Online Associate Paralegal Degree Programs

Online associate paralegal degree programs are designed to provide you with practical skills and academic knowledge to enter the fast-growing legal field.

Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, carry out tasks for lawyers and work in law firms, the legal departments of businesses and certain government agencies. Legal research is a large component of a paralegal's job, and as a paralegal assistant, you will be responsible for identifying laws, judicial decisions and articles that are relevant to a particular case. You will also be required to draft legal documents, pleadings and correspondence.

An online degree program in paralegal studies offers the same coursework as a traditional program with the flexibility and convenience of online learning. Students can attend live online lectures, access the learning instructions and coursework through a virtual classroom on the Internet and interact with their instructors, lawyers and classmates.

Featured Schools with Paralegal Associates Online Programs

Kaplan University

• AAS in Paralegal Studies

Westwood College

• Associates in Paralegal

Keiser University

• Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies

Post University

• AS in Legal Studies

Who is an Associate in Paralegal Studies best suited for?

An associate in paralegal studies program is ideal for anyone interested in beginning a career as a paralegal professional or applying this degree toward a bachelors degree in paralegal program. If you have a desire to work in a courtroom or law office, and are ready for interesting and exciting work, an associate's degree in paralegal studies can get you started in the right direction. Some programs are designed to prepare you to take the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) certification exam. In addition to being a challenging job in itself, a career as a paralegal can also provide you with solid legal experience before applying to law school to become a lawyer.

Education and Training

An online associate paralegal degree program includes both general education, such as communications and math, and legal studies requirements. Core courses include legal terminology, research and writing, civil and criminal litigation, and family and real estate law. Some programs include a research or capstone project that enables you to apply the skills you learned to a real-world situation.

Job Options

Performing many of the same activities as lawyers, paralegals work across the legal profession, including litigation, personal injury, corporate or criminal law, intellectual property, family law and real estate. Paralegals work in many types of organizations, but are most commonly employed by law firms, the legal departments of businesses and various government agencies.

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