Paralegal Studies - Online Degree

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Careers in Paralegal Studies

Paralegals are important members of legal teams and work in law offices, large corporations and for the government. The SBBC Online Paralegal program is designed to comprehensively cover theory and applications of procedures used by paralegals. Online paralegal training enables graduates to assist attorneys in areas such as research; reporting; and preparation of legal documents, agreements, exhibits and other relevant tasks prior to trial as part of their paralegal careers.

In our online Paralegal Studies program, students are also taught client interviewing skills, basic investigative techniques, how to conduct legal research, and the art of briefing case law. Post-graduate employment will primarily target private law offices, but placement opportunities also exist in bank trust departments, insurance companies and government at all levels.

Paralegals, sometimes called legal assistants, are quickly becoming an indispensable weapon in an attorney's arsenal. They help lawyers prepare for hearings, closings, trials and meetings by performing case investigation and identifying relevant information. Job opportunities are expected to be abundant for paralegals as their work is more cost efficient for employers. Students will learn about legal research and writing, civil procedures, business computer applications, interviewing and investigation. Paralegals often work in law firms, government offices and corporate legal departments. According the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) most paralegals earn between $31,040 and $49,950 a year, and the top ten percent earn over $61,390 annually.

As a paralegal you will be a key player on a team of legal professionals, working closely with the lawyer who employs you. This article describes some of what you can expect from a diploma program to become a paralegal.

What is a Diploma Program?

A paralegal diploma program is designed to teach you what you need to know to excel in the challenging, rewarding paralegal career field. You will need solid training in legal practice, procedure, documentation, and similar law specific applications. A good program will give you sound hands-on training in the skills of interviewing techniques, client advocacy, negotiation tactics, drafting documents, and processing evidence, as well as knowledge of civil litigation, criminal investigation, marriage and family law, divorce law, land and property rights, corporate law, and intellectual property. With the rise of Internet technology and communication, more and more emphasis is being placed on the need for e-commerce regulation and legal savvy.

Skills Acquired

Most paralegal programs address the basics and also allow you to follow your interests in pursuit of a specialization. You will learn about the various systems you might find in the operation of a law office, for record keeping, accounting, documentation and other necessary systems. With most offices turning to computers for operational needs, knowledge of the latest software and industry specific hardware is a crucial facet of any diploma program. A good program will help bridge the gap between academics and practical experience by offering hands-on classes, computer simulations and even internships in actual law firms or legal settings. You will learn about civil court structure and procedures such as preliminary hearings, proceedings, claims, statements, summary judgments, interim proceedings, trial preparation, different types of judgment and measures for their enforcement, and cost estimates for assessing the monetary aspects of handling a client's case. You will learn about divorce law, juvenile law, financial law, property law and more, depending on what you choose to focus on. Some programs will teach you about wills and estate law, and laws concerning gifts, bequests, legacies, executors, and probate and estate administration.

Coursework in a Diploma Program May Include:

* Civil Litigation,
* Matrimonial Law
* Criminology
* Criminal Court Structure
* Incorporation Law
* Estate Distribution

Career Outlook and Salary Information

Employment for paralegals is expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014, according the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, partly because employers are hiring paralegals to perform tasks formerly carried out by lawyers. Average annual earnings for full-time paralegals in 2004 was about $39K, while the highest paid in the field earned as much as $61K per year.

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