How to Find the Right Online Paralegal School?

Online Paralegal Courses

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Employment Projections predicts a growth of over 33 percent in the legal assistant profession during the first decade of 2000. The median annual salary for full-time paralegals and legal assistants as of May, 2004 was $39,130. Online paralegal programs make it simple to learn the necessary skills for employment in this growing, lucrative profession.

Paralegals assist lawyers in the delivery of legal services by performing a wide variety of tasks such as research, drafting formal documents, preparing for real estate closings, preparing for court hearings and gathering information from pertinent parties. Paralegals are prohibited from giving legal advice, which can only be given by an attorney. However, through formal education and field experience, paralegals gain enough knowledge and expertise to handle legal matters under the supervision of an attorney. Much like attorneys, many offices bill hourly for the work performed on a file by a paralegal, only at a lower rate.

Over 1,000 schools offer formal paralegal programs and more than 600 different paralegal programs exist. About 260 paralegal programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), the governing association for attorneys. Although ABA approval is not necessary, graduation from such courses may enhance possible employment opportunities for the student. Requirements for admission to paralegal online schools is as varied as the number of courses currently available and may include a high school diploma, bachelor's degree or completion of a standardized test. Online paralegal courses enable students to get experience in a legal environment while learning essential skills to progress in their field.

Online paralegal programs include 2-year associate's degree programs, 4-year bachelor's degree programs and certificate programs, usually geared for students with a degree that want to specialize in paralegal studies. A few universities even offer master's degree programs in areas such as paralegal studies, legal studies and legal administration. Online paralegal programs can be completed in as little as six months or can take up to four years, depending on the course of education the student chooses. Online paralegal courses are offered through written coursework, reading assignments, email, online chats and virtual lectures.

Seven out of ten paralegals are employed by law firms and the rest work for government agencies and corporate legal departments, with a small number offering their services on a freelance basis to attorney and agencies. The United States Department of Labor states that the largest employers of paralegals within the Federal Government are the U.S. Department of Justice, the Social Security Administration and the Department of Treasury. The agency that offers certification and ethical guidelines to paralegals is the National Association of Legal Assistants, along with the National Federation for Paralegal Associations.

Paralegal online schools are a great way for students to learn while they earn in a prestigious, challenging profession.

SUMMARY: Online paralegal programs include 2-year associate's degree programs, 4-year bachelor's degree programs and certificate programs, usually geared for students with a degree that want to specialize in paralegal studies. A few universities even offer master's degree programs in areas such as paralegal studies, legal studies and legal administration. Online paralegal programs can be completed in as little as six months or can take up to four years, depending on the course of education the student chooses. The median annual salary for full-time paralegals and legal assistants as of May, 2004 was $39,130.

Rose M. is the editor of http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com where you find answers, information and advice on distance learning colleges, accredited online degrees and online courses. See more related information on online paralegal courses and colleges.

How To Choose ABA Approved Online Paralegal Degree Programs - Part I

Paralegal Studies institutions approved by ABA (American Bar Association) all have the following characteristics...

Curriculum for Paralegals is usually ABA curriculum tailored towards providing you, after a successful completion of paralegal studies, the skills and opportunities of working as a lawyer's assistant in research, document preparation, client interviews and drafting of legal documents. As a qualified paralegal your services are also required in the legal departments of corporations, firms and organizations.

Another aspect of ABA approved Paralegal program is the pre-law specialization that prepares you for the law school proper.

ABA approved Paralegal institutions offer Associate of Applied Science, Post Degree Certificate, (only those who have already obtained a bachelor or associate degree are qualified). Bachelor of Science degree on Paralegal Studies and Certificate in Legal Nurse Consulting are two other programs offered by ABA approved paralegal study institutions.

ABA approved Paralegal institution's minimum course duration is 1 - 2 academic years and internship is mandatory in most schools.

If you are looking for ABA approved Paralegal Education Program, then the Standing Committee on Paralegals Directory of ABA approved Paralegal Education Programs is where to look.

Some work experience is usually beneficial for an intending paralegal student like you. Courses, depending on the type of institution, can run for between 2 (for community and junior colleges) to 4 years in a University. Aside from the general requirements above, the ABA Standing Committee Directory listing carry varying standard requirements for different instructions in terms of duration of course, course content and admission requirements.

Therefore, you should consider the factors favourable to you while choosing any particular school or institution.

More than 1000 institutions are offering Paralegal degree and certificate programs in the United States of America, but the ABA approved Paralegal institutions can be found at the ABA standing committee Directory of Paralegal schools.

