Paralegal and Criminal Justice Job Market, Hot or Not?
Paralegal Professions Expect Brisk Hiring through 2014 The paralegal profession is booming. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, openings for trained paralegals will grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014. As law offices try to cut back on costs, they're turning to paralegals to handle many job functions traditionally carried out by a staff of attorneys.
Law firms are the largest employers of paralegals. About seven out of 10 working paralegals are hired on to law firms, while many find jobs with local, state, and federal governmental agencies and corporate legal departments. Paralegals qualify for the profession by completing a certificate, associate's, or bachelor's degree program through colleges, universities, and paralegal technical schools.
Growth in the profession is directly proportional to the growing work load of attorneys and the need for qualified paralegals to step up to conduct research, depositional, documentation, and pre-trial work in the modern law office. Depending on the specialization of the law firm, paralegals can work in personal injury, bankruptcy, criminal law, real estate, divorce, child custody, and other areas.
With a corporation department, paralegals may be asked to work with contracts, labor agreements, compensation disputes, and financial reporting. In the government sector, paralegals can help prepare for public hearings, conduct litigation research, provide background documentation for low-income or pro-bono clients.
In addition to law office positions, paralegal openings are expected to continue their strong growth at community legal-service programs, with real estate and insurance companies, and immigration-legal assistance firms.
Schools are listed in alphabetical order by state then city.
| Concord Law School |
[Online] |
Surprisingly affordable and convenient - In general, our students enjoy much lower tuition costs than students at campus-based law schools. Concord can assist you in securing the financial support you need to attend law school. Options include a variety of federal, state, and private lending programs, including military financial aid. Let a Financial Advisor help find the financial solution that is right for you. Programs: Juris Doctor Degree Request More Information >
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| Everest University Online |
[Online] |
Advance your career (or start a new one) without interrupting your life. At Everest University Online, you’ll get the tools to prepare for a better future. Earn your Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in fields such as Business and Criminal Justice. Take classes at the times and places you choose, balance the demands of family and a career, and get personalized, one-on-one attention from expert instructors in your field of study. Programs: Criminal Justice Associate Criminal Justice Bachelor Master in Criminal Justice Paralegal Associate Paralegal Bachelor Request More Information >
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| Kaplan University |
[Online] |
Earn your degree, advance your career, and achieve your goals with an online degree or certificate from Kaplan University. And do it all without missing a day of work. Kaplan University offers accredited online degree programs in Business, Criminal Justice, Technology and Design, and Paralegal Studies. Kaplan also offers Continuing Education, allowing working professionals to earn certificates in Forensic Nursing, Legal Nurse Consulting, Life Care Planning, and Financial Planning. Programs: A.A.S. in Criminal Justice A.A.S. in Paralegal Studies Advanced Start B.S. in Criminal Justice Advanced Start B.S. in Paralegal Studies B.S. in Criminal Justice B.S. in Paralegal Studies Legal Nurse Consulting Request More Information >
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| Keiser University eCampus Online |
[Online] |
For over 35 years, Keiser University has provided student-centered, quality career education. Keiser University eCampus Online offers degree programs online to prepare students for in-demand professions. Degrees are offered with a curriculum that is in pace with technology and workforce demand trends in business, criminal justice, healthcare and computer technology. Our "one-class-at-a-time" approach allows busy students to focus on their education and balance the demands of work and family. Programs: Associate's - Criminal Justice Associate's - Paralegal Bachelor's - Criminal Justice Request More Information >
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| Westwood College |
[Online] |
Westwood College is an institution of higher learning dedicated to providing quality, career-focused undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to launch, enhance, or change careers. The College offers broad access to education and serves a diverse, multicultural body of students in an environment that promotes pride, respect, and teamwork. The College's programs are designed to empower students to pursue their individual career goals. Programs: Criminal Justice Request More Information >
Westwood College's online campus is not currently accepting Texas residents for its programs. If you are a Texas resident interested in attending Westwood College and taking some courses online, please select one of our campuses in Dallas, Fort Worth or Houston.
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