Requirements to Become...
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What are the Requirements to Become a Paralegal?

In law offices, legal firms, and courtrooms all over the country, paralegals work closely with attorneys to complete a broad range of responsibilities. In addition to helping lawyers prepare for trials, corporate meetings, hearings, and closings, paralegals also:
  • Research laws and precedents
  • Review legal articles, judicial decisions, and statutes
  • Organize files for legal proceedings
  • Draft pleadings, contracts, and separation agreements
  • Assist with tax returns, estate documents, and trust funds
  • Provide generic administrative support
The duties you perform as a paralegal are not so different from what you might expect of an executive assistant, except that instead of focusing on business and finance, the emphasis is on legal jargon, criminal justice codes, and other areas specific to the law.

What Are the Requirements to Become a Paralegal?

You might be surprised to learn that there are no universally accepted requirements to become a paralegal. Most have an associate's degree or above in some aspect of criminal justice, but many receive their training entirely on the job. However, given the growing complexity of the judicial system, many legal offices and law firms prefer to hire those with advanced training in paralegal studies or a related field. A bachelor's degree or higher could become the gold standard over the next few years, so you might consider going for as much formal training as time and money allow.

Partially fueling this push for more education is the evolving list of responsibilities that now fall to paralegals. Just ten years ago, many paralegals were simply administrative assistants who provided very general office support. Now, they perform many of the same duties traditionally reserved for attorneys. The more coursework you have in Constitutional history, criminal justice, forensics, contracts, and torts, the easier it is for you to remain indispensable wherever you decide to go.




The following colleges offer programs that can help you become qualified for a Paralegal career:
  Strayer University

Established in 1892 and accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Strayer University is dedicated to providing quality higher education programs for working adults like you. Classes are designed to fit your busy schedule, meeting on evenings, weekends, and asynchronously on the web. Undergraduate and graduate programs are available in accounting, business and internet technology.

  Keiser University eCampus Online

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni. We research trends for growing fields and tailor our curriculum to prepare students for entry and advancement to rewarding careers.

  Virginia College

Ready to earn a well-respected degree? Need a flexible schedule? Virginia College can help. Become an office superstar with our business program. Or make a difference in your community by earning a paralegal or Criminal Justice degree. Can't get enough of your computer? Try our programs in Information Systems or Cybersecurity. No matter what program you choose, you'll get the top-quality education you deserve with an associate's, bachelor's or master's degree from Virginia College.

  Kaplan University

Kaplan University's accredited online degree programs allow you to earn the degree you need and advance your career without missing a day of work.

  Fortis Institute

At Fortis Institute, we provide students with the skills and training they need to prepare for a variety of in-demand career fields, including Medical Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding, Dental Assistant, and Medical Business & Clinical Specialist. We offer qualified instructors, personalized attention, career services for our graduates, and much more. Programs vary by location. Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information.

  Brown Mackie College

Brown Mackie College Schools can help you learn the skills you need for your career and future. We have many convenient locations across the Midwest, Southeast and Southwest, and we offer a unique one-course-a-month delivery format that's specifically tailored to fit into your busy lifestyle. Take advantage of small class sizes, flexible scheduling, an outstanding faculty, and financial aid for those who qualify. Choose from a range of diploma, certificate, associate's and bachelor's in the areas of Accounting and Business, Healthcare, Legal Studies, and Computer Technology.



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