Paralegal

Job Description

Paralegals are sometimes referred to as legal assistants and that title may actually do a better job of describing what they do. A paralegal assists an attorney with legal tasks that fall just short of anything that would be considered practicing law (which requires a license). Paralegals can take part in investigative aspects of a case like information gathering, studying case law, researching all statutory laws related to the case, and reading general articles about the subject matter. In addition, paralegals often help prepare for depositions, hearings, and trials.

So as a paralegal you are doing highly technical work that requires a great attention to detail. In many ways it is the work that the paralegal does that can determine the outcome of a case. It is extremely critical and requires the ability to work well under pressure (you have a lot of people counting on you).

Requirements

Paralegals are required to take a certification course approved by the American Bar Association. It is important that you make sure that any program you participate in has ABA approval. Although not required, it is definitely preferred for the candidate to have an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in a paralegal related discipline.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for paralegals is extremely strong. Given the cost of legal battles we are seeing a rise in the number of paralegals (legal assistants) as a way to keep the same high quality of service to clients withouth having to sacrifice work quality. Paralegals are well-trained and a critical part of our legal system.

Find out more about degrees for Paralegals by clicking below:

= Certificate Program
= Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree Program
= Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree Program
= Graduate Program

Paralegal/Legal Studies

Paralegal, Everest University
Paralegal Studies , Virginia College
Paralegal Studies , South University
Master of Science – Legal Studies , Grand Canyon University

You can also research the following top schools as well:

	American Intercontinental University - American Intercontinental University was founded in 1970 and has been providing a quality education ever sense. They offer multiple criminal justice degree options including specializations in forensic science, law enforcement, and special populations. American Intercontinental University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission which is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
	Everest University – This university has a great variety of both associate’s degree programs and bachelor’s degree programs in a variety of criminal justice fields. For example, they have some excellent criminal investigation degrees, homeland security degrees, and paralegal programs. Everest University is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
	Kaplan University - Kaplan has several programs available in the Criminal Justice and law fields including an accelerated program that makes it easy for you to complete a degree if you have already taken some college credits. This is one of the top online colleges in the country and it offers a solid foundation in the areas of law enforcement, courts, corrections, and security. Kaplan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission which is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
	Upper Iowa University – This university was established in 1857 and multiple CJU employees attended this great university. They have multiple criminal justice programs and some innovative emergency and disaster management degrees (including a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science). Upper Iowa University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association
	Virginia College - Virginia College has the widest selection of programs at all degree levels in Criminal Justice. Their programs will help you prepare for or enhance your law enforcement career. Each program will emphasize the use of technology to prepare you for the future of law enforcement where new technologies are constantly being introduced to combat, solve, and prosecute crimes. Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.
Don’t see the Criminal Justice College you are looking for? CLICK HERE to see a listing of all the colleges in your area.

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