An ideal degree for those that wish to work in the exciting world of the courts and legal policy, but who don't want a full law degree, a paralegal program fulfills all the requirements. Paralegals work either independently or directly with attorneys to prepare for court, assist clients, and ensure that their clients get fair representation and the best possible outcome in a court of law. Many paralegals are also mediators, able to work with clients to try to come to a mutually satisfactory arrangement before going to court, thereby saving the client money and time through the court process.
Paralegals will work in a variety of areas, depending on the type of attorney they are working for or their area of interest or expertise. Paralegals may prepare witness for court, take testimonies and participate in depositions, prepare trial books, research precedent setting cases or even attend court with the attorney as an assistant. In many states paralegals may work independent of an attorney and while they are not allowed to represent the client in court or give directly legal advice they can still prepare pleadings and documents for the client, complete divorce paperwork, assist with wills and estate planning documents and assist with various other types of documentation preparation.
The classes in a paralegal program focus on civil and criminal court procedures, divorce and family law, criminal and civil law, filings, pleadings and documentation, record keeping, basic accounting and finance, estates and wills, as well as legal terminology, court systems and research and legal and ethical issues within the law. Graduates of the program will be able to work in any type of law office but they will generally focus on an area that they have interest or past experience in.
Certificate Programs
Postbaccalaureate Pathway to Paralegal Certificate from Kaplan University Online
Kaplan's postbaccalaureate program supplements students' Bachelor's degrees by giving them real-life skills. Coursework develops students' abilities to communicate effectively in a legal environment, evaluate legal cases and reports, and manage research… Additional Information »
Associates Programs
Associate of Applied Science – Paralegal from Everest University Online
Legal assistants are needed in various areas within the legal system including law offices, courtrooms, as judge assistants, and as freelance consultants. Students who are interested in pursuing careers in this field will have to complete a degree program… Additional Information »
Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies from Keiser University
Earning a degree in paralegal studies will enable students to find work in law offices, legal departments in larger companies, and in the court system. Being able to research current and past cases, draft briefs, file and store data, and conduct witness… Additional Information »
Associate of Science in Legal Assisting/Paralegal from Herzing University
Graduates of this program will be able to assist lawyers with everyday duties including preparing and scheduling, trials, hearings, meetings and other legal events. Students learn to research cases and develop the ability to understand and evaluate current… Additional Information »
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal from Rasmussen College
This career-focused program designed to educate future paralegals introduces both business and legal concepts to students. Graduates of the program will be able to perform research projects, use their critical thinking skills to evaluate priorities,… Additional Information »
Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies from Kaplan University Online
This program helps students become proficient in the issues and day-to-day responsibilities that characterize the legal field. Students learn how to perform research, communicate with legal professionals on criminal law and civil cases, and evaluate contracts.… Additional Information »
Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies from Keiser University
Students working towards their Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies will learn how to assist attorneys and other legal professionals with research, filing, dealing with clients, drafting motions and other responsibilities. In addition to learning on-the-job… Additional Information »
Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies from Virginia College Online
Faculty members with real-life industry experience train students to assist attorneys and other legal professionals with day-to-day responsibilities like drafting motions, evaluating contracts, scheduling clients and filing legal paperwork. Graduates… Additional Information »
Bachelors Programs
Paralegal from Everest University Online
Legal assistants help lawyers, judges, and other in the court system create briefs, conduct research, and prepare for upcoming cases. Legal assistants also help with the storage and retrieval of old cases and other documents. Students who are interested… Additional Information »
View the following Legal subjects:
- Corrections
- Court Reporting
- Crime Scene Technology and Investigation
- Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice & Criminology
- Economic Crime
- Homeland Security
- Justice Administration
- Law
- Law Enforcement
- Legal Studies
- Paralegal
- Public Safety Management
- Security & Loss Prevention
Top Online College Degree Programs
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- Purdue University Global
- Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's
- Purdue University Global has a wide range of programs available for individuals who want to make a career change or improve their job prospects. As a leader in online education, PUG delivers innovative, relevant, and convenient education.
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- Saint Leo University Online
- Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees
- As a regionally accredited online university, Saint Leo University stands as an innovative leader in online adult education through their high quality programs. They offer programs anywhere from Business Administration to Psychology, and much more.
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- Everest University
- Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees
- Everest University designs degree programs for today's fastest-growing job markets. For this reason, Everest graduates are well-trained and well-prepared to succeed in their respective fields.
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- American InterContinental University Online
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's Degrees
- AIU is the results-focused University that accommodates you with quality undergraduate and graduate degree programs that offer you value, flexibility, a generous transfer-in policy and customizable learning technology that adapts to your preferences.
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- Colorado Technical University
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's Degrees
- Offering multiple degree programs, Colorado Technical University is a great choice for individuals pursuing a career in any type of industry from business to health care. Their programs are designed to conveniently fit into your current lifestyle.
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- Columbia College
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's Degrees
- As a visionary online institution, Columbia College is committed to providing students with exemplary education and training. They are dedicated in helping students achieve their personal and educational goals.
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- Walden University
- Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate Degrees
- As a well-known online university, Walden University stands by its respectable reputation as one of the best colleges to attend online. They offer numerous programs with flexible courses in order to allow students to obtain an advanced degree without sacrificing their current responsibilities.
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- Virginia College
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's Degrees
- Virginia College offers career-focused courses in order to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their career of interest. They offer up-to-date curriculum in order to keep students up to par with industry standards.
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- DeVry University
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's Degrees
- DeVry University provides students with a practical, hands-on education from instructors who are accomplished in their respective field. DeVry has programs for students on campus and online so students can get their degree in an affordable, flexible way.
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- South University
- Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's Degrees
- South University has been successful in placing students in fast-growing industries using their dynamic curriculum. An accredited university, South University offers affordable programs that allow almost everyone to be able to attend.
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