Search Results matching tag 'paralegal'

Associates Paralegal Degree Programs

untallTexan — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:58:02 GMT

Does anyone have experinece and/or recommendations for an assocites degree in Paralegal Studies? I am currently looking at Kaplan. I really like that I can get the Associates from them, and then continue on to earn my Bachelors. My ultimate goal will be a Bachelor's, and I figure I might as well pick up an Associate's on the way.

That being said, my main criteria are accredidation (sp?), transferability of credits, and a good, solid program. My employer does 100% reimbursement so cost isn't a huge factor. I do some Paralegal work now, but want the degree to gain more knowledge and to advance my career. So, whatever college I pick should have credibility. I thought about a B&M school that offers an online program, but haven't found any that offer an Associates Paralegal degree.

Any comments/suggestions about a Paralegal degree or Kaplan would be greatly appreciated.

Online paralegal degrees

aehbamafan — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:05:44 GMT

Does anyone have any experience with any online paralegal degree programs?

I'm looking for something inexpensive, but that will also carry some weight on a resume. However, I'm currently working at a law office so I'm wondering if I can pass the CLA exam and have a great letter of recommendation will it even matter where my degree is from?

I've been looking at Blackstone, but can't find much info on them, good or bad.

Thanks for your help!

Criminal Justice

pupzbuie — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:52:01 GMT

Need a good school for criminal justice for an associates.

How I Survived the Online Learning Challenge and Succeeded!

EmmaKay — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 17:01:20 GMT

Well I just have to toot my horn. By the way I found this forum and I think it is great. E learners is providing an excellent service. OK. My name is Emma Kay and I am a certified paralegal, and I am very proud of having that distinction. Before I was certified I was just a plain old legal secretary doing basic administrative work. Then I decided I can't be just in this rut the rest of my life and I looked into going to school and getting certified. After looking at a few schools, I ended up at Washington Online Learning Institute, otherwise known as WOLI, which I found right here on E learners. Someone recommended it, and they were right, it is a really great school. I did most of my studying at night and even on my lunch break as you can go online 24/7 at WOLI and get the work done. Anyway, I took their paralegal certification program and within ten months the lawyers I worked for promoted me to more advanced work and even paid for part of my tuition as long as I maintained a B average which I did. So that was really good. Anyway, I really liked WOLI. The professors were great and the certification program really prepared me well to move up the ladder in my firm. I am now listed as a paralegal and I am doing much more exciting work, helping prepare the litigators when they have to go to trial. I also make a lot more money which is coming really handy. So, I would recommend anyone who is interested in getting a step up in life to get certified and be sure to choose a school that is respected and known, such as WOLI if you are going to do it online.

legal studies and hellos

brooksh — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 10:41:23 GMT

Hello all. My name's Brooks.

I decided to sign up in order to find some advice on continuing my education. I currently work full-time as an instructor at a juvenile wilderness camp; married; live in a rural area. All of these things add up to me continuing my education in an online environment, as it would be very hard for me to rearrange my life to attend a traditional school.

I haven't tried to gain a degree sooner, because I have wrapped my mind around the hundreds of things that I could study and use- where I live, or to gain a better job; a job that would be readily available upon completion of my degree. I've finally realized that I just need to study what my heart is leading me to study. A college degree in anything is better than what I have, and I know plenty of people that have a degree in one area and work in something totally different. I don't want to spend my whole life researching the best degree from an economic standpoint. Isn't that the way I should be going? Feel free to jump in..

I have a huge interest in our constitution and our legal system. So that's where I'm at.. I would like to study law, but may or may not be interested in actually practicing law. Sadly, this is as far as I've gotten really. I feel I will do fine studying online, as I am focused and dedicated. BUT.. I feel lost, so I'll just fire off a few questions and hope for some good advice in return:

-I would like to gain at least a bachelor's degree, if not higher. Should I enroll in an associates program first? Or should I jump into a bachelor's program to start with, if I know that is what I want to study?

-Any advice, or explanation as to what the difference in a paralegal degree and a legal studies degree are? Basically the same thing? Totally different?

