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Paralegal study can be pursued in a few ways, including enrolling in paralegal schools or through an Online Paralegal Degree. An associate’s degree can be obtained via a 2-year community college program in paralegal studies whereas a more comprehensive bachelor’s degree would take 4 years.
For those who require a flexible schedule, an online paralegal degree would be a good option. Always ensure that any institution offering an online paralegal degree program is appropriately credentialed and if the degree conferred is widely accepted by prospective employers. Besides finding out more about the online paralegal degree program’s instructors and tuition fees, it is important to ascertain the duration of the course. This typically takes between six to ten months to complete.
A certification program would be the preferable route for those with a basic college degree seeking to pursue a paralegal degree. Generally, paralegal certification programs are intensive and span a few months. Successful candidates who pass the examination administered by The National Association of Legal Assistants become “Certified Legal Assistants”. In addition, paralegals keen on specializing can sit for advanced certification examinations. For those with a bachelor’s degree and 2 years experience, passing the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam, conducted by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, will earn them the designation of Registered Paralegal (RP).
Programs at paralegal schools ensure that students are literate in the use of computers for legal applications. Most paralegal schools also require that students undertake an internship to gain practical experience by applying their legal knowledge in the work place. Employers look favorably on graduates of paralegal schools with internship experience.
The job duties and functions of a paralegal vary from law firm to law firm, and from student to student. Paralegals work under the direct supervision of an attorney; however, they are able to lighten attorney case loads. Legal research and writing are two of the most common tasks a paralegal with a degree will perform. Paralegals are frequently responsible for case management and organization; court filing or trial exhibit preparation; and drafting mortgage documents, divorce papers, and many other types of legal documents.
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