What is a Paralegal?

Paralegal jobs with a criminal justice degree involve many of the same tasks performed by an attorney. Lawyers delegate tasks, such as researching facts and preparing documents for court, to the paralegal with a criminal justice degree. Paralegals are also able to help draft contracts, mortgages, separation agreements, and tax returns. In fact, the only activities paralegals cannot legally perform are the five activities categorized as practicing law: giving legal advice, signing legal pleadings and papers on behalf of a party, appearing in court on behalf of another, and setting and collecting fees for legal services.

Paralegals use legal terminology, and document their findings and opinions related to assigned cases to a supervising attorney. As the law becomes larger, professionals who pursue a paralegal career, with criminal justice degree credentials, typically specialize in a certain area of the law. Possible areas of concentration include labor law, intellectual property, criminal law, immigration, and real estate.

Educational Requirements to Work as a Paralegal

There are approximately 1,000 official paralegal training programs at the associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree level. However, many professionals choose to use a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice to enter the field. Often employers will provide on-the-job training in legal activities for the worker with a criminal justice degree or a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, there are also formal certification and training programs available. Certification as a paralegal is not required for employment, but it may increase competitiveness in the job market.

Opportunities for Advancement as a Paralegal

As with many other occupations, as a paralegal gains more experience, he or she is typically given more responsibility and less supervision on the job. A paralegal career with criminal justice degree credentials may also lead to supervising other paralegals or obtaining a management position within a law firm or corporate legal department. Some paralegals also choose to go on to law school after gaining experience in the legal field. Working as a paralegal can offer insight into a professional’s interest in law, can teach legal terminology, and can provide case reading prior to even stepping foot in a law school classroom.

Earning a Degree in Criminal Justice

A host of criminal justice degree programs exist as well. Typical programs, such as the criminal justice degree online offered at Warren National University, offer education in both administrative and hands-on aspects of the field. Students working towards a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice study courses such as: administration of justice, criminal investigation, written communication in criminal justice, and the American court system.

Florida Metropolitan University Online has a Paralegal Associate’s Degree as well as a Paralegal Bachelor’s Degree for students interested in the field. Kaplan University offers an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Paralegal Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies. Their Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies extends to its students such specializations as Alternative Dispute Resolution, Office Management, and Personal Injury. Kaplan also has an advanced program for their bachelor’s degree called Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies.

Attending an online college for a criminal justice degree can be a convenient way to maintain work and family responsibilities and gain access to programs that would otherwise be unavailable in some locations.

The occupation of paralegal encompasses a wide variety of activities and career paths. Salaries range from $34,000 with state government positions to more than $80,000 for private law-firm positions. Becoming a paralegal is just one job option for the versatile degree in criminal justice and can lead the way to a lucrative, stable career or be followed by a challenging three years of law school.

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Careers in Criminal Justice have experienced considerable growth, especially since the introduction of science to the processing of crimes, and the recent growth in the threat of national and international terrorism. A Criminal Justice degree offers many focuses for the student and prepares students for careers in many arenas of Criminal Justice including Crime Scene Investigation, Paralegal Studies, and Legal Services and Court Processes, to name a few. Colleges and Universities offer online Bachelor’s programs in Criminal Justice, Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice, and even Criminal Justice Doctoral programs.

A Criminal Justice degree opens career paths to Law Enforcement, prosecution and defense, incarceration and rehabilitation, assessment and supervision of criminals, social work and social services, Corporate Law and security, Homeland Security, investigations, court reporting, juvenile justice facilities, parole services, and Crime Scene Forensics. Below are listed several career options graduates of Criminal Justice degrees pursue:

Attorney Federal Bureau of Investigations Agent Border Patrol Agent Law Librarian Central Intelligence Agency Agent Legal Secretary Corrections Officer Paralegal Court Reporter Police Officer Crime Scene Technician Private Investigator Criminal Investigator Probation and Parole Officer Customs Agent Secret Service Agent Detective Sheriff Drug Enforcement Agent United States Marshall

The specialty careers of Criminal Justice may require specific qualifications depending on the students career choice. For example, students pursuing a career in Law Enforcement or security must be physically and emotionally fit for the sometimes physically and emotionally grueling work of policing, with some employers requiring students seeking a career in Law Enforcement to attend Police Academy. Those pursuing a career in Crime Scene Investigations must possess the ability to stay emotionally stable during crisis since the processing of crime scenes can be disturbing and graphic.

