Paralegal

For those in the legal field, earning a paralegal degree or certification does not signal the end of the learning journey. Because the practice of law continues to evolve, paralegals must stay on top of developments and changes impacting their profession. Doing so can improve a paralegal’s productivity and ability to meet ongoing challenges at work, while demonstrating a commitment to the legal profession. Earning a paralegal certification also comes with continuing education requirements which paralegals must meet in order to renew their certifications.

Technological innovations have had a significant impact on the legal field in recent decades, for attorneys and paralegals alike. Gone are the days of typing pleadings and other documents on typewriters and filing them in person at the courthouse. Advances in technology have also led to new ways of storing, securing, and sharing legal files.

Within the legal industry, there are different roles and professions. Have you ever found yourself wondering “what is a paralegal vs. a lawyer”? How do job responsibilities differ between the two roles, and what it takes to work in this field? While there are many similarities between the two careers, there are also some key differences. If you want to work in the legal field, having a better understanding of these roles can help you make more informed decisions about which career path best suits you.

Paralegals play key roles in many busy law firms and corporate legal departments. Paralegals support attorneys in a variety of ways, from researching and organizing complex information to coordinating filings and preparing exhibits for use in court proceedings. While the COVID-19 pandemic impacted this career just as it impacted so many others, the paralegal job outlook remains strong, with estimated growth of 14% between 2021 and 2031, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The paralegal career can be challenging, but it can also be tremendously rewarding — both personally and professionally. By applying their knowledge and skills to the tasks assigned by their supervising attorneys, talented paralegals can add value to their employing law firm, corporation, or government agency and, ultimately, improve the client experience.

To succeed in this growing field, it is critical to understand the ethical rules for paralegals and avoid potential pitfalls. Ignorance of the rules is generally not a valid excuse for violating them, and a failure to uphold ethical standards can have long-lasting career implications. By educating yourself about paralegal ethics, you can enter the workforce with more confidence.

Earning a college degree in paralegal studies can lead to a variety of career options that are both personally and professionally rewarding. Paralegal studies programs teach students fundamental legal skills including how to conduct effective research, analyze data and evidence, and create clear and concise documentation.

For college students who are interested in legal studies, a paralegal degree provides an introduction to key legal concepts while developing skills in the field via real-world experience. Earning a degree in paralegal studies can give a graduate a competitive edge in the job market and potentially meet prerequisites for advanced degrees.

Many graduates choose to enter the job market as paralegals right after graduation. However, as discussed more fully below, this degree can also open the door to several other exciting paralegal studies degree jobs.

When earning a Paralegal Studies degree from Generations College in Chicago, you gain a valuable platform that provides the flexibility to put your education into practice in a variety of settings. Job responsibilities differ for various types of paralegals. In general, paralegals in any industry play an important role in serving clients.

When you see the word “paralegal,” what comes to mind? For many people, the word conjures images of busy professionals assisting lawyers in large, corporate law firms, handling research tasks, helping with client service and preparing filings. The reality is that paralegals work in a variety of exciting settings — corporate law firm roles being just one of the options available to people who have earned their paralegal degrees.

When you earn a paralegal degree, you will have gained a foundational knowledge that allows you to be successful in a variety of careers. Of course, you could choose to work in a traditional paralegal role at a law firm. Instead, you could work in one of these exciting jobs.