Legal and Paralegal
Much of the work that goes into legal hearings, trials, and closings is delegated to legal assistants and paralegals. An attorney can save time and money by hiring someone to do the legwork while he or she assumes the responsibility of a case. Paralegals and legal assistants have held about 238,000 jobs annually in recent years, most of which were employed by private law firms. While most online programs concentrate on paralegal studies, you may be more interested in practicing law. In this case, exploring a Juris Doctor program would be advantageous. There are several routes to take if you want to market yourself in the legal profession, and online programs are very common for this type of degree.
Concentrations
Depending on the type of legal work you want to pursue, there are two major concentrations that will prepare you for a career in law:
- Paralegal studies is designed for those who have a genuine interest in law but have no desire to become an attorney. Many online programs offer associate’s and bachelor’s degrees as well as a certificate in paralegal.
- Legal studies focuses on law but does not allow you to practice law. You will learn the ins and outs of American law that will enhance your business skills.
- The Juris Doctor (JD) degree and Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) are a relatively new addition to online programs, but they do give you the education needed to actually practice law.
- Other concentrations could include court reporting or legal secretarial work.
Qualities and Skills
Coursework for paralegals and legal secretaries may include legal preparation and the legal application of computers in addition to traditional academics found in arts and sciences (math, history, sociology, psychology, writing, etc.). Those earning a JD will need much more coursework, but they will also have to refine the following skills:
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Communication (both oral and written)
- Critical reading
- Management
- Organizational
- Problem solving
- Research
Occupations
Paralegals, legal assistants, court reporters, legal administrative assistants, and legal secretaries sum up the positions in this field that are not licensed to practice law. These positions perform a variety of services including research and preparation of assorted documents, obtaining affidavits, assisting in court, and maintaining financial records. Only attorneys with a JD are licensed to practice law.
Earnings
The average salary for paralegals and legal assistants vary depending on degree and experience, as well as the area of law. The range of attorneys’ salaries also vary greatly depending upon a large number of factors including degree and experience, area of law, size of firm, location and more.
Online Colleges Offering Degrees in Legal and Paralegal
Champlain College
As a division of Continuing Professional Studies, online learning at Champlain College provides a flexible option for those students interested in education but find themselves hindered by logistics, time constraints, or other factors. The Champlain difference is that these online programs are developed to be relevant to professional life.
Bowling Green State University
While Bowling Green State University was originally established as an institution for educators and boasts today that it is the 14th largest producer of teachers in the United States, it offers more than 200 undergraduate majors. In addition to its seven undergraduate colleges, BGSU offers Master’s and doctoral level programs as well.
Boston University
Boston University is an independent, coeducational, and non-sectarian internationally recognized institution of higher education and research. With more than 30,000 students from all 50 states and 135 countries, it is one of the largest independent universities in the United States.
Kaplan University
Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education Corporation (KHE); a division of Kaplan, Inc. Since 1938, Kaplan has developed an extensive and renowned tradition as both a pioneer in academics and career- producer.
Liberty University
Liberty University is the world’s largest evangelical university. With over 20,000 students both on and off-campus from all fifty states and over seventy countries around the world, Liberty provides the highest quality education in a devout Christian environment.
Everest University Online
Everest University Online is the school where students achieve their dream careers. Everest provides students with short-term career training in a variety of popular online degree programs.
Concord Law School
Based in Los Angeles, California, Concord Law School is the nation’s leading provider of a four-year, part-time legal study program. Concord Law School’s ground-breaking online program brings some of the nation’s greatest legal minds to its students.
Keiser University
Keiser University helps students succeed by providing the professional and academic groundwork to meet their career ambitions. Keiser gives high quality education through different scheduling options to accommodate their students’ busy schedules.
National University
Headquartered in La Jolla, California, National University is the second-largest, private, nonprofit institution of higher learning in California with over 22,000 full-time students and more than 113,000 alumni. Students can earn an Associate, Bachelor, Master, or Specialist degree. The university offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as 16 teacher credential and certificate programs.
Penn Foster Career School
Located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Penn Foster Career School is the largest accredited, independent home-study school. Penn Foster offers over 80 quality distance education programs. Programs are designed to provide students with the essential skills for a new career in the fastest growing employment sectors.
