(Para)Legal Nation: Paralegal Schools Near You Paralegals belong to one of the most in-demand careers in today's job market. And paralegal schools are your direct route to a job in the legal industry. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of paralegals will grow 22 percent between 2006 and 2016, much faster than average for all occupations. And those students who have gone to one of the many convenient paralegal schools can find promising job opportunities across the country, from New York to California and Minnesota to Texas.  Paralegal Schools: Career Opportunities Along with strong job growth, the paralegal profession delivers some exciting rewards, including job flexibility and diverse career paths: you can work for a law firm, corporate legal department or government agency, or start your own business providing paralegal services. Depending on where you work, your job responsibilities may cover many different legal specialties or you might specialize in one area of the law. After you graduate from paralegal school, you'll find that some specializations are more common than others. Many paralegals practice in one of these areas: Along with strong job growth, the paralegal profession delivers some exciting rewards, including job flexibility and diverse career paths: work for a law firm, corporate legal department or government agency. Depending on where you work, your job responsibilities may cover many different legal specialties or you might specialize in one or two areas of law. Paralegal Schools Promise a Flexible Future One of the biggest advantages of becoming a paralegal is that you can earn your credentials in two years or less. In other words, you can start receiving a paycheck sooner than you think. If you already hold an associate's or bachelor's degree in another area, you can enroll in a paralegal certificate program, which can take as little as six months to complete. For working adults looking to change careers, earning a paralegal certificate can provide a short route to solid job opportunities, whether in their own town or in a city where they have always wanted to live. Recent high school graduates or individuals without a degree who want to improve their job and salary prospects can start their careers with either an associate's or bachelor's degree in paralegal studies. Choose a traditional college program close to home or an online paralegal degree from a paralegal school anywhere in the country. Paralegal Salaries The BLS reports that paralegals earned a median annual salary of $46,120 in 2008, with the highest 10 percent earning over $73,450. Salaries vary based on employer type, size of law firm and geographic location. According to Payscale.com, states that pay paralegals the highest wages are California, Texas, New York, Georgia and Florida. Choose a Paralegal School to Start Your Career In today's uncertain economy, paralegals continue to enjoy job opportunities in American cities large and small. If you'd like to become a paralegal, now is a great time to join the ranks of paralegals across the country. Choose from the many paralegal schools in our extensive school database to earn your paralegal certificate or degree, and make your mark in the city of your dreams.  Criminal Justice Home
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