More Paralegal Careers
Job titles for Paralegal graduates:

Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies

Legal assistants, also known as Paralegals, are a distinguishable group of persons who assist attorneys in the delivery of legal services. A Legal Assistant or Paralegal is a person qualified by education, training or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity.

CNN.Money ranked the paralegal field as one of the 20 best jobs in America. The Legal Assistant profession is projected to grow by 22.2% (2006-2016) , according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Employment Projections. Private law firms are the largest employers of paralegals, but a growing number of other organizations are beginning and continuing to hire them. These organizations include corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate and title insurance firms, and banks.

Paralegals or legal assistants usually possess a 2-year Associate's Degree, 4-year Bachelor's Degree, and/or a Paralegal Certificate. After a year of professional experience, most Paralegals pursue a Paralegal Certificate, which is issued by the National Association of Legal Assistant, Inc. (NALA). After passing the required examination, candidates are designated Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Certified Paralegal (CP). Professionals with the Bachelor's Degree combined with a Paralegal Certificate generally have the most career opportunities.

According to the National Federation of Paralegal Association’s (NFPA) most recent salary survey, the average paralegal salary is $50,496 and the median national salary is $49,000, with one-fourth of the respondents at or below $40,000 and one-fourth at or above $60,000.

Paralegal Studies - Associate of Applied Science
Kaplan University's Paralegal Studies AAS degree program is designed for students desiring a strong base for a bachelor's degree program or those who want to enhance their current legal skills and knowledge. This program teaches students to communicate effectively within the legal environment, synthesize important concepts from specialized legal areas, demonstrate ethical decision-making skills, and developm effective legal research methods. Comprehensive study in areas such as civil litigation, contracts, legal research, and criminal law will prepare graduates for diverse career opportunities in the field.

Paralegal Studies - Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies (BSPS) degree program provides a solid foundation in the law and paralegal skills, including litigation preparation, document supervision, and legal research. Graduates may pursue career opportunities or job advancement in a legal environment such as a private law firm, corporate law department, or local, state, or federal agency. Students will gain research and analytical skills along with technical competencies in specialized areas of law.

Legal Studies - Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies (BSLS) degree program has been created to help individuals prepare for law school, or achieve professional success in an existing or future career in business, government, health care, or the service industry. Kaplan University's online program emphasizes the political, governmental, and constitutional framework of the American legal system, while developing your communication, critical thinking, and research skills. The degree program allows students to select elective courses that focus on a particular legal topic. Students can also choose to pursue an emphasis in health care. A capstone course is required for graduation from the degree program and three capstone options are available: an internship, thesis, or comprehensive exam.

• Paralegal Studies - Associate of Applied Science
• Legal Studies - Bachelor of Science (BSLS)
• BSLS / Health Care
• Paralegal Studies - Bachelor of Science (BSPS)
• BSPS / Alternative Dispute Resolution
• BSPS / Corporate Law
• BSPS / Employment Law
• BSPS / Family Law
• BSPS / Legal Technology
• BSPS / Office Management
• BSPS / Personal Injury
• BSPS / Real Estate Law
• BSPS / Social Security Law

Paralegal Studies
While completing the 12 month (25-credit) Paralegal program, students can pursue specialty certifications at AIPS in selected areas of the law, such as:

• Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Employment Law
• Corporate Law
• Elder Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Immigration Law
• Legal Technology

Paralegal - Associate of Arts
Keiser University's Associate of Arts degree in Paralegal Studies prepares students to support attorneys in transactional and litigation fields through legal research, document drafting, case management, evidence gathering and the litigation procedure. Paralegals are often involved in trial assistance and other dispute resolution processes, as well as with preparation of real estate documents, wills, trusts, contracts, corporate matters and law office investigations.

Legal Studies - Bachelor of Arts
Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies trains students for careers in law and law-related fields (business, government and criminal justice) and also prepares students to pursue a law degree. Students learn the necessary information and skills for successful integration into a law office atmosphere. They also learn the ways in which the law impacts most professional fields.

Paralegal - Associate
Rasmussen College's Paralegal Associate Degree program will prepare students to be a valuable member of a legal team. Whether working for judges, government agencies or other legal entities, Rasmussen's graduates will be able to lay the groundwork for a successful trial.

• Law and the Legal System
• Legal Research
• Civil Litigation and Procedure
• Contracts
• Legal Research and Writing
• Terrorism
• Real Estate Law
• Corporate Law
• Law Office Technology

Paralegal - Certificate
This is a POST-DEGREE certificate for students who have completed a 2- or 4-year degree and are interested in pursuing a career as a Paralegal. Students will acquire the skills to assist lawyers by researching legal precedent, investigating facts, and preparing legal documents.

Paralegal Studies - Associate of Science
This program prepares the student for a career utilizing knowledge of legal office procedures, delivery of legal services, and legal research and writing. The program provides training in professional skills, general education, technical competencies, and research experience needed by students entering the paralegal field.

Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to accomplish the following:

• Conduct client interviews and maintain contact with clients
• Conduct legal research and prepare legal documents using critical thinking
• Draft correspondence, pleadings, and other legal documents
• Assist in preparation of interrogatories and other documents related to litigation
• Assist an attorney in execution of wills, real estate closings, depositions, and preparation for court attendance
• Use computer technology in a legal environment
• Develop skills in selected general education curriculum, including communication and problem solving
• Coordinate a successful job search

Paralegal - Associate of Science
The Associate in Science Degree in Legal Assistant/Paralegal provides students with the skills to interview, gather, review, and analyze factual situations; research the law; prepare and interpret legal documents; conduct day-to-day operations of a legal office. Students will learn fundamental knowledge about the formation of contracts, breach of contracts, and remedies for the breach of contracts. They will become familiar with the terminology, policies and procedures applied to: estate planning, wills, trusts, estate taxes, estate sales, and joint tenancy.

Family and criminal law are other principal subjects covered in this program. Family law specializes in: divorce, separation, custody, adoption, guardianship, and community property. Criminal law covers: common law, statutory crimes and punishment, crime classification, principles of liability, and basic criminal procedure concepts.

Paralegal - Bachelor of Science
The Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Assistant/Paralegal prepares graduates, under the guidance of an attorney, to interview, gather, review and analyze factual situations; research, prepare and interpret legal documents; and conduct day-to-day operations in a legal office. Graduates may find employment in legal offices, state and federal government agencies, corporate legal departments, insurance companies and legal aid societies.