A paralegal assists a lawyer with research.
Employment opportunities are available for paralegals who improve the efficiency of legal services, according to the American Bar Association. Most paralegal jobs in private firms go to people who have an associate or bachelor's degree in legal studies or obtain a paralegal certificate after completing a degree. Degrees should be obtained from a school approved by the American Bar Association.
Bronx Community College
Students can earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Paralegal Studies from Bronx Community College in New York. The program is based on the guidelines provided by the American Bar Association. Students receive schooling in legal issues, appropriate skills and the knowledge needed for work in the legal field. It also provides practical experience. Course hours completed in this program can be applied at a four-year college while working toward a bachelor's degree in a law-related field. A 210-hour internship provides experience in a legal setting. The Lay Advocate Option program prepares students for service to people and institutions concerned with the criminal system, family law, the poor, the mentally and physically handicapped, and the elderly. A paralegal certificate program is available for students who have 60 hours of college credit or a degree from a two-year college.
Bronx Community College
Paralegal Studies Program
2155 University Avenue
Bronx, NY 10453
718-289-5635
bcc.cuny.edu/business/
Washburn University
Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., offers a bachelor's degree and an associate of arts degree, or it offers a certificate in legal studies to those who have an associate degree, bachelor's degree or graduate-level degree. Courses in legal studies focus on terminology, legal research, legal writing, civil procedure, and professional ethics. Courses offered in technical writing, computer use, and editing and grammar may be beneficial because much of a paralegal's job involves writing letters, emails and other law documents. Legal assistant internships are required in the bachelor's degree program. The Washburn programs are approved by the American Bar Association.
Washburn University
School of Applied Studies
Legal Studies Program
1700 SW College Avenue
Topeka, KS 66621
785-670-1478
washburn.edu/sas/cj/degrees.htm
Everest College
An associate degree in legal assistant/paralegal is offered at Everest College in Phoenix, Ariz. According to its website, its program prepares students for duties in a law firm, such as researching legal issues, drafting legal documents, preparing pleadings, summarizing documents, organizing trial notebooks and interviewing clients. Students are schooled in contract law, Westlaw computerized legal research and Discovery software. This program is approved by the American Bar Association, and is not offered online. Everest College has two campuses, in Phoenix and Mesa, Ariz.
Everest College
Paralegal Studies Program
10400 N. 25th Ave., Suite 190
Phoenix, AZ 85021
602-942-4141
everestcollegephoenix.edu
Tags: American Association, bachelor degree, Everest College, approved American, approved American Association