Certain careers in the Criminal Justice field require that candidates meet specific educational requirements. Some Criminal Justice careers require education on the certification level only, while other require Bachelor’s, Master’s, and even Doctorate degrees. The University of Phoenix offers a Bachelor’s of Science degree program that prepares students for careers in policing, criminal law, and corrections, including management skills. Additionally, Colorado Technical University offers online programs in Criminal Justice with majors in Crime Scene Investigation and Legal Studies and Court Processes. Students at Colorado Technical University learn how to process and preserve crime scene evidence, and prepare criminal cases for court. With so many colleges and universities answering in so many ways to the question, “What can you do with a Criminal Justice Degree?”, the possibilities are endless.

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Careers in Criminal Justice have experienced considerable growth, especially since the introduction of science to the processing of crimes, and the recent growth in the threat of national and international terrorism. A Criminal Justice degree offers many focuses for the student and prepares students for careers in many arenas of Criminal Justice including Crime Scene Investigation, Paralegal Studies, and Legal Services and Court Processes, to name a few. Colleges and universities offer online programs at all levels, Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, Master’s in Criminal Justice, and PhD in Criminal Justice, with courses covering topics specific to the students major.

A Criminal Justice degree opens career paths to Law Enforcement, prosecution and defense, incarceration and rehabilitation, assessment and supervision of criminals, social work and social services, Corporate Law and security, Homeland Security, investigations, court reporting, juvenile justice facilities, parole services, and Crime Scene Forensics. Below are listed several career options graduates of Criminal Justice degrees pursue:

Attorney Federal Bureau of Investigations Agent Border Patrol Agent Law Librarian Central Intelligence Agency Agent Legal Secretary Corrections Officer Paralegal Court Reporter Police Officer Crime Scene Technician Private Investigator Criminal Investigator Probation and Parole Officer Customs Agent Secret Service Agent Detective Sheriff Drug Enforcement Agent United States Marshall

The specialty careers of Criminal Justice may require specific qualifications depending on the students career choice. For example, students pursuing a career in Law Enforcement or security must be physically and emotionally fit for the sometimes physically and emotionally grueling work of policing, with some employers requiring students seeking a career in Law Enforcement to attend Police Academy. Those pursuing a career in Crime Scene Investigations must possess the ability to stay emotionally stable during crisis since the processing of crime scenes can be disturbing and graphic.

Certain careers in the Criminal Justice field require that candidates meet specific educational requirements. Some Criminal Justice careers require education on the certification level only, while other require Bachelor’s, Master’s, and even Doctorate degrees. The University of Phoenix offers a Bachelor’s of Science degree program that prepares students for careers in policing, criminal law, and corrections, including management skills. Additionally, Colorado Technical University offers online programs in Criminal Justice with majors in Crime Scene Investigation and Legal Studies and Court Processes. Students at Colorado Technical University learn how to process and preserve crime scene evidence, and prepare criminal cases for court. With so many colleges and universities answering in so many ways the question, “What can I do with a Criminal Justice Degree?”, the possibilities are endless.

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It has never been more convenient to pursue an education in Criminal Justice with numerous colleges and universities offering distance learning programs via mail. These programs allow students to complete a Criminal Justice Degree program according to their schedule and from the comfort of their own home. Criminal Justice degrees by mail are fast becoming recognized as just as legitimate as the traditional classroom-setting degree programs. A Criminal Justice by mail prepares students for careers in public and private agencies, corrections, courts, and social services. Some examples include opportunities in Law Enforcement and apprehension as Police Officers, prosecution and defense through the courts and Judiciary system, incarceration, and supervision of offenders as Probation officers. The Criminal Justice degree programs by mail examine the processes of criminal justice and instill the skills needed for an understanding of administrative decision-making, ethical issues, conflict-resolution, and technology in crime.

