Online Legal and Paralegal Degrees

Online Paralegal & Legal Degree

Legal services and representation continue to increase and so do the associated costs. As more and more cases come across attorneys' desks, they are regularly turning to paralegals and legal assistants to keep costs at affordable levels. Most of these legal professionals do much of the due diligence needed to properly execute and litigate cases. In fact many social services agencies rely on paralegals and legal assistants in cases where the clientele are primarily low income families and individuals.

• Legal Studies
• Paralegal

As a paralegal or legal assistant you will be expected to execute and complete a dizzying array of tasks so a legal office runs smoothly. You would be expected to meet with clients, prepare documents, screen and/or return phone calls for attorneys and even dispense basic legal assistance. Prospective legal assistants and paralegals should have pleasant interpersonal and clear communication skills, which will be essential when conducting interviews.

While you can possibly find a job in either capacity without any formal education, most legal jobs require an associates degree at the very minimum. A four-year degree will allow you to complete your paralegal certification and you can even pursue a masters degree in paralegal studies.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts demand for paralegals and legal assistants will increase at 22-percent through 2016, double the national average for all other careers.

Earnings will vary largely and are based on education, training, experience, employer size and type, and even geographic location. Paralegals and legal assistants who work in large metropolitan law firms should expect better earnings. Overall, the median average salary including bonuses was just over $43,000 in 2007.

Paralegals and legal assistants also tend to enjoy sizable bonuses as well as generous benefits packages than in many other professions.