Paralegal Studies

What it’s about:

This major prepares you to conduct legal research; draft legal documents; and perform investigatory, record-keeping, and other administrative duties under the supervision of an attorney or a court officer. Paralegal education is not the equivalent of law school training and does not qualify you for, or make you eligible to take, a bar examination.

What the study of this major is like:

As a paralegal studies major, you learn practical, job-related skills along with the underlying legal theory. You study substantive law (the particular disciplines, or areas, you can practice) and procedural law (how you practice-such as rules of evidence and pre-trial paper work). Legal research and writing are essential parts of the curriculum and often are the most challenging elements for students. Your course work also stresses communication skills (oral, non-verbal, and interpersonal), computational and organizational skills, an ability to think critically, and an appreciation of legal ethics. You use computer-based resources to help you with your work.

You are encouraged to learn through hands-on work; therefore, internships, practicums, or clinical experience are highly recommended and sometimes required. Internships and similar experiences give you the chance to obtain firsthand knowledge about the practice of law and may even lead to a full-time position after graduation. Most paralegal programs have active student organizations, which build camaraderie among participants by organizing law-related events on or near the campus.

This major is offered at two-year, community and junior colleges; four-year colleges; and business and proprietary schools devoted solely to providing this training. Because there is no uniformly accepted educational standard for entry into the paralegal field, content, length, and admissions requirements vary among colleges.

The American Bar Association approves paralegal education programs that meet its guidelines. Although seeking ABA approval is voluntary on the part of the college, the bar association’s standards are rigorous and, therefore, helpful in evaluating a program. However, there are some quality programs that have chosen not to seek ABA approval. A complete listing of paralegal education programs approved by the ABA is found on its Web site (www.abanet.org). Additionally, the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAPE) has a set of minimum program requirements that must be adhered to by member institutions and can be found on the AAPE website.

When deciding among programs, you may also want to consider local or regional standards, particularly with regard to future job opportunities. Check with your local or regional paralegal associations for additional information about educational standards for paralegals in your area.

Career options and trends:

The bureau of Labor statistics projects strong growth in this field. Graduates also pursue careers as private investigators, law librarians, human resources personnel, mediators, arbitrators, special advocates, estate and trust officers, real estate professionals, insurance agents, risk managers, contract managers, legal administrators, corporate compliance officers, and government workers.

Although there is no mandatory certification of paralegals, voluntary certification is sponsored by the two paralegal professional associations. The National Association of Legal Assistant sponsors a national certification exam, several state-specific exams, and certification exams, and certification for specialty areas of law. The National Federation of Paralegal Associations offers the Paralegal Advanced Competency Examination (PACE).

Many states, though the legislature, court system, or bar association, have issued ethics opinions dealing with a paralegal’s use of title, the scope of duties, the unauthorized practice of law, and how clients may be billed for paralegal services. You should examine and review these opinions prior to obtaining employment as a paralegal.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors