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Criminal Justice
Degree Finder
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Paralegal
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Paralegal Job Description
Legal assistants, also called paralegals, are supervised by licensed attorneys. They offer assistance by completing legal research, preparing notebooks for trial, interviewing clients, helping write legal briefs, reviewing and updating files, and drafting documents.
Education Requirement for Paralegals
In the past, legal assistants have been trained "on the job". However, an increasing number are acquiring training from specialized legal assistant programs located at universities, business schools, and community colleges. These programs can take a few months to up to four years to complete and generally require areas of study including specific legal classes, related electives, and general college requirements.
National certification is typically not required to work as a legal assistant; however, a two-day examination is offered by the Certifying Board of Legal Assistants of the National Association of Legal Assistants for certification.
Special Skills
Legal assistants are required to get documents ready to meet the same deadlines of their supervising attorneys. Under close supervision, legal assistants must write reasonably and accurately. Paralegals need to have superb listening skills and a strong ability to relate to a diversity of people in order to effectively interview individuals. The ability to speak a foreign language is helpful. Legal assistants have to uphold the confidentiality of clients. Skills in computers, word processing, and "on-line" legal research are necessary to provide legal assistance to attorneys.
Salary and Benefits
Salary and benefits for paralegals vary according to location, job responsibilities, and the type of law office they work for. Starting salaries usually range from $1,300 to $1,800 per month in smaller towns and law firms. Paralegals employed by the federal government earn an average annual salary of between $20,000 and $25,000, according to their experience and skills. A survey taken by the National Association of Legal Assistants listed the average salary of legal assistants as close to $31,000 in 1994. Most employers provide medical and retirement benefit assistance.
Working Conditions
Similar to attorneys, paralegals complete most of their work in offices or libraries. They often meet with clients in homes or businesses and provide courtroom assistance to attorneys. They typically work 40-hour weeks but sometimes work overtime when pressing deadlines arise.
Job Outlook for Paralegals
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a career as a legal assistant is one of the most rapidly expanding careers in the United States. Presently, there are more than 111,000 legal assistants and competition for jobs continues to rise. However, the job prospects for paralegals entering the field after completing a formal training program are outstanding.
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Top Criminal Justice Colleges
Associates in Crim. Just.
Bachelors in Crim. Just.
Masters in Crim. Just.
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Kaplan University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Kaplan University lets students take advantage of one of the fastest growing industries in the United States by providing accredited Criminal Justice degrees. Kaplan lectures and prepares students to pursue a career immediately after graduation.
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Associates in Crim. Just.
Bachelors in Crim. Just.
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University of Phoenix - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Providing students a comprehensive Criminal Justice education, University of Phoenix enables students to jump start their careers in Criminal Justice. University of Phoenix provides students the opportunity to obtain campus classes or learn from home.
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Associates in Crim. Just.
Bachelors in Crim. Just.
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American InterContinental University - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. American InterContinental University prepares students for careers in homeland security, paralegal work, and many other careers. American InterContinental University offers accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees at affordable prices.
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Bachelors in Crim. Just.
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Westwood College - Bachelor's Degree. Westwood College, part of Westwood College Denver North teaching system, has an accredited Criminal Justice program. Westwood Colleges uses a hands on approach to teaching and brings in professionals in their field to teach each class.
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Associates in Crim. Just.
Bachelors in Crim. Just.
Masters in Crim. Just.
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Everest University - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Graduates from Everest University in Criminal Justice will have career opportunities as correctional officers, counselors, and more. Everest University graduates will leave with an accredited Criminal Justice degree.
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Bachelors in Crim. Just.
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Liberty University - Bachelor's Degree. Liberty University offers students a comprehensive Criminal Justice degree program taught by a well respected faculty that is highly rated by their peers. Liberty University allows students to earn their Criminal Justice degree entirely online.
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Associates in Crim. Just.
Bachelors in Crim. Just.
Masters in Crim. Just.
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Virginia College - Associate's, Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Virginia College Online provides students the ability to take Criminal Justice classes online for students seeking a degree in this specification. Students who successfully complete this degree have the opportunity to pursue careers in various Criminal Justice fields.
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Bachelors in Crim. Just.
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Upper Iowa University - Bachelor's, & Master's Degrees. Upper Iowa University students Upper receive an education in Criminal Justice taught by exemplary professors based on what they learned in the field. This foundation lets students receive a hands on approach to their education. Students graduating from Upper Iowa University leave the chance to impact their profession immediately with a number of career opportunities.
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Bachelors in Crim. Just.
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Ashford University - Bachelor's Degree. Students attending Ashford University will be surrounded by a support staff eager to help students in any way possible while they are in pursuit of their Criminal Justice degree. Ashford University provides a quality learning environment for students looking to graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice.
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Associates in Crim. Just.
Bachelors in Crim. Just.
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Lincoln College - Associate's & Bachelor's Degrees. Lincoln College provides students with a strong foundation for their careers in Criminal Justice. Their interactive and flexible programs allow students to learn about the exciting field of Criminal Justice anytime, anywhere.
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Associates in Crim. Just.
Bachelors in Crim. Just.
Masters in Crim. Just.
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Colorado Technical University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. As an accredited online university, Colorado Technical University's programs provide students with high-quality, career-focused curriculum. Students pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice will receive the skill set and knowledge necessary to become successful individuals.
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