Paralegal Studies Help You Enter a Growing Field  Paralegal studies give you access to one of the fastest-growing fields in the nation. The paralegal profession offers excellent job growth and there are many training options to get you started. Paralegals can perform many of the same legal tasks that lawyers can, such as preparing briefs, researching cases, assisting at trials, and drafting agreements. However, they cannot present cases in court or give legal advice. Paralegal studies always offer a required course in paralegal ethics, which will explain unauthorized practice of the law and other illegal practices. Paralegal studies usually include courses that introduce students to law and legal research methods. Some private employers prefer paralegals who have studied in a specialized legal area, like contract law or real estate, since their firm may focus on a specialized field. Increasingly, people are finding that paralegal studies are an important first step to find a job as a paralegal. And the higher your level of paralegal studies, the better chance you'll have of getting a promotion—or a raise.  Paralegal Studies: Your Degree Options The most common levels of paralegal studies are the following: - Paralegal Certificate programs are available at community colleges, four-year colleges and business schools. Longer programs usually include both general education and paralegal courses, similar to associate degree programs. Certificate programs are usually designed for students who already hold an associate's or bachelor's degree.
- Paralegal Associate's degree programs are available at two-year community colleges, some four-year colleges and universities, and some business schools. You'll gain paralegal skills in addition to a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences in this intermediary level of paralegal studies. This degree may be even more appealing because your associate's degree credits may transfer to a four-year college for a future bachelor's degree.
- Paralegal Bachelor's degree programs are available at four-year colleges and universities which have a paralegal studies major, minor, or concentration within a major. Bachelor's degree programs provide in-depth training for students who want to find entry-level positions in law firms, or who would like to increase their likelihood of promotion. Students who have completed their associate's degrees can begin a bachelor's program to expand their career opportunities. In addition, bachelor's degrees can prepare students for master's programs in paralegal studies.
- Paralegal Master's degree programs are available at four-year colleges. Many universities offer advanced degree programs in law-related areas such as legal administration and legal studies.
The quality of paralegal studies varies widely, so check with people you know in the legal field for information about the programs that interest you. Also be sure to ask about the job placement and job satisfaction rates for graduates of the paralegal studies programs you're considering. Accreditation is important, so be sure that your paralegal program is accredited. The American Bar Association (ABA) specifically accredits paralegal/legal assistant training programs that meet its guidelines. Seeking ABA approval is voluntary on the part of the institution. There are some quality programs that have chosen not to seek approval. However, the ABA guidelines are useful in evaluating a program, and many paralegals recommend accredited programs. Related Article: Criminal Justice Home
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