Paralegal degrees and paralegal studies are an entry into the workings of the law. Paralegal studies prepares one for a variety of career opportunities including working for law firms, corporate legal departments, positions with government agencies and non-profit institutions, and more.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegal and legal assistant employment is growing faster than average and 71% of paralegals work in private law offices. However, paralegal is a competitive field where formal study such as an associates or bachelors degree in paralegal studies will give students and edge.
One of a paralegal's most important tasks is helping lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Paralegals might investigate the facts of cases and ensure that all relevant information is considered. They also identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases. After they analyze and organize the information, paralegals may prepare written reports that attorneys use in determining how cases should be handled. If attorneys decide to file lawsuits on behalf of clients, paralegals may help prepare the legal arguments, draft pleadings and motions to be filed with the court, obtain affidavits, and assist attorneys during trials. Paralegals also organize and track files of all important case documents and make them available and easily accessible to attorneys. (Source: BLS.gov)
Paralegal studies provides the required study for work involving legal document preparation, case research, drafting of contracts, and generally assisting attorneys with information gathering , document writing , and court preparation. Most paralegal degrees can be achieved in a two-year program. Job growth is anticipated to be better than average with starting salaries at a level at the high end of two-year study programs.
Typical paralegal degree core curriculum includes ethics, legal research, communications, legal analysis, document writing, document assembly, case management, billing and legal technologies.
