UNDERSTANDING PARALEGAL STUDIES DEGREE PROGRAMS
The specific classes in paralegal studies degree programs vary somewhat from one college to another. In general, you can expect to study legal research and writing, legal terminology and communication, civil procedure, criminal procedure, family law, business law, tort law, real estate law, trust and estate law, law office management and more.
In addition to these core concepts, this curriculum is designed to help students hone their critical thinking and analysis skills, become proficient at document preparation and understand potential ethical pitfalls they might encounter in this field.
An associate degree in paralegal studies typically takes about two years to complete.
FIVE COMMON CAREERS FOR GRADUATES WITH PARALEGAL DEGREES
The skills students gain and develop when pursuing paralegal studies degrees are useful in many types of roles, both within and outside the legal industry. Here are five common paralegal degree jobs:
Paralegal
Typically, paralegals help attorneys with a range of tasks, including conducting research, preparing evidence for trial, assisting with document preparation, interviewing clients and handling administrative matters for the supervising attorney. Paralegals work in law offices of all sizes, as well as in corporate legal departments.
Legal Secretary
Legal secretaries typically work in law offices. In addition to managing attorneys’ schedules and drafting correspondence for the attorney and law firm, legal secretaries may draft documents for specific cases.
Mediator
Mediators play key roles in the legal industry, helping facilitate conversations between parties when other attempts to resolve disputes or contractual issues have failed. Mediators use their communication skills and draft agreements to document the parties’ decisions.
Tax Preparer
Some people who earn paralegal studies degrees choose to work as tax preparers, although this role is not traditionally considered part of the legal industry. Tax preparers help individuals and business customers prepare and file their federal, state and local tax returns, as applicable. This role relies upon the same type of critical thinking, analysis, research and communication skills gained through paralegal studies programs.
Claims Adjuster
Another role outside the legal field for paralegal studies graduates is working as a claims adjuster in the insurance industry. Claims adjusters are responsible for analyzing customers’ policies when claims arise, conducting interviews and working to determine coverage and claim settlement amounts.
EXPLORE GENERATIONS COLLEGE PARALEGAL STUDIES PROGRAM
As you can see, a paralegal studies degree is versatile and can prepare you for career success in a variety of roles. Ultimately, earning a degree in paralegal studies demonstrates to future employers that you have learned the skills needed to be a valuable part of their team.
Generations College offers fully-accredited paralegal studies degree programs both in a traditional on-campus learning environment as well as an online degree option, which can be completed entirely online from the comfort of your own home.
For more information, contact us today. If you are ready to take the first step toward one of the exciting careers outlined above, apply online quickly and easily!