Guide to Paralegal Programs and Education

Guide to Paralegal Programs and EducationGuide to Paralegal Programs and EducationParalegal educational programs can vary considerably in term and substance in the U.S. With the exception of the state of California, the paralegal profession is leid presently regulated. Individuals using the titles paralegal and legal assistant are not required to be licensed or to meet any specific educational or experiential qualifications. That said, some education and certain skills can put you at the top of the list among candidates if youre job searching. Types of Paralegal Programs Over 1,000 institutions across the U.S. offer formal paralegal education programs leading to either a degree or certificate, according to the American Bar Association. unterstellung programs include Home study and online paralegal programsAssociates degrees offered by two-year community and junior collegesCertificate programs offered by business and proprietary schools, ranging from several months to a yearFour-y ear college and university programs offering degrees in paralegal studiesAdvanced degree programs offering masters degrees in paralegal studies, legal administration, or legal studies Paralegal Coursework According to the American Association for Paralegal Education, quality paralegal education programs assist students in acquiring these essential related competencies Critical-thinking skills, including analysis, judgment, research, and problem-solvingCommunication skills, including oral, written, non-verbal, and interpersonalComputer skillsComputational skillsUnderstanding of ethicsOrganizational skills Programs should also give paralegals a basic understanding of American history, business, and political systems. Most paralegal educational programs incorporate an academic curriculum comprised of both substantive legal courses and professional skills that incorporatelegal theory with an understanding of practical applications. Typical substantive legal courses include Introduct ion to the Legal System and Paralegalism, Ethics, Civil Litigation, Contracts, Torts, Real Estate Law, and Domestic Law. Skills courses include Legal Writing, Legal Research, and Case Analysis. Many paralegal programs also require students to complete an internship with a legal employer in exchange for school credit. ABA Approval The American Bar Association has established Guidelines for the Approval of Paralegal Education Programs to promote high standards of quality. A paralegal program must have been in operation for a extremum of two academic years and satisfy all requirements of the ABA guidelines to be eligible for ABA approval. Schools that have obtained ABA approval must seek periodic reaccreditation. The ABA maintains a list of ABA-approved paralegal programs. Graduates of ABA-approved paralegal programs have a distinct advantage in the paralegal job market over graduates of non-approved programs. Many employers use ABA approval as a way to select the best-qualified ca ndidates. Your Ticket to Success Paralegals with certain educational backgrounds have the most employment opportunities and the highest earning potential A four-year degree in paralegal studies or related paralegal fieldA bachelors degree in any field combined with a paralegal certificate from a program approved by the American Bar AssociationA bachelors degree in any field combined with a masters degree in paralegal studies or a related field. Some paralegals in the legal market have no formal education, or they obtain their education through home study or web-based paralegal programs. But these educational backgrounds can limit your employment opportunities and income potential as paralegal educational standards increase and employers become more selective. If You Have Law School Aspirations The paralegal field is a great way to gain first-hand legal experience and insight into the practice of law if you think you might eventually want to go to law school. A paralegal educ ation is not the equivalent of a law school education, however. Graduates of paralegal programs are not qualified or eligible to take the bar examination in most states. Academic credit for paralegal courses is not transferable for advanced standing in law school. Paralegal Specialization Some paralegal programs allow you to choose an area of specialization. Hot legal specialties for paralegals include complex litigation, corporate law, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and real estate, according to Charles A. Volkert, III, executive director of Robert Half Legal, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of legal professionals. Paralegal Certification Paralegal certification- not to be confused with a paralegal certificate- is a growing national trend that confers special recognition to paralegals who have satisfied certain predetermined qualifications. Certification isnt mandatory, but it demonstrates a commitment to the field and it can enhance your professional credibility and employment prospects.