Find Schools offering Law & Paralegal Degree Programs
- Professionals in this field work to uphold the law.
- Lawyers are required to successfully complete at least seven years of post secondary schooling and pass a state exam.
- Paralegals assist lawyers in drawing up papers and organizing court cases.
What is the goal of law and paralegal work?
Within the field of law is the chance to see social justice happen for those who have been treated unjustly. However, this is not the only reason people choose to work in this field. Money also has a strong voice in bringing people into law.
What is a lawyer?
A lawyer, or an attorney, is a person licensed by the state to advise clients in legal matters and represent them in courts of law. Working as a lawyer requires the skill to solve real problems by using practical application of legal theory and knowledge.
What education is needed to be a lawyer?
Lawyers are required to have a Juris doctor degree, or J.D. This is graduate level degree, earned by successfully completing three to four years of post-bachelor's education. Getting into a graduate program of law is a competitive process, so planning ahead is essential. Most lawyers major in English, political science, or history in their undergraduate years, but law school admissions teams look highly on those with a diverse background in the sciences or non-law related academic major. A competitive grade point average and a highly ranked LSAT exam score are two of the major assets for a student applying for law school. Once an aspiring lawyer has gotten into law school and finished a J.D degree, they must pass the national bar exam for certification to practice law.
What is a paralegal?
A paralegal, sometimes called a legal assistant, works under the supervision of a lawyer. Their duties include drafting motions and subpoenas, document review, and filing papers with courts. In the United States and Canada, paralegals are able to have many different options in their work; they can work independently as freelancers, in private practice, and in corporations. Most legal work in law firms or companies, however, is headed up by in-house attorneys. Paralegals in small and medium-size law firms usually perform a variety of duties that require a general knowledge of the law. For example, they may research judicial decisions on improper police arrests or help prepare a mortgage contract. Paralegals employed by large law firms, government agencies, and corporations, however, are more likely to specialize in one aspect of the law.
What education is needed to be a paralegal?
Most paralegals have an associate's degree in paralegal studies, or a bachelor's degree and a certificate in paralegal studies. It's best to earn a degree from one of the 260 paralegal programs that are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Internship experience is also a great asset when a professional is seeking a job after graduation. Paralegals with experience can opt to take the CLA, or the Certified Legal Assistant exam, to become Registered Paralegals (RP).
What are the leading schools offering programs in Law & Paralegal?
- Concord Law School : Concord Law School is the first institution to offer a Juris Doctor (JD) degree earned wholly online via state-of-the-art technology. Concord provides a rigorous and comprehensive legal education with a personalized curriculum and study program leading to a Juris Doctor (JD) degree or an Executive JDSM. (More Info)
- Virginia College Online : Virginia College Online offers online degree programs in Accounting, Business Administration, Healthcare Management, Criminal Justice and Homeland Security. (More Info)
- George Washington University : Established in 1821, George Washington University provides Master Degree specialization in Paralegal, Public Relations, and Political Management as well as dedicated career training to prepare students for immediate entry-level and administrative positions. Graduates develop business and communication skills relevant to their industry from the convenience of home via online learning. (More Info)
- California University of Pennsylvania : California University of Pennsylvania provides career-oriented online training to those students interested in professional careers in education and legal studies. Bachelor and master degrees are available along with graduate certificates to help students start new careers without disrupting their busy schedules. (More Info)
- Strayer University Online : At Strayer University, you can complete a degree or quickly gain marketable skills and specialized knowledge through a six to 12-course certificate or diploma. Many of our programs also provide the background to prepare for professional certification in
a wide variety of disciplines. Associate, bachelor, and master degrees are also offered. (More Info)
- Everest University Online : Everest University Online offers distance learning opportunities through online virtual classrooms and individual attention from instructors. Specialization and practical career methodologies are emphasized to ensure successful employment following graduation. Tailored curriculum enables students to pursue advanced positions with marketable skill sets and Associate, Bachelor, and Master Degrees in Business, Criminal Justice, Paralegal, Computer Information Systems, and Homeland Security fields. (More Info)
- Minnesota School of Business Online : Minnesota School of Business Online provides offers online Associates, Bachelors, and Masters (MBA) degree programs in Business Administration. In addition, MSBO offers diploma program in Business Administration Assistant. (More Info)
- CTU Online - Criminal Justice : CTU Online - Criminal Justice is a unique program in that it offers students a component of forensic study not usually available at the undergraduate level. In addition, you can earn four Professional Certificates as you work toward the completion of your degree and advance your career in the fields of Corrections Technician, Crime Scene Investigation, Law Enforcement Skills, and Legal Studies & Court Process.
(More Info)
- Bryant and Stratton College Online : Bryant & Stratton College Online offers Associate Degree training in less than two years in Accounting, Business, Criminal Justice, or Information Technology fields. Courses are provided via online distance learning to accommodate busy working adults and demanding schedules. (More Info)
- University of Maryland University College : Since 1947, University of Maryland University College (UMUC) has pursued one primary mission: to make higher education more accessible, convenient, and rewarding for busy adults. UMUC offers more than 80 online degree and certificate programs, each designed to offer you a challenging educational experience with maximum flexibility. (More Info)
Find Schools offering Law & Paralegal Degree Programs
