Online Paralegal Degrees and Careers
[widget]According to the BLS, job growth for paralegals continues to grow as fast as the average of all occupations.
[/header]Earning Your Paralegal Degree Online
Paralegals play a crucial role in supporting lawyers in a broad variety of tasks. Professionals trained in paralegal studies are responsible for conducting legal research, drafting documents, and organizing and filing briefs, appeals, and other case materials. According to the BLS, job growth for paralegals continues to grow as fast as the average of all occupations, as they take on "hybrid" roles previously filled by various law firm staff members. In some cases, paralegals can also be an affordable alternative to costly high-end legal services, performing entry-level legal services in place of lawyers whenever possible.
Featured Online Programs
Earning an online paralegal degree can often help aspiring professionals earn job skills and enter this growing field quicker than through a traditional degree. Most paralegal jobs have minimal education requirements and optional certification, which means there are a large variety of online paralegal programs available to distance learners. Many schools offer online paralegal degree programs in an accelerated format and with no campus visits required, allowing students to complete their degree in less time and at a lower cost than traditional options.
The Best Online Paralegal Degree Programs
Job Outlook for Paralegal Graduates
Associate degrees in paralegal studies are the most common online degrees offered in this discipline; likewise this is typically the minimum education requirement for most jobs. While not mandatory, some employers may require or prefer additional certification–also available online at some schools. An online paralegal degree program or online paralegal certificate may offer intensive study in particular specialty, such as corporate or litigation paralegal studies. Students in this major may also focus on another particular area of concentration in this field, including personal injury, criminal law, bankruptcy, immigration law, or real estate, among many options. The majority of paralegals are employed by law firms, though many corporations are also expanding their paralegal teams to help cut costs. In any work environment, paralegal graduates with strong computer and database management skills should have the greatest job prospects in coming years.
Salaries for Paralegals, By Degree Type
| Years of Experience | Associate | Bachelor's |
|---|---|---|
| 0-5 | $32,000 | $35,000 |
| 5-10 | $40,000 | $44,000 |
| 10-20 | $46,000 | $54,000 |
| 20+ | $53,000 | $63,000 |
Source:Payscale.com
Types of Paralegal Careers
Generally, all paralegals perform the same set of straightforward duties on the job, though there are a variety of legal settings in which paralegals operate. Qualified paralegals assisting lawyers in a particular concentration, such as corporate, criminal, or immigration law, are more desirable in that sector for their specialized skills. Professionals in these areas and many others are responsible for having a thorough understanding of their area of expertise for greater timeliness and efficiency when conducting research, filing documents, and interacting with clients. Most employers prefer at least one year of experience, either in a law firm or office setting or in the technical field of their choice. For example, a personal injury law firm may welcome paralegals with experience in the healthcare industry. Below are just some of the most common paralegal specializations:
Featured Online Programs
Types of Paralegal Degrees
Earning an online paralegal degree can help the right candidate to go far in this field. While a bachelor's is typically considered the terminal degree for paralegals, some master's degrees do exist, and there are a variety of specializations and job options available to students with any combination of education and legal experience. The table below lists the most common types of paralegal degree programs:
| Degree Level | Definition | Possible Concentrations | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Science (AS) in Paralegal Studies | General Paralegal Studies | $28,750 |
| Bachelor's | Bachelor of Science (BS) in Paralegal Studies | General Paralegal Studies | $66,250 |
| Master's | Master of Science (MS) in Legal Studies or (MA) in Legal Studies | Personal Injury, Litigation, Criminal Law, Corporate Law, Intellectual Property, Family Law, Immigration, Bankruptcy, Real Estate | $32,681 – $66,553 |
Source:Payscale.com
Paralegal Certifications and Licensing
Certification is not required for paralegals in the workplace, though some employers may prefer or require it of their employees. Students who have completed an online paralegal program and who are seeking voluntary Certified Legal Assistant certification, for example, can obtain information about how to become certified in their state through The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), The Association for Legal Professionals (NALS), or the National Federation of Paralegal Associates. In most cases, certification is pursued by professionals who also hold a degree in the field. The process requires students to pass a comprehensive competency exam in their state of practice.
