Accredited online paralegal programs are the gateway to an exciting career, giving students both the flexible time schedule of online education, and the rigor of the college classroom. Most paralegals work for law firms, but other employers are hiring paralegals to perform jobs that attorneys used to do. The job market for paralegals will be both fertile and competitive, with many professional growth and specialization opportunities.
Paralegals, who are also called legal assistants, work in the background for attorneys. Lawyers who are working on a case may ask their paralegals to read through existing laws, legal articles, and judicial decisions, to find information of merit. Legal assistants may also be asked to manage office operations, maintain financial records, and draft important documents, like separation agreements and contracts.
Students will find that online programs cover the basics of the physical classroom. Core courses include contracts, torts, professional ethics, and legal research and writing. Elective courses will then provide students with specialization opportunities, including constitutional law, criminal law, and business law. The beauty of the online degree is its flexibility, which allows students to complete courses in either an accelerated or slower-paced manner, depending on the requirements of the student’s schedule.
When attorneys hire paralegals, they look for character, education, and experience. To get an edge in the job search, paralegals should ensure that their degree program is recognized by the American Bar Association. In addition, paralegals will give themselves an edge by choosing a growing field of specialization. Health care, intellectual property, environmental law, and health care are all growing areas in which paralegals may specialize.
Legal assistants earn either four-year or two-year degrees, or a certificate. Four-year degrees will give students the best money-making opportunity, but two-year degrees will get students into the job market at a faster rate. For professionals who already have a degree, and are looking for a career change, certificates are the correct option.
While jobs will grow rapidly in the next decade, the field will remain competitive. The industry will add jobs at a rate of thirty percent over present levels, but the number of students earning paralegal degrees is rising. While law firms will still provide the most job opportunities, paralegals may also find work with insurance companies, corporate legal departments, or banks.
Paralegals are expected to demonstrate high ethical standards. Paralegals are also expected to do thorough research, and to absorb information quickly. With more experience, paralegals may expect to be granted more independence, and more responsibility. As they grow in the profession, paralegals may choose to become supervisors for large law offices, government agencies, or commercial legal divisions.
Earning voluntary national certification is another way for paralegals to get an edge in the job search. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations, the National Association of Legal Assistants, and the American Alliance of Paralegals all offer certification, based on performance on exams, continuing education, and professional experience. Students who aspire to be legal assistants, and who need a learning option with some flexibility, should consider online paralegal programs.