Degree programs offered in Criminal Justice by mail focus on a variety of criminal and social issues. Focuses include Forensics, Homeland Security, Paralegal Studies, Corporate Law, Court Reporting, and Criminal Defense, among others. Students should research the many colleges and universities offering degree programs by mail in Criminal Justice, as they offer varying areas of focus and different majors. Forensic students learn the process and preservation of crime scenes and the processing of physical evidence. Law students in the Criminal Justice degree program by mail are provided with the skills to prepare cases for court and are trained in analytical thinking and self-discipline. Further studies include a comprehensive study of criminal intent and motivations, victimology, alternatives to incarceration, and computer crime. Court Reporting courses offer students reporter status on an official, freelance, and government basis. The curriculum and objectives here are just a few examples of the diverse choices students have when pursing a Criminal Justice degree by mail. Students also have several options when considering colleges and universities that offer degree programs in Criminal Justice by mail and can find resources via the Internet, local educational institutes, and the local library.

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Online colleges for Criminal Justice degrees now make it more convenient than ever to obtain an education in Criminal Justice. Students now have the ability to earn Criminal Justice degrees completely online from the comfort of their own home, and according to their schedule. Online colleges for Criminal Justice offer online degrees that are fast becoming recognized as just as legitimate and valid as the traditional and classroom-setting degrees.

Online colleges for Criminal Justice degrees prepare students for careers in public and private agencies, corrections, courts, and social services. Some examples include opportunities in Law Enforcement and apprehension as Police Officers, prosecution and defense through the courts and Judiciary system, incarceration, and supervision of offenders as Probation officers. The online colleges for Criminal Justice degree programs examine the processes of criminal justice and instill the skills needed for an understanding of administrative decision-making, ethical issues, conflict-resolution, and technology in crime. Online Degree Programs offered in Criminal Justice also focus on a variety of criminal and social issues. Focuses include Forensics, Homeland Security, Paralegal Studies, Corporate Law, Court Reporting, and Criminal Defense, among others. Students should research the many colleges and universities offering online programs in Criminal Justice, as they offer varying areas of focus and different majors.

Online colleges for Criminal Justice include the University of Phoenix, America InterContinental University (AIU), Capella University, Kaplan University, and Colorado Technical University Online. Depending on the students focus, online colleges for Criminal Justice degrees provide students with the skills to prepare cases for court and utilize analytical thinking, comprehend the study of criminal intent and motivation, perform effective court reporting, to name a few. Several online colleges for Criminal Justice offer further studies in victim logy, computer crime, and alternatives to incarceration. Online colleges for Criminal Justice are expected to continue to grow rapidly in enrollment at all levels.

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It has never been more convenient to become a criminal justice degree graduate from an online criminal justice program with numerous colleges and universities offering distance learning programs via the Internet. These programs allow students to graduate from a Criminal Justice Degree program online according to their schedule and from the comfort of their own home. Online Criminal Justice degrees are fast becoming recognized as just as legitimate as the traditional classroom-setting degree programs. An online degree in Criminal Justice prepares graduates for careers in public and private agencies, corrections, courts, and social services. Some Criminal Degree graduates of online justice programs pursue opportunities in Law Enforcement and apprehension as Police Officers, prosecution and defense through the courts and Judiciary system, incarceration, and supervision of offenders as Probation officers. The online Criminal Justice degree programs examine the processes of criminal justice and instill the skills needed for an understanding of administrative decision-making, ethical issues, conflict-resolution, and technology in crime.

Criminal justice degree graduates in online programs focus on a variety of criminal and social issues. Focuses include Forensics, Homeland Security, Paralegal Studies, Corporate Law, Court Reporting, and Criminal Defense, among others. Prospective graduates should research the many colleges and universities offering Criminal Justice graduate programs online, as they offer varying areas of focus and different majors. Forensic students learn the process and preservation of crime scenes and the processing of physical evidence. Criminal degree graduates in online programs with a Law major are provided with the skills to prepare cases for court and are trained in analytical thinking and self-discipline. Further online studies include a comprehensive study of criminal intent and motivations, victimology, alternatives to incarceration, and computer crime. Court Reporting courses offer students reporter status on an official, freelance, and government basis. The curriculum and objectives here are just a few examples of the diverse choices criminal justice degree graduates of online justice programs pursue.

Students also have several options when considering colleges and universities that offer criminal justice degrees online. Colorado Technical University, the University of Phoenix, Capella University, and Kaplan University are among the various schools that offer a criminal justice education in an Associate’s in Criminal Justice, Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, and Master’s in Criminal Justice.

