The projected employment growth for legal assistants from 2004-2014 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics is to be much faster than average, about 27%.

Becoming a Legal Assistant
There are two common ways you can become a legal assistant. You can enrole in a legal assistant program where you can earn a certificate in paralegal studies in only a few months. It can open up a lot of career opportunities, especially if you already have a bachelor's degree.Or you can enroll in a college program where you will be able to get your associate's degree. There are 260 legal assistant, also referred to as paralegal, graduate programs, approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) available across the United States.

Paralegal Graduate Programs
The length of graduate programs ranges from 2 years for an associate's degree to 4 years for a bachelor's degree. Many of the programs will help you with job placement, and some offer the chance to do an internship. You will usually enhance your job chances by going to ABA-approved program.

Once You Are a Legal Assistant
Your main job as a legal assistant is to perform preparatory work such aspre-trial investigation, legal research, and drafting documents. Your duties will differ depending on if you are employed with a small firm, large corporation, or in the public sector. Seven out of ten people entering a career as a legal assistant work in law firms and government offices.

Employers are currently hiring more legal assistants versus lawyers to save money. With 224,000 job opportunities for legal assistants in 2004, and projected growth in the industry on the upswing, it is a great time for you move forward with your career as a legal assistant.

Schools are listed in alphabetical order by state then city.

Everest College

[Colorado Springs, CO]

Advance your education and your career by earning your college degree. Everest College can help train you for a rewarding, long-term career in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, or technology. Get the skills employers are looking for and succeed beyond your wildest dreams. Financial aid is available to students who qualify.
Programs:
Criminal Justice
Legal Assistant/Paralegal
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Harrison College

[Indianapolis, IN]

Get started on your career with an education from Harrison College. We offer more than 30 degree, certificate, and diploma programs in the fields of health sciences, veterinary technology, information technology, criminal justice, and business, in addition to our culinary arts academy. We have 13 campuses in Indiana and Ohio, and, depending on the field of study, some or all classes may be taken online.
Programs:
Legal Administrative Assistant
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Harrison College

[Terre Haute, IN]

Sullivan University

[Lexington, KY]

Find out how one of the schools in the Sullivan University System can help you get the skills you need for a rewarding career in business, technology, medicine, design, culinary arts, or law. Choose an accelerated degree program and earn a Bachelor's Degree in just 3 years. Take advantage of a 99% job placement rate. Focus you learning on the courses you'll need to get your career started. Click to learn more about what the Sullivan University System has to offer.
Programs:
  Legal Administrative Assistant
  Legal Administrative Professional
  Paralegal Studies
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Sullivan University

[Louisville, KY]

Kaplan College - Hagerstown

[Hagerstown, MD]

Looking to gain a competitive edge in your career? Kaplan College offers a learning experience that is anything but typical. Our faculty and staff are not just academics—they’re seasoned professionals who can give you the real-world knowledge you need to succeed. And we offer a flexible and accelerated schedule designed to meet the needs of your busy life. Our programs are designed to prepare you for success in any of a variety of fields, including Criminal Justice, Health Care, Business, Education, Information Technology, Legal Studies, or Fashion and Design.
Programs:
Associate of Applied Science: Legal Assistant
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Kaplan University	[Omaha, NE]
Programs: Associate of Applied Science: Criminal Justice Associate of Applied Science: Legal Assistant Request More Information >

Sanford-Brown Institute - Melville

[Melville, NY]

Prepare for career success at Sanford-Brown Institute. Choose from a wide variety of health care program areas including Massage Therapy, Cardiovascular Technology, Medical and Dental Assisting and Surgical Technology. Convenient campus locations across the country include campuses in Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Programs:
  Associate - Criminal Justice
  Associate - Office Administration (Legal)
  Certificate - Legal Executive Assistant
  Certificate - Options (Business/Legal/Medical)
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Pioneer Pacific College

[Clackamas, OR]

Pioneer Pacific College is a nationally recognized college with locations in the greater Portland area and Springfield, OR. Degree programs are available in Business, Law, Computer Science and Health Services. Diplomas can be earned in as little as 10 months and weekday, Saturday and evening classes are available for total flexibility. Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
Programs:
Criminal Justice - Associate Degree
Legal Assistant / Paralegal - Associate Degree
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Everest College

[Portland, OR]

Advance your education and your career by earning your college degree. Everest College can help train you for a rewarding, long-term career in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, or technology. Get the skills employers are looking for and succeed beyond your wildest dreams. Financial aid is available to students who qualify.
Programs:
Legal Administrative Assistant
Paralegal/Legal Assistant
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Pioneer Pacific College

[Springfield, OR]

Pioneer Pacific College

[Wilsonville, OR]

Everest College

[Vancouver, WA]

Advance your education and your career by earning your college degree. Everest College can help train you for a rewarding, long-term career in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, or technology. Get the skills employers are looking for and succeed beyond your wildest dreams. Financial aid is available to students who qualify.
Programs:
Legal Administrative Assistant
Paralegal/Legal Assistant
Request More Information >