Online Paralegal Schools
The following schools have accredited degree programs in Online Paralegal Studies
Paralegal- Legal Office Administration - Court Reporting
While lawyers assume ultimate responsibility for legal work, they
often delegate many of their tasks to paralegal's. In fact, paralegal's
also called legal assistants continue to assume a growing range
of tasks in the Nation's legal offices and perform many of the same
tasks as lawyers. Nevertheless, they are still explicitly prohibited
from carrying out duties which are considered to be the practice
of law, such as setting legal fees, giving legal advice, and presenting
cases in court.
Ashworth University
- Paralegal Studies Program
It's a great time to become a Paralegal! As the practice of law expands, and as litigation increases, the demand for Paralegal's is steadily rising. Attorneys need trained Paralegal's to assist them in important legal work. And if current trends continue, the future for Paralegal's looks brighter than ever.
Request more information from: Ashworth University
about their Online Paralegal Studies Program.
Everest University Online
- Paralegal
Join a profession that is ranked among the fastest-growing occupations in the United States! There is a growing need for legal assistants and paralegal's in the legal profession. They continue to assume a growing range of tasks and perform many of the same jobs as lawyers. This program will give you the training you need, providing a complete overview of practical litigation skills and tasks.
Request more information from: Everest University Online
about their Online Paralegal Degree Programs.
Fremont College
- Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies
Paralegal Studies encompasses many facets of law and includes, but is not limited to, property, probate, family law, torts, civil procedures, contracts and legal research and writing. The field is very broad and far-reaching and has applications in everyday life.
Request more information from: Fremont College
about their Online Paralegal Degree Programs.
One of a paralegal's most important tasks is helping lawyers prepare for closings, hearings, trials, and corporate meetings. Paralegal's investigate the facts of cases and ensure that all relevant information is considered. They also identify appropriate laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other materials that are relevant to assigned cases. After they analyze and organize the information, paralegal's may prepare written reports that attorneys use in determining how cases should be handled. Should attorneys decide to file lawsuits on behalf of clients, paralegal's may help prepare the legal arguments, draft pleadings and motions to be filed with the court, obtain affidavits, and assist attorneys during trials. Paralegal's also organize and track files of all important case documents and make them available and easily accessible to attorneys.
In addition to this preparatory work, paralegal's also perform a number of other vital functions. For example, they help draft contracts, mortgages, separation agreements, and trust instruments. They also may assist in preparing tax returns and planning estates. Some paralegal's coordinate the activities of other law office employees and maintain financial office records. Various additional tasks may differ, depending on the employer.
Paralegal's are found in all types of organizations, but most are employed by law firms, corporate legal departments, and various government offices. In these organizations, they may work in all areas of the law, including litigation, personal injury, corporate law, criminal law, employee benefits, intellectual property, labor law, bankruptcy, immigration, family law, and real estate. Within specialties, functions often are broken down further so that Paralegal's may deal with a specific area. For example, Paralegal's specializing in labor law may deal exclusively with employee benefits.
The duties of Paralegal's also differ widely based on the type of organization in which they are employed. Paralegal's who work for corporations often assist attorneys with employee contracts, shareholder agreements, stock-option plans, and employee benefit plans. They also may help prepare and file annual financial reports, maintain corporate minute books and resolutions, and secure loans for the corporation. Paralegal's often monitor and review government regulations to ensure that the corporation operates within the law.
The duties of Paralegal's who work in the public sector usually vary within each agency. In general, they analyze legal material for internal use, maintain reference files, conduct research for attorneys, and collect and analyze evidence for agency hearings. They may then prepare informative or explanatory material on laws, agency regulations, and agency policy for general use by the agency and the public. Paralegal's employed in community legal-service projects help the poor, the aged, and others in need of legal assistance. They file forms, conduct research, prepare documents, and when authorized by law, may represent clients at administrative hearings.
Paralegal's in small and medium-sized law firms usually perform a variety of duties that require a general knowledge of the law. For example, they may research judicial decisions on improper police arrests or help prepare a mortgage contract. Paralegal's employed by large law firms, government agencies, and corporations, however, are more likely to specialize in one aspect of the law.
Computer use and technical knowledge has become essential to paralegal work. Computer software packages and the Internet are increasingly used to search legal literature stored in computer databases and on CD-ROM. In litigation involving many supporting documents, Paralegal's may use computer databases to retrieve, organize, and index various materials. Imaging software allows Paralegal's to scan documents directly into a database, while billing programs help them to track hours billed to clients. Computer software packages also may be used to perform tax computations and explore the consequences of possible tax strategies for clients.