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Online degrees in criminal justice take three forms. The Associate’s Degree requires two years of coursework. A Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice requires four years of college coursework. Most government positions will require potential job candidates to carry a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree. For those seeking advancement into management and more technical positions, a Doctoral Degree in Criminal Justice will be necessary.

Most students receive a well-rounded education covering the inner workings of the law. Online criminal justice degree programs also use real world examples to supplement classroom theory. Best of all, working adults no longer need to worry about balancing the demands of getting an education with maintaining work schedules.

Criminal justice also covers competencies in criminal investigation, criminal justice research methods, the fundamentals of criminal law, justice systems, police systems, and ethics. A successful curriculum combines interdisciplinary work in psychology, sociology, and public administration.

Graduates with online degrees in criminal justice have applied their knowledge to occupations such as paralegals, trial lawyers, and social workers. A minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree is needed for careers as fraud investigators, loss prevention managers, or police detectives. Access to management positions in forensics, crime prevention, and criminal investigation requires a Master’s Degree. Because of the new job opportunities arising from the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the Labor Department projects continued growth annually at a rate of 29% through 2010.

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Criminal justice graduates with bachelor degrees can easily find work in protective services. This covers occupations involved in patrol work, like serving as corrections officers with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, working as a US Border Patrol officer for the Department of Immigration, or acting as an agent for the US Marshals or Federal Bureau of Investigations. The Drug Enforcement Agency also employs graduates with bachelor degrees in criminal justice. Employment at these agencies requires attendance at designated training academies. Because of the physical demands involved in patrol work, graduates should be strong physical and emotional form before applying to these positions.

Criminal justice bachelor degree graduates may also find rewarding careers within the court system. Graduates serve as court counselors and victims service counselors. Many seek advanced training and educational opportunities and emerge as lawyers and prosecutors in District Attorney’s offices and in private firms. Others work as paralegals or as legal counsel in corporations. Careers in the law carry lucrative financial benefits, and are the crown jewel for the graduate of criminal justice.

The popularity of television dramas like CSI has propelled other graduates of criminal justice bachelor degrees to seek employment as crime scene investigators. Crime scene investigators go out to crime scenes and collect forensics evidence to be processed at the crime lab. The pay may not be as lucrative as that of the lawyer, but any individual with a liking of the natural sciences and a mind for analysis would find satisfaction in a career as a crime scene investigator.

Graduates that have psychology backgrounds and experience in investigations could find glamorous work as psychological profilers in regional and federal enforcement agencies. Criminal justice bachelor degree graduates looking for work as a psychological profiler should continue their criminal justice studies to the master’s level and have some forensic science training to get a competitive advantage for employment in the field.

Criminal justice graduates with bachelor degrees can serve the public in civil positions. Those with a desire to communicate their experiences to future generations can elect to teach criminal justice at the community college level or volunteer in civic organizations. A person with an educational background in criminal justice can put their knowledge to use as a writer or beat reporter for newspapers and broadcast networks. Others can elect to use their knowledge of criminal justice to help others, as in psychological professions, or social work.

Thus, an educational degree in criminal justice does not doom one to police work. Knowledge is power, and with criminal justice, it is the power to do good for society as a whole.

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Paralegals generally function as support troops for attorneys. As the profession has grown, so has the depth of responsibility that attorneys can, and do delegate to their paralegals. This will certainly include legal research and may include writing briefs based on the research. They identify appropriate laws, previous judicial rulings and legal articles that may apply to the case. They may also draft pleadings and motions to be filed with the court.

In the corporate world, paralegals assist with employee contracts, stock option and employee benefit plans. They also assist in the preparation of financial reports and make sure they are filed properly. A paralegal may oversee government regulations as they pertaining to the corporate business and monitor for regulatory and legal changes.

You can obtain an associate’s degree in criminal justice with specialization in court activities. The job of a court clerk is to keep the courtroom’s daily activities flowing. A court clerk will call cases off the docket and have the case file ready to hand to the judge. Upon completion of the court’s actions regarding that case, the court clerk will take the file back and see to it that the judge’s actions are carried out.

