The paralegal profession is a growing field to enter according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2010-11 Occupational Outlook Handbook. Paralegals not only work with private attorneys, but they also have the option of working with many different government entities and nonprofit organizations. Although the opportunities are endless in this field, paralegals do not practice law. Paralegals conduct legal research and writing, help prepare for trial and organize and investigate cases; their work is always supervised by an attorney. A number of courses are available to those who want to become a paralegal.
Certificate programs
Certificate programs are offered at many state universities as well as community and technical colleges. Typically, you can earn a certificate in around a year. The program delves into all areas of law, including criminal, civil and administrative. The coursework generally involves only paralegal studies. This type of program may be ideal for individuals who work full time and have families. It also works well for people looking to change their careers or individuals who have been in the legal field for some time without official training and education.
Associate Degree
An associate degree is a two-year degree. The associate program is much like the certificate program, with the same coursework, but it is more involved and a degree is awarded upon completion. This program may work well if you are wanting to enter the paralegal profession, have no other college coursework behind you and you are not yet willing or do not have the time to enter into a four-year degree program.
Bachelor's Degree
Earning a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies takes approximately four years if you go to school full time. The bachelor's degree program covers substantial paralegal coursework. With the four-year degree the paralegal studies is combined with other coursework. However, it is not necessary to have a four-year degree in order to take the Certified Legal Assistant Exam.
National Association of Legal Assistants CLA Exam
The Certified Legal Assistant exam through the National Association of Legal Assistants is a nationally recognized certification. If you complete a paralegal certificate program or graduate with a degree in paralegal studies you are eligible to take this exam. Individuals who have degrees in other areas of study are eligible to take the exam if they have experience as a paralegal. It is also possible to take the CLA exam if you have seven or more years experience working as a legal assistant with no official paralegal education.
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