ONLINE Legal and Paralegal Studies DEGREES | COLLEGE Legal and Paralegal Studies DEGREES

A degree in Legal and Paralegal Studies provides a front row seat to the exciting intricacies of legal practice. Paralegals and legal assistants draft contracts, prepare tax returns, prepare legal documents, obtain affidavits and maintain office records. Many perform most of the same tasks lawyers do.

With a degree in Legal and Paralegal Studies, you can specialize in family law, personal injury law, corporate law, legal studies, real estate law, court reporting, employment law, social security law, or office secretary. Or, get your certificate, associate, or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies.

The industry is predicted to grow faster than average during the next decade. With a degree in Legal and Paralegal Studies, you will be in high demand to law firms, corporate legal departments and governmental agencies. People with Legal and Paralegal degrees work as:

Salaries for paralegals and legal assistants range from $30,000 to close to $70,000 per year. Advancement opportunities are good; many with a Legal and Paralegal degree move into top managerial positions and other law-related positions within the firm, or they seek employment with larger firms.

Employers look for candidates who at least have a certificate or associate degree in Legal and Paralegal Studies. The best candidates have good computer and organizational skills, are good communicators, know how to conduct research, and can represent the employer in a professional manner. People with Legal and Paralegal degrees are expected to have court reporting skills, be able to assist lawyers in researching and prosecuting or defending cases, and know important laws and rulings that affect the legal area of interest.