Often, this will mean a document or set of documents sent to other arms of the court system relaying the judge’s directives on the case. The court clerk tracks appearances and non- appearances, and generally keeps the paper flow and case work moving in the court to which he or she is assigned.

Some county court systems have a corps of bailiffs that is separate from the county sheriff’s office. An associate’s degree many qualify you for the position of court bailiff. These individuals provide security in the courtroom while court is in session. Often, they escort detainees from their cells to their court appearances. They may find themselves searching the hallways for an attorney regarding a case before the court. The bailiff acts as an assistant to the judge in many ways, just as the court clerk does. A bailiff, however, is a uniformed security officer who maintains order among defendants and all other courtroom occupants.

Security and corrections opportunities might include prison guard or counselor. Private security opportunities might include lower level supervisory roles for security firms or in corporate security departments. Some police departments might find an associate’s degree sufficient for an application as police officer. There are a large number of job opportunities in the criminal justice system that are available to persons holding AA degrees and many of them are interesting – particularly in the paralegal field.

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As the position took shape as the role of an “attorney’s assistant,” post-secondary educational programs were developed to form a certification process. This certification process was recognized by the American Bar Association. The Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) emerged from this process, and is directly related to what we call a paralegal today. The terms have basically the same meaning.

Many technical colleges and other schools still provide these legal assistant certification programs. Today, there are online educational institutions that offer associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies. Some colleges do offer a master’s level paralegal studies program, but that is rarely a requirement to begin a career as a paralegal, and it is not offered at as many schools as lower collegiate degrees in paralegal studies are.

Kaplan University provides both levels of undergraduate degrees online in paralegal studies. Some of the programs offered at Kaplan are the standard bachelor’s of science in paralegal studies, the BS in paralegal studies/alternative dispute resolution, the BS in paralegal studies/office management, and the BS in paralegal studies/personal injury.

Both degrees, associate’s and bachelor’s, require some liberal arts study and focuses paralegal subjects. These include English composition and literature, history, social sciences and a course or two in the areas of fine arts and science as well as torts, family law, legal writing, arbitration and conflict resolution, criminal law, legal research and a course on the structure and functions of the legal system.

While similar basics are covered on both collegiate degree levels, the bachelor’s program naturally covers topics in a greater depth. At a traditional college or university, an associate’s degree would take two years, and a bachelor’s would take four years. The online learning system has accelerated programs that allow students to complete the requirements for these degrees in less time. This study time is considerably shorter if you enroll online with transferable college credits that you have already completed.

Entry level positions at a law office as a legal secretary or clerk might be acquired with minimal certification. Requirements for positions with more case related responsibility like a paralegal are becoming higher. Many law firms desire applicants to posses at least an associate’s degree or, in many cases, a bachelor’s degree. With online programs, these requirements are easier than ever to meet.

Paralegals are often responsible for drafting arguments for attorneys, brief writing, interviewing potential clients, and other law office duties. This is why a four year degree in paralegal studies is desirable. If you are interested in a career like this and don’t want to spend four years on a a campus, online programs may be the path you want to take.

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In paralegal studies, colleges offer associate’s bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Online institutions provide these and certification programs for the aspiring paralegal, and completion can take nine to eighteen months. Some of these programs require internships. If you are interested in breaking into the business, certification might be a means for you to do so.

Only a handful of institutions offer paralegal studies at the master’s level. These are more geared for individuals who want to teach paralegal studies. A majority of individuals interested in this career opt for the associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

The typical associate’s degree program in paralegal studies requires core courses in liberal arts along with paralegal courses. Some of the liberal arts topics covered are science, mathematics, social science, English language and literature, and American history. A bachelor’s degree program in paralegal studies will have similar requirements, only more credits will be needed.

Classes related to paralegal studies may include legal writing, case research, torts, law office management and the judicial system. An associates degree online would take less than two years, which is the normal amount of time this level of degree would take at a community college.

The accelerated learning programs online for the bachelor’s degree level may take two to three years to complete, as opposed to the four years a traditional college would normally require. As with the associate’s level, there will be a core of liberal arts and a number of paralegal studies electives. A more thorough background is provided with a bachelor’s degree.

Kaplan University has a paralegal studies department that offers both associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Their bachelor’s program has four separate options: general paralegal studies, or a paralegal bachelor’s degree with a specialty in alternative dispute resolution, office management, or in personal injury.

