Online Paralegal Degree Programs and Courses

Law and Legal Degrees by Distance Learning

Online paralegal degree programs, paralegal courses online, law degrees, paralegal certificates and online legal studies provide a flexible learning schedule for those who do not have the opportunity to attend on-campus education and traditional classes to earn their degree or certificate.

Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, help attorneys prepare legal briefs and cases, perform legal research, and many other tasks that can be performed by attorneys. Paralegals are not allowed to offer legal advice or represent clients in court.

Accredited Law, Legal and Paralegal Degree Online Programs

Online paralegal degrees, certificates in legal studies, law degrees, paralegal courses and related programs are available by distance learning in these and more areas of study:

Certificate in Legal Studies
Juris Doctorate (JD) Degree
Legal Office Administration
Law Degrees

What can you expect from a paralegal degree?

Paralegal certificates and degree programs are designed to provide you with the tools you need to research legal opinions and law, interview clients, and assist attorneys in preparing cases. Paralegals also assist judges and local government with legal documents and legal record keeping.

Paralegal degree programs focus on providing you with knowledge of business law, family law, property law, immigration law, estate law, personal injury law, intellectual property law, legal writing, and oral and written communication. You can also expect to receive instruction in government and politics, legal ethics, and the basics of the human body and medical terminology.

Types of Online Paralegal Degrees and Courses

Many students pursue their paralegal certificate or degree through an online paralegal degree program. Accredited online colleges enable you to earn a paralegal degree, legal or law degree online on a flexible schedule. You should be careful to make sure that the online paralegal degree program you attend is accredited to ensure it will be accepted by employers and other colleges and universities, and to protect yourself against fraudulent degree programs and diploma mills.

Associate's Degree in Paralegal Studies

An associate's degree in paralegal studies is an undergraduate degree that will open most doors for an aspiring paralegal. Associate's degree training includes introductions to legal ethics, legal research and writing, business law, family law, intellectual property law, estate law, real estate law, and personal injury law. You will also take general education classes in the arts and humanities, sciences, and mathematics to round out your education.

Certificate in Paralegal Studies

A certificate in paralegal studies is designed for those who already possess a bachelor's degree, but who have decided to change careers and enter the workforce as a paralegal. Certificate programs provide you with an introduction to law and legal ethics, legal writing, business law, family law, intellectual property law, estate law, real estate law, and personal injury law. Paralegal certificate programs can be completed in less than a year.

Bachelor's Degree in Paralegal / Legal Studies

A bachelor's degree in paralegal or legal studies will provide you with greater depth in business law, family law, intellectual property law, estate law, real estate law, and personal injury law than you will receive in an associate's degree in paralegal studies program or a paralegal certificate program. It will also introduce you to additional areas of the law such as constitutional law, worker's compensation, environmental law, international law, evidence and investigation, and more. A bachelor's degree in legal studies not only prepares you for a career as a paralegal, but it may serve as a springboard to law school where you can earn your legal degree or law degree, known as the JD, or Juris Doctor degree.

Additional and Continuing Paralegal Education

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA), offers training and testing for the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam. Paralegals who successfully complete the exam receive the designation RP, or Registered Paralegal. The RP designation identifies you as a serious legal professional who has passed a rigorous exam and continually updates his/her knowledge and skills, providing you with a competitive edge. RP holders must complete continuing education coursework every two years to maintain their standing.

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Careers and Salaries with a Paralegal Degree

Paralegals typically work for attorneys in law firms, corporate legal offices, or government offices and departments. Because nearly every aspect of modern life is governed by laws and regulations, paralegals will find challenging careers in real estate, family law, business and corporate law, constitutional law, criminal law, personal injury law, labor law, and more.

As you gain experience as a paralegal, you will work with less supervision and more independently. You may become a law clerk, law office manager or supervise other paralegals in larger firms' legal departments.

Salaries for paralegals and legal assistants vary, but typically range between $45,000 and $55,000. Because of the renewed expansion of the U.S. economy and desire of companies to reduce legal costs by hiring paralegals to perform duties once performed by lawyers, opportunities for paralegals are expected to grow faster than average over the next couple of years.