Paralegal Studies Program

The paralegal profession provides a wide variety of opportunities for individuals who want to play an important role in the legal process helping people, businesses or government agencies. It is ideal for those who’d like to work in the field of law but aren’t interested in becoming a lawyer. Does the prospect of a legal career appeal to you? Our Paralegal Studies Online program can turn your drive and determination into a promising future.

As law firms and legal departments continue to look for new ways to become more efficient and cost-effective, they rely more and more on the skills and services of paralegals, sometimes referred to as legal assistants. With a broad understanding of procedures, documentation and research, paralegals are able to play a versatile role assisting attorneys with a variety of responsibilities. You can expect to take on such tasks as helping to prepare for court cases, researching legal arguments, identifying relevant laws, conducting client interviews and preparing legal briefs and documents.

We developed the online Paralegal Studies program to help you acquire the expertise and specialized skills you can be expected to possess when you seek an entry-level position as a paralegal or legal assistant. Upon graduation, you should be able to:

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the U.S. legal system, trial procedures, the day-to-day operations of law offices and the role of the paralegal
• Exhibit a mastery of legal terminology and analytical writing skills
• Prepare case briefs utilizing legal research methods, including the use of legal databases and tools to manage the flow of legal information
• Monitor and review regulatory and administrative laws
• Demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking, communication and information management

A methodical approach to developing professional skills

As a student working toward your Associate degree in Paralegal Studies, you’ll be presented with a combination of liberal studies, business coursework and legal studies. This online program utilizes both traditional lecture and textbook study with lab exercises that can give you the practical experience needed to become secure in your skills. You can connect with instructors and classmates when needed via email and online discussion groups. Because of the versatile nature of the role played by paralegals, your coursework will expose you to a broad range of material, including criminal law, family law, property law and business law. You will also be able to apply what you’ve learned in a virtual legal clinic. Our Paralegal Studies program culminates in a capstone project that gives you the opportunity to demonstrate what you’ve learned through the preparation of documents and presentation of case studies.

Once you complete our Paralegal Studies program and earn your Associate of Science degree, you can be qualified to:

• Use computerized databases to conduct research on laws and regulations
• Help lawyers prepare for court cases, including pre- and post-trial procedures
• Prepare case abstracts, briefs and memorandums
• Provide assistance to lawyers during criminal cases
• Prepare property law documents including liens, leases and title transfers
• Conduct client interviews to get affidavits that may be used as evidence in court
• Identify relevant laws for a given case
• Investigate facts

The facts make a winning argument for pursuing a career in law

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, through employment of paralegals and legal assistants is expected to increase by 18% through the year 2020. Furthermore, formally trained paralegals should have the best job prospects.* Median annual wages for paralegals were $46,730 in May 2011. The lowest 10% earned less than $29,390 and the highest 10% earned more than $75,400.* As a paralegal, there are a number of environments you can work in that range from private law firms to governmental agencies to legal departments of corporations and organizations.

To learn more about educational and career opportunities in Health Care Administration, contact one of our Enrollment Services Representatives. 

• © 2012 Carrington

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