Paralegal Scholarships
As a popular field of study among undergraduate students, a variety of paralegal scholarships are commonly offered at many schools that offer online paralegal certificates, and associate and master's degrees in this discipline. With so many job possibilities available to qualified graduates of a paralegal program, there is no shortage of prospective employers, including law firms and government agencies, looking to support up-and-coming professionals in the field. Because the majority of associate and bachelor's degrees in paralegal studies provide broad, foundational curriculum, most scholarships for paralegal programs do not specify a concentration or area of specialization among the terms of the award. Below are just some of the scholarships available to students pursuing a traditional or paralegal online degree or online paralegal certificate:
Paralegal Internships
Internships and externships are common for students in all sectors of paralegal studies, offering a way to gain invaluable industry experience, learn "real world" skills while immersed in a work environment, and make themselves indispensable to a potential employer. As with all internships, while both paid and unpaid paralegal internships are available, paid internship opportunities tend to be the most competitive.
Generally, internships do offer academic credit to paralegal students. Internships are available in a variety of specialized opportunities, including legal clinics, summer sessions, and pro bono projects, in an array of professional settings like courts, law offices, and community organizations, though the most popular type of internship is a judicial clerkship, which offers paralegal students the opportunity to experience the inner workings of trial and appellate courts. As a general rule of thumb, one can never have too much experience when it comes to applying for a job as a paralegal. A good online paralegal program will recommend that each student pursues their own internship experience. Below are some quick tips for choosing, landing, and maximizing an internship:
Ask school career services staff, mentors, or professors for suggestions.
Explore opportunities for internships through the professional organizations listed above.
Browse job fairs in person or online.
Peruse job websites like Glassdoor, Monster, Looksharp, LinkedIn, and Indeed.
Check out this dedicated internships website: http://www.internships.com/legal
Professional Organizations
In a field that values practical experience and professional insight, paralegals stand to obtain unlimited benefits from joining a professional organization. The industry offers several governing organizations for professionals at every level, providing resources for entry-level job seekers, mid-career professionals, and others looking to continue to advance their legal skills as veterans in the industry. Professional organizations can offer internship opportunities, job referrals, networking events, certification opportunities, and continuing education coursework. Below are some of the most prominent professional organizations for aspiring and practicing paralegals:
National Association of Legal Assistants: Among the best-known professional organizations in the U.S. for paralegals and legal assistants, NALA circulates its own publications, offers continuing education courses, networking opportunities, and a voluntary certification program. Though headquartered in Oklahoma, NALA maintains a heavy Internet and social media presence on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
American Bar Association: Best known as the licensing agency for lawyers required to pass the bar exam to practice in the U.S., the ABA also provides extensive resources to paralegals, including a career center, networking opportunities, webinars, and a wide variety of on-demand and free online continuing education courses.
National Federation of Paralegals Association: In addition to hosting events including an annual convention, publishing numerous newsletters and industry journals, and offering continuing education webinars, the NFPA features a special section on its website dedicated to supplying pro bono professionals with the latest compliance information.
National Paralegal Association: The NPA offers several publications targeting both aspiring and established paralegals, as well as services such as job boards, mailing list rentals, and corporate sponsorship opportunities geared toward not only individual paralegal professionals but also the firms, agencies, and legal departments that employ paralegals.
Open Courseware
Open courseware can be especially beneficial to a paralegal student looking to gain experience from a variety of sources while earning an online paralegal certificate or completing an online paralegal program. Open courseware is often ideal for high school seniors looking to complete college-level prerequisites before enrolling in a higher learning program. The flexibility and affordability of open courseware also allows more experienced students to expand their scope of knowledge or explore a different course of paralegal studies. Additionally, a student in an entirely different area of academia who is interested in entering the world of legal studies can try out a course with no financial or professional obligation. Below are just some of the most notable open courseware options for paralegal students:
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