October 23, 2006
by Melissa Pringle
Local Education Columnist
Are you ready to put that analytical mind to work, but don't have three years and $100,000 to spare for law school? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of paralegals is booming as law firms cut costs by giving many exciting tasks to these legal professionals instead of attorneys.
A Paralegal's Job
A paralegal is more than just a lawyer's secretary; s/he helps lawyers prepare for cases by conducting in-depth research into the evidence, various facts, and previous similar cases. They study all information relevant to a case and organize it for a lawyer's use. They help prepare legal arguments, maintain reference files, and prepare reports and other documents.
Paralegals work in all areas of legal proceedings, so getting the right career education could allow you to work in litigation, criminal law, intellectual property law, real estate, or immigration law, among others. Larger firms allow paralegals to work in more specialized areas, while smaller law firms usually prefer that paralegals have generalized knowledge. According to the BLS, formally trained and experienced paralegals will be the most likely to gain employment. And earning the right career education has never been easier, with increasing popularity of online studies.
Why Study Online?
If you have a family, a full-time job, or another commitment that you can't abandon, getting your career education online is a great way to learn at your own pace without making major sacrifices in other areas. You can study early in the morning, late at night, or any other time you have available, and you can do so from home or any other location with a computer and Internet access. You must be organized and self-disciplined, but these are traits that will definitely benefit your paralegal career.
If you have a passion for the law and enjoy researching and organizing, consider getting your online career education in paralegal studies.
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About the Author
Melissa Pringle is an editorial assistant for hq|publications. Melissa earned her B.A. in English Literature from the University of Nevada, Reno.
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