Paralegal Studies Certificate Program
Studying for a paralegal degree online allows working professionals and home-based individuals to accommodate their already-tight schedule. The degrees earned from online formats hold the same merit as an in-person format. Other benefits include stress reduction and the freedom of mobility. Professor Hal Scott, who serves as instructor of the program, says the biggest misconception prospective students have about becoming a paralegal is that the packing list for puerto rico student must work in a law office after graduation. While that is a viable option, Scott says banks, nursing homes, title companies, real estate law offices, immigration service, judges’ offices and clerk of court offices all need paralegals. On average, paralegals in Louisiana earn $49,376 a year, with experienced paralegals earning $74,158 according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, which rates the profession as a five-star occupation.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the job outlook for paralegals will increase twelve percent by 2030. Wherever you go as a paralegal, you will be a valuable member of your organization. Kelli has been employed at Louisiana State University for almost 18 years. Her various areas of expertise include adult education, administration, online learning, custom, and on-site course coordination, professional development training, and grant writing and administration. In her leisure time, Kelli enjoys reading and spending time with her family and fur babies.
Attorney’s Office in Baton Rouge as a legal assistant for the criminal division. Attorney’s Office, Andrea joined the largest full-service law firm in the Capital Region where she served as a toxic tort litigation paralegal. For the past six years, Andrea has been the Program Coordinator for the LSU Paralegal Studies Program.
Students will complete the program in April 2022 with a vast understanding of judicial systems, legal opinions, research, legal memoranda, ethical standards, and much more. The ABA does not approve undergraduate certificate programs and online paralegal programs, though these programs certainly have their place. Schools seeking ABA approval for their paralegal programs must complete an exhaustive series of self-evaluation reports to ensure they operate in compliance with ABA Guidelines.
With the vast number of online paralegal degrees available, finding the right one for you can be challenging. We’ve searched, rated, ranked, and complied a list of the Top 20 Best Colleges for Online Paralegal Degrees offering online programs. If you choose a program that has been ABA-approved, you will be guaranteed several perks.
The program requires 120 credits, of which 21 must be used towards paralegal classes to complete the concentration. The four-year curriculum includes liberal arts and general education courses beginning in the freshman year and criminal justice and paralegal courses starting in the second year. Paralegal courses cover topics such as torts, legal research, law office management. An internship is required during the senior year that will allow students to gain experience by applying the skills they have learned in their studies. Graduation requires a grade of “C” or higher in all Paralegal Studies and Criminal Justice courses.
These professionals assist attorneys by doing legal research, writing briefs and memoranda, interviewing clients and witnesses, summarizing depositions, drafting pleadings, and doing investigative work. Paralegals work in law firms, corporations, and government agencies. The total curriculum costs range from $5075 to $5200 plus books.
Learn the common responsibilities and duties of paralegals within the US legal system. Paralegals are responsible for performing many of the tasks an attorney would do otherwise, such as conducting legal research or preparing a case file. Legal secretaries fill a more administrative role within the law firm. Paralegals can choose to specialize in different types of law such as criminal, family, immigration, real estate, etc. The LSU Paralegal Studies Certificate Program is the only ABA-Approved non-credit program in Louisiana. The Paralegal Studies program coordinator is happy to answer any questions you have about the program.