Do you love research and documenting new ideas? Do you love the legal profession and want to pursue a career in this complex and professional career field? Then gaining a degree or certification as a paralegal may be just the future you're looking for.
A degree in Legal and Paralegal Studies provides a front row seat to the exciting intricacies of legal practice. Paralegals and legal assistants draft contracts, prepare tax returns, prepare legal documents, obtain affidavits and maintain office records. Many perform most of the same tasks lawyers do. With a degree in Legal and Paralegal Studies, you can specialize in family law, personal injury law, corporate law, legal studies, real estate law, court reporting, employment law, social security law, or office secretary. Or, get your certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies.
When pursuing a degree in paralegal studies, you have some different options. The best options are to gain your associate's degree (2 year degree) or your bachelor's degree (4 year degree) in the field of paralegal studies. Some gain their bachelor's degree in paralegal studies and then use this degree as stepping stone to getting accepted into law school. A course of study in the paralegal studies field will include some of the following types of classes: documentation, legal research and writing, legal ethics, business law, mathematics, and others. When obtaining a bachelor's degree in this field, some students choose to emphasize one particular part of the legal field like real estate law, insurance law, medical malpractice, and more.In the paralegal studies field, you assist lawyers researching, documenting, and preparing legal documents involved in cases they are working on. Paralegals may also assist with other office management etc. as required by their employer. In the United States, a paralegal is not licensed to practice law, only work under an attorney and assist them.
Job Outlook in Paralegal Studies
The job outlook for paralegal studies graduates is great. Between now and 2018, this field is expected to grow by at least 28 percent, according to the United State Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many law firms are trying to increase efficiency and downgrade their costs; therefore, they are hiring paralegals to do work once performed by attorneys. This will cause continued growth in this field. Growth will also come as other industries hire paralegals like the insurance industry, government groups, and consumer groups to handle internal legal work.
Earnings Potential for Paralegal Studies Graduates
Those graduating with a degree in paralegal studies have excellent potential to make a good salary. The top ten percent of paralegals made over $73,000 annually. The bottom ten percent made under $29,000 annually. Those working for the federal government made $58,000 annually. Those working for private companies in management positions made about $55,000 per year. Those employed by insurance companies made about $52,000 annually, and those employed in the legal services field made about $44,000 annually. This information was gathered from the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Degree Programs Available in Paralegal Studies
Colleges and universities are currently offering some excellent 4 year and 2 year degree programs in paralegal studies. Get on your way to a career in the exciting field of paralegal studies. You can also complete many courses in these programs through online classes. Get on your way to a career in the exciting field of paralegal studies.
If you are interested in earning a degree in Legal and Paralegal Studies, click here to request more information.
* Area of Study
