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A paralegal degree can give you the edge you need in a struggling economy. Despite the fact that many industries have been laying off countless employees, statistics have shown that number of available positions for a paralegal will continue to grow. Nevertheless, there are more hopefuls than there are positions, which is why a degree may be just what you need.
When you have a paralegal degree you will be responsible for all the background aspects of a legal job that a lawyer does not do. These are tasks that are not a financially sound use of their time, or they are just too busy to do it on their own. Paralegals prepare legal briefs, investigate case facts, draft pleadings, motions, affidavits, and find case laws or anything else the lawyer requires.
A paralegal degree will not, however, allow a person to perform those tasks that are considered practicing law. This means that a degree in paralegal studies will not give you the authority to give legal advice, set legal fees or present a case in court (although often a paralegal will have to assist the lawyer while in court).
There are many job opportunities for someone with a paralegal degree. The majority of those jobs are with law firms, but there are quite a few other occupations that look for people with this kind of degree. For example, state, federal, and local agencies all employ paralegals, and the same goes for banks, corporate legal departments, and legal aid societies.
Some of these occupations will require that you add an emphasis to your education, and there are many online classes that offer more specialized areas of study. Paralegal studies may include an emphasis on civil law, injury, corporate law, criminal law, or immigration law. Adding these kinds of specializations can make your resume more appealing to employers.
Not all paralegals get a degree. Many companies feel that a high school diploma is enough to get started with some on-the-job training, though most require certification of some kind. There are courses that offer associate's degrees or bachelor's degrees, and others that offer paralegal certification (which is a good option for people who already have a bachelor's degree in another field).
Even though more and more companies are expecting paralegals to have a solid legal background even for an entry level position, there aren't a lot of programs that are approved by the American Bar Association. That's why a number of prospective paralegals are turning to online coursework to get certified and get a job in the field.
Obtaining a paralegal degree can take up to a few years, and certification classes can last anywhere from three to six months. If you find the right program they may offer job placement or internships to help you get that job when your training is over. In a tough economy like this, strong paralegal skills can help you find and keep a good job.
When you have a paralegal degree you will be responsible for all the background aspects of a legal job that a lawyer does not do. These are tasks that are not a financially sound use of their time, or they are just too busy to do it on their own. Paralegals prepare legal briefs, investigate case facts, draft pleadings, motions, affidavits, and find case laws or anything else the lawyer requires.
A paralegal degree will not, however, allow a person to perform those tasks that are considered practicing law. This means that a degree in paralegal studies will not give you the authority to give legal advice, set legal fees or present a case in court (although often a paralegal will have to assist the lawyer while in court).
There are many job opportunities for someone with a paralegal degree. The majority of those jobs are with law firms, but there are quite a few other occupations that look for people with this kind of degree. For example, state, federal, and local agencies all employ paralegals, and the same goes for banks, corporate legal departments, and legal aid societies.
Some of these occupations will require that you add an emphasis to your education, and there are many online classes that offer more specialized areas of study. Paralegal studies may include an emphasis on civil law, injury, corporate law, criminal law, or immigration law. Adding these kinds of specializations can make your resume more appealing to employers.
Not all paralegals get a degree. Many companies feel that a high school diploma is enough to get started with some on-the-job training, though most require certification of some kind. There are courses that offer associate's degrees or bachelor's degrees, and others that offer paralegal certification (which is a good option for people who already have a bachelor's degree in another field).
Even though more and more companies are expecting paralegals to have a solid legal background even for an entry level position, there aren't a lot of programs that are approved by the American Bar Association. That's why a number of prospective paralegals are turning to online coursework to get certified and get a job in the field.
Obtaining a paralegal degree can take up to a few years, and certification classes can last anywhere from three to six months. If you find the right program they may offer job placement or internships to help you get that job when your training is over. In a tough economy like this, strong paralegal skills can help you find and keep a good job.
About the Author:
In right now's economy, a very wise career choice will continue to be a paralegal. Paralegal degrees offers you the advantage of outdoing the rest. Obtain your paralegal degree right now.
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