NOTE: ABA approval for Paralegal schools or instructions is not mandatory by law so it is not a measure of the quality of or reputability of an institution that it is ABA approved, yet institutions have found it necessary to get ABA approval by meeting the ABA requirement in order to, I suppose, bluster their image. My advise is that you should go for ABA approved institutions for your paralegal studies.

Online institutions like their offline counterparts are of different categories and as such offer different qualities of course content programs. You should as a matter of fact take a critical look at the institution offering the Paralegal Degree Online program you chose. Carry out your investigation with the information below to ensure that such institution is an ABA approved paralegal degree online program.

INSIGHT INTO ABA ONLINE PARALEGAL DEGREE PROGRAMS

Paralegal degree programs prepares you for employment as a paralegal or legal assistant in a private law office and even both the public and the private sectors such as banking, insurance, real estate etc. Care must, however, be taken to ensure that a chosen school or online paralegal degree program is approved by the American Bar Association in conjunction with the institution being an institutional member of the American Association for Paralegal education (AAFPE) and other relevant regulatory bodies for Paralegal studies.

Concluding Part II will be on this same category soon.

Neshah, a retired paralegal, writes for your success - get free paralegal information and resources at http://online-paralegal-degree.fateback.com

Online Paralegal Training Or Traditional Paralegal Training?

California paralegal schools allow you to blend your education between courses in law and courses in business. By taking classes in both of these subject areas, you will be able to develop a well-rounded paralegal career whether you choose to work in Sacramento, California or elsewhere in the country. When you are interested in pursuing further paralegal career training, you can choose between paralegal courses that are available in a classroom or online setting.

Is an online paralegal training or a traditional paralegal training better suited for your learning style? There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of paralegal training, so by doing a little reading, you can decide which learning style will help you get ready for your paralegal career best.

Similarities between traditional and online paralegal training

No matter which learning environment you choose for your paralegal school program, there are many skills that you will learn regardless. Your paralegal education will give you choices as to where you can work after you complete your paralegal degree. For example, as a graduate of a California paralegal school, you will be prepared to work in private law firms, government offices, insurance companies, hospitals, schools, or corporations. You will develop your ability to reason, understand, and apply principles of law to your every day work using analytical and critical analysis skills.

Paralegal classes also help you to understand the differences between substantive and procedural law, which is important to any paralegal career. Legal writing and analysis involved in civil litigations will also be part of your workday. Ethics is important to every paralegal training program, so you will learn how to use your own best judgment when working with the law. Finally, you will learn to work on your own and in groups, so as to produce your work effectively no matter what the situation.

Advantages to online paralegal training

The most frequent reason for choosing online paralegal courses is that you are strapped for time. An online paralegal education allows you to continue working at your current job in addition to taking paralegal courses in your spare time. With all of your lectures, discussions, homework, quizzes, exams, and reference materials available online, you can complete your paralegal education with minimal transportation expenses and time wasted. Online classes are also helpful when you are someone who is a bit more introverted. Online classes do not require you to participate in direct discussion with other people. This is also a benefit to an online paralegal education.

Online paralegal training is also advantageous when you prefer an unorthodox schedule. Some people prefer to work early in the morning. Some people prefer to work late at night. If you are someone who does prefer to complete your work when your brain is most attune to it, try online paralegal classes. You don't have to be attentive at a particular time every day, but when it is most convenient for you. People who learn best in an online format are usually good at time management. While this type of management skill is not essential to an online education, it certainly helps you.

Advantages to traditional paralegal training

For those students who prefer the face-to-face interaction with professors and other students, a traditional paralegal educational format may be better for you. Some people are simply better at staying focused when the person speaking is directly in front of them. So, while online paralegal courses may be more convenient, they may not best suit your learning preference. Also, online paralegal training requires some degree of comfort with technology. If you are not someone who uses computers and the Internet well, you may prefer to take paralegal classes in a traditional classroom setting.

If you are interested in spending the next two years delving into the complexities and the techniques for interpreting the law, a traditional paralegal training program may be better for you. You will be able to immerse yourself in a learning environment where you feel most comfortable and able to get the most out of your paralegal education.

It doesn't hurt to do a little research to help you make the best decision for your paralegal education. Some schools even offer a hybrid of the two types of paralegal training, offering part of the coursework online and part in a traditional classroom setting. Whichever type of paralegal school program you decide is best for you, make sure that the paralegal school you choose is ABA-approved and only provide you with instructors that are experienced paralegals themselves.

MTI College, located in Sacramento, California, offers paralegal training in both traditional paralegal courses and a hybrid of traditional and online paralegal courses. Whichever learning format suits you best, you can earn your paralegal degree and begin your paralegal career in two years or less at MTI College.