Paralegal Associates Degree

Over a period of time, the paralegal profession has experienced rapid growth. Paralegals and legal assistants provide essential support services to the criminal justice system. They:

• Help collect evidence and evaluate the facts and figures of cases
• Conduct research on the relevant regulatory framework and find out about the legal precedent
• Maintain files related to court cases and legal proceedings
• Prepare legal documents such as wills, contracts, appeals, briefs, and real estate closing statements
• During the trial, they take notes and review transcripts
• They act as middlemen and deal with third parties like clients, and witnesses. They also schedule interviews and meetings to discuss cases

What Paralegal Degrees can you pursue?

Paralegal courses are available at different levels including masters, bachelors, and associates. The degrees vary in duration. A master’s degree takes around 1 to 2 years to complete whereas a bachelors degree can be earned in 3 to 4 years. On the other hand a paralegal associate’s degree usually takes around 1 to 2 years to complete.

What will you study in an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies?

Students who pursue this program are:

• Provided knowledge of the fundamentals of law
• Trained how to identify, evaluate and effectively handle ethical concerns connected with legal cases
• Develop an understanding of contemporary legal issues
• Equipped with legal industry specific knowledge, use of legal jargon, and specialized software
• Are able to develop critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for formulating legal cases

After successfully completing the associate’s degree, many students go on to pursue bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or a relevant discipline like criminal justice.

The name, range, and types of courses will vary from one institute to another. However, in order to get a general idea of the curriculum, you should look through the details of following courses:

• Introduction to Paralegal Studies
• Legal Research and Writing
• Civil Litigation
• Family Law
• Estate and Trust Administration
• Criminal Law and Procedures

Paralegal Certifications

Paralegal professionals should acquire certification from a professional body such as National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA). It’s a good way of enhancing job prospects and indicating your commitment to employers.

In order to become eligible to take the exam, you’ll be required to hold a degree from an institute that is recognized by American Bar Association and have one or two year’s professional experience.

What is the Employment Outlook like for Paralegals?

As reported by US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2014, paralegals and legal assistants earned a median annual wage of $48,350.

The employment outlook is quite favorable, with an estimated growth rate of 15-21% from 2012 to 2022. This is much faster than the average growth rate.

Paralegals may seek opportunities in industries such as legal service, local governments, federal executive branch, and state government and other companies. Those with an associate degree in paralegal studies may also seek positions like legal assistants, law clerk, title examiner or researcher, claims adjuster, and occupational health and safety specialist.