-If I go with an associates to start off, should I use a school that I can later attain a bachelor's from? Or is it that big of a deal, as long as the school in regionally accredited?

I guess I'll leave it here, and see what any of you have to say. Thank you so much in advance for your replies.

Brooks

PS: Anyone know much about Post University? Any words you can share on the institution would be appreciated. Thanks.

Re: Best Paralegal Online College?

helenh — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:37:49 GMT

OK, with regards to what kind of education you need:

"There are several ways to become a paralegal. The most common is through a community college paralegal program that leads to an associate’s degree. The other common method of entry, mainly for those who already have a college degree, is through a program that leads to a certification in paralegal studies. A small number of schools also offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in paralegal studies. Some employers train paralegals on the job, hiring college graduates with no legal experience or promoting experienced legal secretaries. Other entrants have experience in a technical field that is useful to law firms, such as a background in tax preparation for tax and estate practice or in criminal justice, nursing, or health administration for personal injury practice.

An estimated 1,000 colleges and universities, law schools, and proprietary schools offer formal paralegal training programs. Approximately 260 paralegal programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Although many programs do not require such approval, graduation from an ABA-approved program can enhance one’s employment opportunities. The requirements for admission to these programs vary. Some require certain college courses or a bachelor’s degree, others accept high school graduates or those with legal experience, and a few schools require standardized tests and personal interviews.

Paralegal programs include 2-year associate degree’s programs, 4-year bachelor’s degree programs, and certificate programs that can take only a few months to complete. Most certificate programs provide intensive and, in some cases, specialized paralegal training for individuals who already hold college degrees, while associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs usually combine paralegal training with courses in other academic subjects. The quality of paralegal training programs varies; the better programs usually include job placement services. Programs generally offer courses introducing students to the legal applications of computers, including how to perform legal research on the Internet. Many paralegal training programs also offer an internship in which students gain practical experience by working for several months in a private law firm, the office of a public defender or attorney general, a bank, a corporate legal department, a legal aid organization, or a government agency. Experience gained in internships is an asset when one is seeking a job after graduation. Prospective students should examine the experiences of recent graduates before enrolling in a paralegal program.

Although most employers do not require certification, earning a voluntary certificate from a professional society may offer advantages in the labor market. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA), for example, has established standards for certification requiring various combinations of education and experience. Paralegals who meet these standards are eligible to take a 2-day examination, given three times each year at several regional testing centers. Those who pass this examination may use the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) designation. The NALA also offers an advanced paralegal certification for those who want to specialize in other areas of the law. In addition, the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam, administered through the National Federation of Paralegal Associations, offers professional recognition to paralegals with a bachelor’s degree and at least 2 years of experience. Those who pass this examination may use the Registered Paralegal (RP) designation."

Source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm

As for what kind of salary a paralegal makes, check out the following:

Median Salary by Job - Degree: Paralegal (United States)

Compare your salary: Get a free Salary Report

Median Salary by State or Province - Degree: Paralegal (United States)

Compare your salary: Get a free Salary Report

Hope this helps ... good luck!!

Best Paralegal Online College?

JMELYNN14 — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 19:23:23 GMT

Hello Everyone,

I am in need of some help. I am currently researching online colleges to obtain a paralegal degree and/or certification. I am a single mom with two young girls working a full time job. Supporting my family is obviously a huge priority in my life and I want to ensure that the education I receive from this college is the best out there. I will definitely need financial assistance so that will be a deciding factor in my choice also.

My goal initially was to work for a district attorney in criminal law, as this is the most intresting to me, however I do realize that after learning different specialties I might become fond of others as well. Anyway, I am confused on if I should be obtaining my degree in paralegal studies or criminal justice? Also, I am located in California, Los Angeles County, and I am wondering what a paralegal makes?

I have been researching Washington Online Learning Institute ( they only have a certificate program) as well as Kaplan University. I am open to any information you have on either of these colleges or any others that could be a good choice for me.

Thanks!