Paralegal studies are an ideal path to a successful law career. For some, becoming a legal secretary or paralegal is the destination point. For others, it is an opportune starting place to work their way through law school. Either way, in order to learn the skill sets necessary to work competently in one of the most competitive career fields, it is imperative that you get the right combination of practical, theoretical, and technical training so you are adequately prepared for your future job.
At Bryant & Stratton College, we offer an associate Degree in Paralegal Studies with the goal of preparing students for a career in law. When our students graduate from the program, they are fully qualified and prepared to enter multiple paralegal career options such as:
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants
- Legal Secretaries
- Legal Support Workers
- Bill and Account Collectors
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers
- Word Processors and Typists
According to the US Census Bureau, these careers have median salaries higher than average, making them appealing to both continuing and returning students. In order to stand out among the field of applicants, make sure your paralegal studies include a foundation of law and ethics, comprehensive practical and theoretical classes, as well as relevant hands-on training so you have a clear understanding of your legal strengths and interests.
Comprehensive Course Listings. In most cases, students who begin their paralegal studies have only a nominal understanding of the law. It is important the program you attend offers a wide variety of courses so you are exposed to many legal facets. Your courses should cover everything from the fundamentals of ethics and legal research, to more specific classes such as:
- Contract Law
- Torts and Civil Litigation
- Criminal Law & Procedures
- Law Office Management
- Real Property
- Advanced Legal Research
- Domestic Relations Law
Through these courses, you will not only gain the education you need to begin working for a legal practice, you will also develop a deeper understanding of where your interests lie as you begin to prepare for your practicum and/or internship(s).
Real World Practicum. While fundamental book learning and lectures are important to learn the ABCs of law, it isn’t until you have the opportunity to put your learning to use that you will understand where your strengths lie, what aspect of law suits you, and where you envision yourself beginning a career. At Bryant & Stratton College, we ensure each of our students in the paralegal studies program has the opportunity to gain real-world internship experience in an area that interests them. During your internship, you will be supervised both academically and professionally to ensure you have the support you need to be successful.
Once you have successfully completed your paralegal studies program, you will have a deeper understanding of the ethical considerations for legal professionals, set by the American Bar Association. Additionally, you will be prepared to become certified by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA).
Shakespeare once wrote, “good counselors lack no clients.” Here at Bryant & Stratton, we know that good counselors require superb legal assistants and support staff. Our Paralegal Studies Associate of Applied Science Degree program will prepare you to become a superb legal professional.
Please contact the admissions office at Bryant & Stratton College for more information about our paralegal studies program. You will be one step closer to achieving your academic and professional goals.
