Paralegal Majors Guide

What Does it Mean to Study Paralegal Studies?

Paralegals may perform plenty of administrative duties, but they are more than secretaries who happen to work in law offices. These professionals conduct a wide range of important duties that keep the courts running smoothly. Not only do they research and file paperwork, but they offer important legal assistance to lawyers who must spend the bulk of their time in the courtroom.

A paralegal studies degree program can teach you about the various duties these workers take on, as well as the skills required to complete them. As a paralegal studies major, you have the opportunity to learn about our court system and how it works, as well as the behind-the-scenes movements that help lawyers do their jobs.

Types of Paralegal Studies Degrees

While a paralegal studies program is usually not as rigorous as law school, it is still a deep subject that requires hard work, dedicated study, and a substantial investment of time and energy. Fortunately, many colleges, universities, and career training schools are offering their paralegal programs online. The flexibility offered by an online degree program can be very helpful to a working professional who is looking to make a career change into a paralegal, a legal administrator or a legal assistant.

What you intend to do with your degree can make a big difference as to what level of degree you should look into pursuing. Let’s look at some of the different types of degrees that can be earned in this field, so you can consider which might be best for you.

What Can You Do With a Paralegal Studies Degree?

While most paralegal studies majors go on to become paralegals, they have other career options as well. That’s because familiarity with the American legal system can be an asset in a wide variety of job environments. Moreover, because of the clerical nature of paralegal job training, individuals who have earned a degree in paralegal studies can usually find work as a clerical assistant or secretary, not just as a legal employee.

Common career paths for paralegal studies graduates include:

Corporate Paralegals

Corporate paralegals perform all the job duties of a paralegal, except they do their work in a corporate setting. Instead of working for lawyers who do their work in a courtroom, these professionals help corporate lawyers prepare employee contracts, shareholder agreements, and their company’s annual financial reports.

Depending on the specifics of the job, corporate paralegals may also be charged with monitoring and reviewing government regulations to ensure that the corporation that employs them operates within the bounds of the law.

• Corporate paralegals very often get started with an associate degree in paralegal studies. However, they may also earn a bachelor’s degree in another field or a certificate in paralegal studies later on.
• While certification isn’t required, some employers prefer for their paralegals to be certified. Several independent organizations offer certification for paralegals, including the National Association of Legal Assistants, which offers the Certified Paralegal Program and the Advanced Paralegal Certification Program.

Litigation Paralegals

Unlike corporate paralegals, litigation paralegals work with lawyers who conduct their operations in and around the courtroom. These workers maintain documents, conduct litigation-related research for lawyers, retrieve and organize evidence for trials, and draft settlement agreements. They may also coordinate some of the logistics of a trial, such as reserving office space, moving documents or setting up computers and makeshift operations.

• Litigation paralegals usually get started with an associate degree in paralegal studies. However, they may also earn a bachelor’s degree in another field or a certificate in paralegal studies later on. Bachelor’s degrees in paralegal studies are also common.
• Several independent organizations offer certification for paralegals, including the National Association of Legal Assistants, which offers the Certified Paralegal Program and the Advanced Paralegal Certification Program. Certification isn’t required, but it may help improve a paralegal’s career prospects.

Legal Secretaries

Legal secretaries perform many of the job duties of traditional secretaries. The difference is, these workers are required to have knowledge of important legal terminology and procedures. Legal secretaries typically prepare legal documents under the supervision of a lawyer or paralegal. These documents can include paperwork such as summonses, complaints, motions and subpoenas. Legal secretaries may also help paralegals with their legal research.

• A high school diploma and on-the-job training is required for this career. However, many legal secretaries take courses to learn common legal jargon and terminology. Some legal secretaries also complete a certificate program or earn an associate degree.
• Certification isn’t common for legal secretaries.

Arbitrators, Mediators and Conciliators

Arbitrators, mediators and conciliators facilitate negotiation and dialogue between disputing parties to help resolve various conflicts. They do their work outside the courtroom, however. They serve as a negotiator that stands in the middle, communicating each party’s issues, needs and complaints. While these workers are typically lawyers or judges who transition out of their initial fields, business professionals and individuals with legal expertise can also find employment in this field.

• Arbitrators, mediators and conciliators find entry-level work in this field by having the right combination of experience and skill. Earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field is often sufficient.
• Some states require these workers to become certified to work on certain types of cases. However, there is no national license or standard for these workers.

Associations and Organizations

As a paralegal studies major, it’s important to stay abreast of changes within the industry as well as new educational opportunities. The following associations and organizations offer news and certification opportunities for professionals in this field:

• The National Association of Legal Assistants — The NALA offers continuing education and voluntary certification opportunities for paralegals and related workers. Certifications include the Certified Paralegal Program and the Advanced Paralegal Certification.
• Law and Society Association — This organization hosts annual meetings that allow members to discuss recent papers and legal findings. Job boards and networking opportunities are also available.
• National Federation of Paralegal Associations — The NFPA is a national paralegal association that sets standards within the industry. They monitor legislation that affects the paralegal profession, offer networking opportunities and create ethical standards that all paralegals must accept. The NFPA also offers educational webinars and professional development opportunities.
• American Alliance of Paralegals — This organization offers membership opportunities and representation for operating paralegals. As a member, you can gain access to a job board, classified postings, networking events and continuing education.