Some law firms have raised the education level required to begin as a paralegal, since the career has become more popular. While certification might help an individual obtain an entry level position with a law firm, those with college degrees would be employed with more case-related responsibilities. There are certain law firms that require a bachelor’s degree from the beginning.

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Kaplan University offers several programs in paralegal studies. They have an online program for and associate’s degree, and a bachelor’s program in paralegal studies. The bachelor’s program comes in two forms. The basic bachelor’s in paralegal studies program provides a liberal arts background with research and analysis skills needed on the job. There are also some technical law studies included in the program. The Advanced Start Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies is offered to those who have already achieved an associate’s degree, and for students who already have some experience working in the field. This program results in advanced communication skills, critical thinking, and technical proficiency.

The paralegal studies program at Kaplan University offers focused courses in personal injury, office management and alternative dispute resolution. These concentrations are a good choice for those who are working and want to improve their knowledge base in those particular areas, in order to be better at what they do. Dispute resolution, in particular, is the best focus to select if you are interested in arbitration.

There is an associate’s and a bachelor’s degree program in paralegal studies offered at Florida Metropolitan University. Their training program includes preparing pleadings, drafting documents and researching case law.

You can become a legal secretary, court reporter, or a legal assistant with training in paralegal studies. Having “Certified Legal Assistant” (CLA) listed among your credentials on your resume can add credibility. Often, paralegals can be responsible for taking care of any task that an attorney might do, save trying a case. This might include writing briefs, interviewing clients, and preparing documents to be filed with courts.

Other paralegal positions are primarily administrative, and there is a lot of legal activity involved. Online paralegal programs cover all types of job responsibilities that a paralegal might encounter. Classes online prepare students for contracts, bankruptcy files, and family law as well as grammar skills, computer usage, and legal terminology. The direction of your career as a paralegal depends on you and the law office you work for.

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It has come to the point in time when an associate’s degree is often not enough to be hired as a paralegal. Many firms are now seeking individuals with a bachelor’s degree. In fact, it is the recommendation of the NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Associations) that paralegals should have a four-year college degree when starting out in the field, and paralegals “should have 24 semester hours or the equivalent of legal specialty courses to enhance their ability to practice as paralegals.”

The NFPA trusts online educational institutions that provide distance learning programs through the internet. They have stated: “NFPA believes that distance education is a viable alternative within NFPA’s existing core curriculum and education policies. Accessibility of paralegal education is most important in being able to draw in future professionals, and distance education provides that means. Due to its accessibility and flexibility, for a select group of highly motivated students distance education may be the only form of paralegal education available.”

You do not necessarily need to dedicate four full years to working towards a bachelor’s degree online. Online colleges use accelerated teaching methods and learning programs, and this can shorten the amount of time it takes to meet the credentials for a degree. If you already have some college credits, these can be transferred to an online college and this will also shorten the amount of time it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree. With these things in mind, a bachelor’s in paralegal studies may only take two-three years to attain.

There are a very comprehensive paralegal studies programs available through Kaplan University. They offer four bachelor’s programs in the field:

BS for Paralegal Studies. This is a general degree for individuals beginning in the field.

BS for Paralegal Studies/Alternative Dispute Resolution. Paralegals with this degree may need to perform a great deal or research and writing.

BS for Paralegal Studies/Office Management. A legal secretary looking to be promoted to a management role might take this major.

BS for Paralegal Studies/Personal Injury. This degree has a specialized focus and is good for an individual working at a firm that focuses on persona injury, or handles a good amount of personal injury cases.

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Even though it may be possible to land a job as a paralegal without a degree, most individuals seeking this career will obtain an education in the field. These paralegal candidates may enroll in a certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree program. These can be obtained either on campus or online through many colleges and universities.

There are a number of colleges and universities that offer online education programs and distance learning options these days. Entry level paralegal positions can be landed with an associates or bachelor’s degree. Some master’s programs in paralegal studies can lead to legal administration positions. The responsibilities of a paralegal vary depending on the particular law firm you may be applying to.

An associate’s degree typically focuses more on clerical work and law office management rather than detailed legal knowledge. A bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies will provide general education that covers history, mathematics, and English.

