Some jobs ride the peaks and valleys of economic growth, but legal specialists always seem to be in high demand. Lawyers, paralegals, and legal assistants somehow manage to remain relevant regardless of what the economy is doing at the moment. In this current phase of slowing growth, you might consider making the leap over from your current job to one in the legal world. You don't necessarily have to invest the full 3 years that it takes to become a lawyer, but you should still begin exploring your options.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Most paralegals and legal assistants typically enter the field with associates training or a bachelor's degree coupled with a paralegal certificate. Whether it takes you 2 months or 2 years, you stand to benefit tremendously from your efforts. For although the economy might continue to slow down, the US Department of Labor predicts that job opportunities for paralegals will increase by 22%. This is nearly twice the national average for most other occupations. So while others might be scrambling for jobs, you might spend your time trying to decide which offer to take.

What Can Legal Training Give You?
In addition to increased job opportunity, legal training can also provide you with critical reading, writing, and research skills. It is little wonder why so many legal professionals seem to transfer to other occupations with such ease. They already have an impressive arsenal of marketable tools at their disposal. Launching a business, consulting for firms, or running for politics all potentially become easier when you already possess the tools offered through comprehensive legal training. So if your current job is in a lull and you want to pursue a career that'll keep you on your toes, consider what legal training can do for your professional aspirations.

Schools are listed in alphabetical order by state then city.

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
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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
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Keiser University eCampus Online

[Online]

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni. We research trends for growing fields and tailor our curriculum to prepare students for entry and advancement to rewarding careers.
Programs:
  Associate's - Criminal Justice
  Associate's - Paralegal
  Bachelor's - Criminal Justice
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