How to Become a Paralegal
Paralegal career opportunities are projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2014. Employers are trying to cut costs while increasing the availability of legal services by hiring paralegals to do the work that traditionally was done by lawyers. As a result, online paralegal degree and online paralegal training programs are growing in popularity.
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About 7 out of 10 paralegals work for law firms, while other paralegal jobs exist in corporate legal firms or government agencies. Paralegals provide support to attorneys and depending on their experience and education, can perform virtually all the duties that a lawyer can with the exception of giving legal advice, setting legal fees, and presenting cases in court. As a paralegal you will perform a variety of tasks including resolve routine legal issues, research and analyze law sources, and prepare legal documents such as treaties, pleadings, appeals and contracts.
Kaplan University - School of Legal Studies is widely recognized for providing top tier paralegal education. They offer associate's and bachelor's degrees as well as certificates in paralegal studies. Kaplan University will prepare you for an exciting career as a paralegal. Click here to request free information from their paralegal programs.
Paralegal Requirements
If you are thinking of pursuing a paralegal career, it is common knowledge that most paralegal jobs require at minimum of an associate’s degree. Some jobs will require a bachelor’s in paralegal study while others will accept a bachelor's degree with a paralegal certificate. Regardless, there are a number of paralegal schools that offer options for paralegal study. Below you will find a number of paralegal schools offering a wide selection of online paralegal degrees. Whether you are looking to begin or advance your paralegal career, start here by requesting free information from our fully accredited paralegal schools.
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Paralegal Salary
The starting average paralegal salary is $21,000 to $22,000 per year and will vary from state to state and firm to firm. Other sources report the average salary for paralegals is around $42,000. With overtime and bonuses an annual paralegal salary can be as high as $60,000 and higher. These average salaries will vary depending on if you are employed in a more metropolitan area, where salaries are usually higher, or a more rural area, where salaries will be lower.
The average paralegal salary can be skewed based on some individuals earning very high salaries and some earning extremely low salaries. The bureau of Labor Statistics uses the median to report paralegal salaries to avoid these discrepencies. The median annual paralegal salaries in the industries employing the largest number of paralegals are:
Federal Government: $59,370
Local Government: $38,260
Legal Services: $37,870
State Government: $34,910
As a paralegal your salary will be affected by a number of factors including the size of your employer, the industry you are in, your educational background, the additional credentials you possess, your experience and a number of other factors. Thus, the average paralegal salary will vary from city to city.
The place to start your paralegal career is here. Begin by requesting free, no obligation information from the fully accredited online paralegal schools below.

Paralegal Degrees and Training
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Short on time? Click here to request free, no obligation information from the Nation's top online paralegal programs.

Kaplan University - School of Legal Studies: Request information today.
AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies
BS Paralegal Studies / Alternative Dispute Resolution
BS Paralegal Studies / Office Management
BS Paralegal Studies / Personal Injury
Postbaccalaureate Pathway to Paralegal Certificate

Everest University Online: The Everest University Online paralegal program is widely recognized for graduating some of the most qualified and successful paralegals in the country.
Paralegal Associate's Degree
Paralegal Bachelor's Degree

Campus Based Paralegal Training

Everest Institute: Everest Institute offers career-focused paralegal training.
Locations:
Pittsburgh, PA Paralegal Training
Rochester, NY Paralegal Training

Everest College: Everest College is a recognized leader in paralegal training.
Campus Locations:
Arlington, VA, Paralegal Training
Aurora, CO, Paralegal Training
Colorado Springs, Paralegal Training
Dallas, TX, Paralegal Training
Fort Worth, TX, Paralegal Training
Mesa, AZ, Paralegal Training
Ontario, CA, Paralegal Training
Phoenix, AZ, Paralegal Associate's Degree (ABA Approved)
Portland, OR, Paralegal Training
Salt Lake City, UT, Paralegal Training
Springfield, MO, Paralegal Training
Thornton, CO, Paralegal Training
Vancouver, WA, Paralegal Training
Click here to request free information from Everest College Paralegal Training programs. Associate and Bachelor's degree programs also available.

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