According to the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, a bachelor’s degree is becoming the standard level of education required for a paralegal’s position. The federation has set a general curriculum requirement for a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies.

General education should cover: English Composition/Grammar Mathematics Logic/Philosophy Speech/Communication Earth or Natural Science Political Science/History Sociology Humanities, including Philosophy

Preferred electives include: Business Computer Science/Literacy Foreign Language Psychology Economics

The practices and theories that undergraduates should be exposed to are: Litigation/Civil Procedure, Legal Research and Writing, Real Property Transaction, Business and Corporate Law Wills, Trust and Estate Planning and Family Law Torts Contracts. Also, Advanced Legal Research and Writing, Advanced Litigation/Civil Procedure, Bankruptcy, Debtor/Creditor Rights, Administrative Law, Pension/Profit Sharing, Law Office Economics and Management, Tax Law, Labor Relations/Employment Law, and Intellectual Property are classes that would prove beneficial.

Most bachrlor’s degree programs in paralegal studies will include these or similar course offerings. Having a bachelor’s can provide the confidence and background necessary to apply at just about any law firm and apply for a paralegal position.

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Kaplan University has an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies course of study with the following core classes: Academic Strategies for the Paralegal, Professional College Composition, Software Applications, College Composition Communications, College Algebra (or higher), Legal Ethics, Diversity and Culture History, and Career Development Strategies.

After completing those courses, the next batch of classes would probably be: Paralegalism Today, Civil Litigation I: Contracts, Civil Litigation II: Legal Research, Paralegal Elective, Paralegal Elective Associate’s Capstone in Paralegal Studies.

The curriculum at Kaplan University covers certain general education requirements that could be applied to any liberal arts education. Along with general and specific law courses, there are classes that help to improve writing skills and offer technical background in related software. As a new paralegal, having an associate’s degree can boost your confidence because of the professional knowledge that you will have attained. You will feel like a graduate, not someone who was simply trained for a job.

There is also an associate’s paralegal studies degree offered by Everest College online and on each of their nine campuses. Florida Metropolitan University has a paralegal studies program that results in an associate’s degree as well. You can search local community colleges and universities about online classes or extension programs. Almost fifty percent of all colleges and universities offer such programs.

Even if you are going to take live classes, much of the interaction between students and professors occurs on the internet. Faculty may post lecture notes and class assignments online. Some community colleges require that yo physically attend classes, but you might be able to find the information you need online.

An associate’s degree obtained on the internet is a better foundation than a simple certificate, and opens up the opportunity for further education down the road. You can begin as a paralegal, attain your associates degree, and later pursue a higher degree after you have gained experience. Bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies can be acquired on the internet as well.

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There is an online associate’s degree program in paralegal studies available through Kaplan University. The classes required under this program provide a comprehensive background in liberal arts as well as classes that focus on specific skills that paralegals will need. Courses include writing and composition, basic mathematics, history and social science. With this degree, you will have a more well rounded education than with a certificate program.

This course of study that Kaplan University offers also provides in-depth classes that introduce law and the business of law. Classes cover various issues that a paralegal may encounter on the job such as legal research, civil rights, and criminal law. Some tasks that a paralegal may be required to do while assisting an attorney may be drafting trial arguments, interviewing a client, preparing and filing court documents, writing a court pleading, or perhaps interrogating on behalf of counsel. Anything that takes place in a law office can be handled by a paralegal, but they would not represent a client in a courtroom.

Are you interested in an online associate’s degree program in paralegal studies? Here is an outline of how the course of study might run:

First Semester: Introduction to Business, Paralegalism I: Business Communications, Paralegalism II: Business Law

Second Semester: Personal Finance Torts, Business Communications II, Civil Litigation, American Government

Third Semester: Business Mathematics, Introduction to Psychology, Law Office Management, Criminal Law and Procedures, Real Estate Law

Fourth Semester: Introduction to Computers, Family Law Administration of Wills, Trusts and Estates, Income Tax Fundamentals, Legal Research and Writing

As you can see, there is a mix of general education classes and legal issue related courses. The length of time each semester takes will depend on which online institution you are enrolled in. There are some programs that move at a much more accelerated pace than others.

