Paralegal
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.
University of Phoenix - The University of Phoenix is the best known online education resource in the world. They offer numerous options for students looking to further a career in criminal justice: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice Administration, B.S. in Organizational Security Management, & Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice.
Saint Leo University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Saint Leo University offers Criminal Justice degrees at all levels in order to accommodate first time undergrads, or working professionals seeking to advance in their careers. Individuals with a Criminal Justice degree could work in several areas including law enforcement, crime scene investigation, legal studies, and more.
Post University Online - Bachelor's Degree. At Post University Online, students could earn their degrees completely online, with no interference in their current careers. They offer a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree that will provide students with an understanding of the way the criminal justice and juvenile justice system works, the legal framework in which the system operates, and other concepts and skills needed for a number of criminal justice careers.
Rasmussen College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Rasmussen College is a well-respected online college that offers an intense curriculum designed to meet the growing need of professionals in the criminal justice field. Degree offerings include: A.A.S. in Criminal Justice, A.S. in Criminal Justice - Corrections, A.S. in Criminal Justice - Crime Scene Evidence, A.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security, A.S. in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement, B.S. in Criminal Justice, B.S. in Criminal Justice - Client Services & Corrections, B.S. in Criminal Justice - Criminal Offenders, B.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security, and B.S. in Criminal Justice - Investigations/Law Enforcement.
American Intercontinental University - With a top notch criminal justice financial aid program and military degree program, American Intercontinental University online is a top rated criminal justice college. Degree options include: B.S. in Criminal Justice: Forensic Science, B.S. in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement, B.S. in Criminal Justice: Special Populations. Students graduating from American Intercontinental University leave the chance to impact their profession immediately with a number of career opportunities.
Boston University - Master's Degrees. Opening windows of opportunity for their diverse student population, Boston University offers a Master's degree in Criminal Justice that will prepare students to work in a variety of settings including courtrooms, correctional facilities, and many others.
LA College - Associate's Degrees. Helping students each step of the way towards their career in Criminal Justice, LA College offers an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice that will help students get their foot in the door for jobs in the law and justice field.
Herzing University - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. With an increase in demand for those in the criminal justice field, Herzing University has provided exemplary programs that will provide students with the knowledge and skills to obtain respected positions in their communities. They offer an Associate's and Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice for students seeking entry to mid-level positions in the criminal justice field.
Virginia College - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. Virginia College offers three different degree levels in Criminal Justice for those interested in pursing a degree in the criminal justice or legal studies field. Their courses are ideal for students of any age, from those who are first-time undergrads to those who have been working in the field for years.
Everest University Online - With a career-oriented focus, Everest University Online is one of the best criminal justice programs for those looking for practical job skills that employers know and respect. Everest offers a B.S. in Criminal Justice, & M.S. in Criminal Justice.
Colorado Technical University - Colorado Technical University online is the best criminal justice college for those seeking the ability to learn from anywhere, as it is one of the top online universities in the country. Graduates will leave with an A.S. in Criminal Justice, B.S. in Criminal Justice, or a M.S. in Criminal Justice.
Liberty University - Because of top placement after graduation, Liberty University is an education center that prepares you for success. It offers a Associate's of Arts (A.S.) in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor's of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice.
