Essential Information
At the undergraduate level, there are two options for an education in paralegal communications: a 2-year Associate of Applied Science degree or a 4-year Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies. These programs require a high school diploma or a GED certificate for admission. At the graduate level, a Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies can be earned by students enrolled in a graduate-level legal program. Online paralegal courses and programs are available.
Associate's programs provide introductory education that focuses on the U.S. legal and juvenile justice systems. The bachelor's program below consists of criminal justice and paralegal studies. Students might participate in an internship and prepare a paralegal portfolio.
While enrolled in a graduate certificate program, students might learn about federal and international laws and how to get ready for court cases. Admissions requirements for these programs range from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree. A combination of education and work experience is required for certification through the National Association of Legal Assistants and the American Federation of Paralegal Associations.
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies
The curriculum explores the role of a paralegal as a comprehensive assistant to attorneys in a legal office setting. Introductory legal coursework examines the various branches of government and a survey of the American legal system, in addition to an assessment of the roles of attorneys, judges and members of the courts.
Legal research courses train paralegal students to conduct research through legislation, case law and electronic and print records. Coursework covers a broad range of subjects, including real estate law, litigation and family law. Topics of discussion in coursework include:
- Juvenile justice
- Negligence and liability
- Taxation
- Interview skills
- Appellate briefs
Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies
Coursework in the major begins with a survey of business organizations, from daily operations to a discussion of mergers, acquisitions and corporate law. Other areas of focus include procedures in civil courts, legal contracts and introductory coursework in criminal justice and law. A paralegal ethics course includes the study of ethical rules set forth by the American Bar Association, an American institution that oversees the licensing, practice and conduct of attorneys.
Coursework combines the study of the American legal system and paralegal studies like legal research, writing and litigation. Course topics include:
- Dispute resolution
- Legal software
- Defamation
- Probate
- Property settlements
Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies
The graduate certificate curriculum explores the history of the American justice system, the bodies of government that oversee it and the role of the lawyers and judges that administer justice. Coursework examines rules of evidence, electronic resources utilized in legal research and rules and procedures in litigation. Other areas of focus include commercial and contract law, regulatory procedures and prosecution.
Students interview clients, research case law and learn to write legal documents and memoranda to prepare for court cases. Coursework includes a survey of local, state and federal laws and courts, issues in international law and an examination of the United States Constitution. Topics of discussion in coursework include:
- Court motions and briefs
- Corporate law
- Administrative law
- Conflicts of interest
- Client confidentiality
Popular Career Options
Graduates go on to find jobs in a variety of settings, including attorney's offices and real estate and mortgage companies, corporations, government, attorneys' offices, legal aid agencies and more. Popular career titles for graduates include:
- Paralegal supervisor
- Paralegal administrator
- Independent paralegal consultant
- Legal secretary
- Legal assistant
- Legal advocate
Continuing Education Information
Graduates who plan to work as paralegals might consider enrolling in a bachelor's degree program in paralegal studies, the minimum degree requirement for many positions in this field. A bachelor's degree in paralegal studies is also beneficial to students who plan to seek professional paralegal or legal assistant certification.
Graduates of paralegal studies bachelor's programs might consider opting for voluntary certification through a number of national paralegal and legal assistant associations. Graduates can immediately sit for the Certified Legal Assistant or Certified Paralegal examinations, offered through the National Association of Legal Assistants. Graduates with two years of professional experience can sit for the Paralegal Advanced Competency Examination, administered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations and resulting in the Registered Paralegal designation.
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), paralegals and legal assistants held 332,720 jobs in the U.S. in 2020. The BLS also reported that jobs in this profession are expected to grow by 10% between 2019 and 2029. The median annual salary of paralegals and legal assistants in 2020 was $52,920 (www.bls.gov).
There are several routes to achieving education or training in paralegal communications, ranging from adding a paralegal studies certificate to one's graduate studies credentials, to earning an A.A.S. or B.S. degree in paralegal studies. After paralegal training is complete, graduates can seek employment as legal support staff at attorneys' offices, corporations or non-profit organizations, or within the various branches of federal, state and local government.