The job description of a paralegal is far from uniform, and can vary from place to place. Some paralegal degree or certificate holders may run a law office or serve as a clerk for a judge. Other paralegals may focus on handling trial pleadings and arguments. There are many different career paths to take with an associate’s degree in paralegal studies.

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A Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) is normally the goal of a many of these training programs. Such educational programs would qualify students for an entry level positions in a law facility such as a file clerk or legal secretary.

There are associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees available under paralegal studies. Many more colleges, universities, and online institutions offer paralegal bachelor’s and associate’s degrees than master’s degree programs. A master’s degree in paralegal studies is a little more difficult to come by.

A two year degree, an associates program, in paralegal studies would probably include courses such as family law, torts, legal writing, case law research, civil rights and other legal subjects. Even though the program is only two years long, it can equip a student with a basic understanding of the business of law.

There is a more in depth experience provided in a bachelor’s degree program in paralegal studies. More liberal arts an more legal topics will be covered. The courses in a bachelor’s degree program in paralegal studies covers basic civil law in greater depth than that of an associate’s degree, and it allows for more elective classes.

Paralegals have held positions in law offices since the nineteen sixties. There are a number of responsibilities that a paralegal may be required to handle, and these might be just as many as an attorney would have to handle. The educational requirements for paralegals have grown along with the demands and complexity of the position. Many law firms will no longer accept only associate’s degrees, and only hire those with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

It is important to remember that with many online degree programs, bachelor’s degrees can be obtained in less than three years, and an associate’s degree might be obtained in less than two years. If you are interested in pursuing an education in the paralegal field, consult some of the law firms in your area about what their requirements are.

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Medical malpractice and insurance disputes have been stalwarts in the legal field for years. A newer area of legal conflict are bioethical issues which, at this point, are equally at home in the legislature as in court. Included in this area are matters such as genetic data privacy, gene- based alterations of agricultural and pharmaceutical products, and a number of medical therapies coming on line. These are public policy issues that are working their way into the courtroom. Related to these issues is the body of law that has grown around the Food and Drug Administration and, among other issues, their administration of drug development.

Individual rights are a legal healthcare issue when in comes to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Access to health care for the poor is a developing civil rights issue, with national advocacy groups in place and classes in law schools addressing the matter as a sole topic. The right to privacy for personal medical records has been a major political and legal concern. The passage of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) created an entire legal structure for the protection and personal control of an individual’s medical records. But as with every protective measure there are exceptions, and those have led to a small but lively industry of HIPAA inspired lawsuits.

Healthcare delivery and child welfare are occasionally conflicting issues that speak to parental rights and have been fought out in highly publicized trials. Withholding important medical educational information from children has also come before the courts. Public health is a major area of legal specialty, involving state and federal legislation, funding, regulation and healthcare as it relates to taxes.

Managed care issues that are addressed in law school include health care financing, antitrust due to the consolidation of HMOs and equal access. Medicare and Medicaid rights are closely related to managed care, as is the issue of assumed risk for the medical personnel who work for the large and growing healthcare organizations. Fraud and system abuse have also become worthy of legal study since false insurance claims begin to emerge as a substantial problem, involving both patients and the medical community.

At least one law school has an entire course dedicated to e-medicine. Among other things it covers the transmission of medical imaging and pharmaceutical practices: generally the issues are security, privacy and technology. Records transmission and claims transactions are points of discussion within the context of the internet as an active participant in the practice of medicine.

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By earning a criminal justice degree with a paralegal concentration you will be able to begin working in a legal profession. There are programs for certificates, associates degrees and bachelors degrees in paralegal studies. Many law firms are willing to hire paralegals with certificates or associates degrees and let them expand their education on the job. However, earning a bachelors degree, through law school, in the paralegal field creates a better opportunity for career advancement because you will be able to take on tasks that would otherwise be given to lawyers. A degree in paralegal studies can be valuable to you, as well as the law firm that employs you.

If you have a nursing background, you can obtain a certificate through an online school that will qualify you to be a forensic nurse, or nurse legal consultant. These are post-RN studies that allow you to consult with legal firms that need medical expertise or research on cases that involve injury to clients or others involved in the case. Legal nurse consultants can develop very lucrative careers. A number of nurses who have retired from clinical work cases have switched to the law office with the help of courses in legal consulting.

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