Paralegal/ Legal Assistant

Paralegals, (also referred to as legal assistants) perform a variety of duties depending on the type of organization that they work for. They research legal issues, conduct investigations, interview clients and witnesses, write summaries of testimony, work with attorneys at trials, hearings, depositions, and real estate closings, and draft legal documents, including but not limited to, wills, pleadings, bankruptcy petitions, and letters. As more and more people seek legal remedies, the demand for Paralegals will continue to grow. continued below »

Schools offering Online education courses:

The George Washington University offers a Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies degree program online. This program is designed to enhance the working paralegal's current skills. Students learn how to better assist attorneys with hearings, trials, and closings. The coursework includes corporate law, litigation, legal research, international law, intellectual property law, and more.

Kaplan University Online offers fourteen degree programs in Paralegal studies that include specializations in real estate, family, corporate, employment, social security, and personal injury law. Kaplan's programs in Paralegal studies prepare graduates for careers with private law firms, in a corporate law department, or with local, state or federal agencies. The programs provide graduates with a solid foundation in law and paralegal studies.

Keiser University eCampus Online offers an Associate degree in Paralegal studies. Coursework includes legal research, summarizing trial evidence, writing analysis, estate administration, contract law, and more. In this program, students learn how to interview clients and witnesses, form corporations and partnerships, and draft legal documents. In addition, students learn about estate administration and product liability/personal injury cases.

Everest University Online offers an Associate Paralegal degree program online. In this program, students learn the fundamental of contracts, how to prepare and interpret legal documents, about estate planning, wills, and trusts, and how to interview, analyze, and review factual situations. Coursework includes Civil Procedure and Contract Law. Everest also offers a Bachelor Paralegal degree program online.

Experienced Paralegals are capable of performing almost any task that a lawyer performs. However, he or she may not give legal advice or represent clients in court. Paralegals work in a variety of fields that include litigation, contract law, criminal law, bankruptcy, real estate, corporate law, immigration, environmental law, and for the public defender's office. Professional Paralegals are certified by his or her state and by the National Association of Paralegal Assistants. In order to become certified, you have to earn a degree, pass an examination, and generally have at least a few years of practical legal training.

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