What are Paralegals and Legal Assistants?

Paralegals and legal assistants work for attorneys. They perform substantial legal work and are trained to research legal issues, prepare, review and file legal documents, manage client relations and perform administrative office tasks. Paralegals may not give advice to clients or appear on their behalf in court. The need for qualified paralegals and legal assistants continues to grow and work is available in private practice law firms, corporate law departments and local, state or federal agencies.

Do I Need a Paralegal or Legal Assistant Degree to get a Job?

A degree is not required to work as a paralegal or legal assistant; however, it is highly recommended and will increase your chances of securing a job. Most programs offer a certificate or Bachelor of Science in legal studies degree. To earn a certificate, most programs require that you have at least an associate’s degree before enrolling. The curriculum for a paralegal degree emphasizes legal research techniques, critical thinking skills and advanced office skills. You will take courses such as legal research and writing, business law, personal injury and tort law and alternative dispute resolution. As well, you have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as personal injury, estate and property law or bankruptcy.

Why a Degree in Legal Studies?

If you're interested in working as a legal assistant, paralegal or simply want to apply legal knowledge in your current position, a degree or certificate in legal studies may be right for you. Paralegals work for attorneys where they perform substantial legal work. Paralegals may not give advice to clients or appear on their behalf in court; however, they are trained to research legal issues, prepare, review and file legal documents, manage client relations and perform administrative office tasks. The need for qualified paralegals continues to grow and work is available in private practice law firms, corporate law departments and local, state or federal agencies.

What Can I Expect from a Legal Studies Program?

Does a Law Degree Seem Out of Reach?

Do you want to go to law school but feel you can't fit it into your life? Maybe you have professional obligations, don't want to relocate or have family responsibilities. With advancements in technology and the wide use of computers and the internet, it is now possible to go to law school and complete courses at your own pace. Many institutions offer online programs to help you attain either a Juris Doctor, which allows you to practice law once you pass the state bar exam, as well as an Executive Juris Doctor, for those who want to study law but not practice it. Those who enroll in executive juris doctor programs do so to develop analytical thinking skills and effective communication skills that will help them advance in their current careers. Some institutions also offer a master's degree in health law which is perfect for working nurses, paramedics and other health care practitioners.

What is Justice Administration?

Justice Administration is a broad field of criminal justice dealing with corrections, law enforcement, and the judicial system. Studying justice administration can prepare you for many careers in the criminal justice system. Many who study justice administration go on to become police officers, special agents, criminal records managers, security specialists and juvenile service workers.

Degrees in Justice Administration

A degree in justice administration provides a foundation for a career with a criminal justice agency, yet those careers generally require additional education after degree completion. For example, police officers are required to go to the police academy; lawyers are required to go to law school and pass a state bar exam. Justice administration degree programs generally include courses like sociology, psychology and criminology. The goal of these programs is to provide a solid background of the criminal justice system and promote understanding of both the practical and theoretical sides of criminality. A Bachelor of Science degree is the first step toward a career in justice administration. Many will go on to receive a master's or doctorate in a specialty area of justice administration.

Earnings/Salary Potential
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, court reporters earned a median annual income of $45,610 in 2006.  The lowest ten percent of court reporters surveyed earned less than $23,430 while the highest paid ten percent earned more than $77,770.

Court Reporting at a Glance
Individuals interested in becoming court reporters should pursue degree programs that involve either communications studies or legal studies.  Court reporters have highly developed listening skill