Paralegal Certification

Paralegals, also called legal assistants, perform specific substantive legal work a lawyer is responsible for. They are not lawyers but they assist lawyers in their legal work. The government does not authorize paralegals to set fees, give legal advice or represent clients in the court; otherwise, it will be a violation of the unauthorized practice of law statues.

Lawyers are able to deliver legal services more efficiently and economically because of the help and expertise of paralegals, who help gather and manage large amount of data to produce better quality work.

Approximately 71% of paralegals work for private lawyers and law firms while the rest are employed by big corporations or government agencies. Paralegals are also commissioned as notaries public. A few paralegals work as freelance paralegal assistants, who offer their services to attorneys or legal departments of big corporations.

What are the requirements to become a paralegal?

Individuals who want to become paralegal experts should have at least an associate or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies. Although some paralegals a completed college degree in a different field, they also have a certificate in paralegal studies.

Paralegals should also have excellent oral and written communication skills. They also prepare legal documents so they should have the ability to think on their feet, complete a thought or write a clear, grammatically-correct sentence.

Computer skills are also important for a paralegal. They should have the knowledge in word processing, spreadsheets, database, and litigation support. They should also be able to make presentations using the right application software and surf the internet.

Paralegals should be both people-oriented and team-oriented. They work with a team of lawyers, legal secretaries and other paralegals. They also communicate with clients, witnesses, and court personnel. Paralegals should also have the ability to multitask and work under pressure to meet deadlines.

How much does a paralegal earn?

The salary of a paralegal depends on the area of law they practice. Paralegals on litigation and appeals as well as paralegals in corporation, business and big mergers receive the highest pay, as much as $37,000-$56,000 in a year.

Experience is also a factor in determining the salary of a paralegal. The average salary of a paralegal increases as he gets more experienced and becomes more expert in the field. New paralegals with less than a year of experience normally receive an annual salary between $29,266 and $39,170. Experienced paralegals who have already worked in the industry for 20 years or more earn from $43,976 to $64,397 each year.

Earn Your Paralegal Certification Online

We recommend getting information from several schools so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.

Everest University Online

Join a profession that is ranked among the fastest-growing occupations in the United States! There is a growing need for legal assistants and paralegals in the legal profession. They continue to assume a growing range of tasks and perform many of the same jobs as lawyers. This program will give you the training you need, providing a complete overview of practical litigation skills and tasks.

• Paralegal (Associate's)
• Paralegal (Bachelor's)

Kaplan University Online

If you want to advance your career or make a career change by entering the legal profession, the online degree programs in Paralegal Studies at Kaplan University will give you the advantage you need to attain the position you want.

• Pathway to Paralegal (Certificate)
• Paralegal Studies (Associate's)
• Paralegal Studies (Bachelor's)

South University

Paralegal Studies (Associate's)

South University has been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) to offer 7 legal specialty courses from its Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies program in an online format that students may use to complete their Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies.

Colorado Technical University Online

Paralegal Studies (Associate's)

If you are looking for a career where you can play a key role on a legal team, the Paralegal degree program can prepare you to take advantage of the growing demand for paralegals.

Keiser University

Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies

Keiser University’s Associate of Arts degree in Paralegal Studies prepares students to support attorneys in transactional and litigation fields through legal research, document drafting, case management, evidence gathering and the litigation procedure.

The George Washington University

Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies

The GW Master's Degree in Paralegal Studies program prepares graduates to enter the increasingly competitive paralegal profession with confidence and solid legal acumen by providing the elite education paralegals require.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a paralegal?

Paralegals do many tasks assigned to lawyers, who assume responsibility for legal work. One of the most important responsibilities of a paralegal is to assist lawyers in trials, hearings and corporate meetings.

Paralegals are also assigned to perform other specific tasks, such as:

• Conduct factual and legal research to support a legal proceeding, formulate a defense, or initiate legal action
• Identify appropriate and suitable laws, legal articles, judicial decisions, and other materials relevant to the assigned cases
• Write reports on how the cases should be handled
• Prepare legal arguments, pleadings and motions to be filed on the court
• Draft legal documents, such as contracts, mortgages, separation agreements, and tax returns
• Work with clients, witnesses and other court personnel
• Coordinate the activities of other law office employees and maintain financial office records

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