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Paralegal Certificates and Degrees for MIlitary and Veterans

Paralegal Certificates and Degrees for MIlitary and Veterans

Paralegal Certificates, Degrees, and Job Opportunities

Paralegal jobs span a variety of opportunities from public service to private sector jobs, including non-profit and outreach programs.

A paralegal education is available as an associate or bachelor’s degree and as a postsecondary certificate program. Paralegals will learn how to effectively and efficiently conduct research, draft, edit, and fact-check legal documents, manage correspondence, data, and documents about a case, and utilize computer software with other management systems to organize a case.

Paralegals are trained to assist attorneys in legal services such as conducting investigations and interviewing clients and witnesses. They may also attend trials or hearings with the lawyers and help with administrative and clerical tasks.

A degree or certification in paralegal studies will qualify the recipient for a wide variety of opportunities. Paralegals can choose any number of specialties such as:
  • Family law
  • Juvenile justice
  • Legal aid/non-profit
  • Immigration law
  • International law
  • Environmental law
  • Real estate law
  • Intellectual property
  • Estate planning
  • Elder law
 

Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies

An Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies is a great starting point for those interested in this career path.

Don’t forget to look for certificate programs from reputable sources. Certifications from educational institutions are especially esteemed, as are certifications with criminal justice affiliations.

Certifications can offer students an opportunity to fast track their education in specific areas while working and even gaining on-the-job knowledge to complement their academics. Keep in mind that the GI Bill can be used for non-degree seeking programs through approved institutions.

Jobs with an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies

Legal Secretary- Performs secretarial duties using legal terminology, procedures, and documents. Prepare legal papers and correspondence, such as summonses, complaints, motions, and subpoenas. May also assist with legal research. Median annual salary: $51,000.

Paralegal- performs a variety of tasks to support lawyers.  Median annual salary: $52,000.

Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies

Students can earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies and choose to focus on municipal, state, or federal law. Alternatively, students can specialize in private sector interests such as corporate law or legal aid for disenfranchised populations.

A Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies, often referred to as a degree in Legal Studies, will help students gain a comprehensive foundation of the US legal system. A bachelor’s degree will give students a considerable advantage in the highly competitive legal field.

The right degree and education can open doors and foster career advancement including supervisory positions and a significant pay bump from an associate degree.

Jobs with a Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal Studies

Jobs you can obtain with a Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies include:

Law librarians- often work in law firms or law school libraries. Median annual salary: $59,000.

Arbitrator or mediator- facilitate negotiation and dialogue between disputing parties to help resolve conflicts outside of the court system. Median annual salary: $63,000.

Paralegal Degree Programs

Bethune-Cookman University

Offers an online Paralegal Certificate. Bethune-Cookman is a premier historically black university that participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Lone Star College

Offers a stackable program with a Lone Star College does not participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Post University

Offers a Certificate In Paralegal Studies, an Associate of Science in Legal Studies, and a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies. All programs can be found as a campus-based option or a fully online program. Post University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

>> For more programs, use the CollegeRecon School Finder to find Paralegal programs near you or online.

*All statistics and calculations from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information click here.

 

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