasing their versatility and marketability.Program Information
Programs typically require completion of 120-130 semester credits, 36-60 of those in paralegal studies subjects. Online bachelors' programs are generally designed to be completed in four full-time years, but times for completion can range from 3-7 years. Online bachelor's degree programs may accept relevant transfer credits from certificate and associate's degree programs, reducing the overall course load and shortening the time required to complete the degree.The online bachelor's degree in paralegal studies is considered a terminal degree. It prepares graduates for entry-level jobs as paralegals, and is not generally seen as a preparation for law school.
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