• Paralegal Schools in the U.S.
• Paralegal Associate Degrees
• ABA vs Non-ABA Paralegal Schools
• NFPA PACE Exam Eligibility
• Paralegal Specializations
• Related Career: Legal Secretary
• Paralegal Schools in Canada

How to Become a Paralegal

Paralegal career opportunities are projected to grow much faster than average for all occupations through 2016. 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.

• Find Online Paralegal Programs
• Find On-Campus and ABA Approved Paralegal Programs
• Find Paralegal Programs by State
• Paralegal Salaries

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

Most paralegal employers require a minimum of an associate’s degree. It is becoming more common that jobs will require a bachelor’s in paralegal studies while others will accept any bachelor's degree with a paralegal certificate. Take the next step toward starting or advancing your career in the paralegal field by requesting information from our schools to learn more.

Find Paralegal Programs Now

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 discrepancies. 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.

Online Paralegal Degrees and Training

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Colorado Technical University/Stonecliffe College: Stonecliffe College Online offers one of the most up to date and accredited paralegal associate degree programs in the country. Students are educated in document organization systems, handling document production, how to write legal correspondence and other relevant skills necessary for paralegal career preparation.

A.S. Paralegal Studies

Kaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Paralegal Studies Department at Kaplan University, is nationally recognized and offers the top paralegal programs in the country, including one of the leading paralegal associate degree programs.

AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Paralegal Studies
Advanced Start in BS Legal Studies
BS in Legal Studies

Everest University Online: The Everest University Online paralegal associate degree program is widely recognized for graduating some of the most qualified and successful paralegals in the country. Let Everest help you pursue your paralegal education and career goals. Request information today!

Paralegal Associate's Degree
Paralegal Bachelor's Degree

George Washington University: This program is identical to the on-campus master's program offered at GW, but offered entirely online..

Master of Professional Studies in Paralegal Studies

Herzing University Online: Herzing University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, which is an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education. Graduates of the AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant and Certified Paralegal exams administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA).

AS in Legal Assisting and Paralegal
BS in Legal Studies

Hodges University: Graduates of the Paralegal program are eligible to sit for the Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) exam.

Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Jones College: Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

Associate's - Legal Assistant
Bachelor's - Legal Assistant

Keiser University: E-Campus Online Programs. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized as a national accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Minnesota School of Business Online: The Minnesota School of Business is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

Certificate in Paralegal
Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Rasmussen College: Accredited by the The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Board of Education.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

South University: The South University Partially Online Associate's in Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association. Students are required to take the remaining classes at a South University campus or at an institution approved by South University. This is an excellent opportunity to pursue an ABA approved paralegal program and benefit from the flexibility offered by the online format.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies (Partially Online)
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Southwest Florida College Online: Request information from the associate's in Paralegal Studies program today.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Virginia College: Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

AS in Paralegal

Westwood College: You can earn an Associate's degree in Paralegal Studies in as little as 20 months. Westwood College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCS).

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Campus Based and ABA Approved Paralegal Programs

Everest Institute:

Programs Offered: Paralegal

Click a Location to Request Program Information => Pittsburgh, PA , Rochester, NY

Everest College: Choose a campus location near you.

Programs Offered: Paralegal, Criminal Justice, Criminal Investigations

Campus Locations in: Arlington, VA, Aurora, CO, Colorado Springs, CO, Dallas, TX, Fort Worth, TX, Phoenix, AZ, Paralegal Associate's Degree (ABA Approved), Portland, OR, Salt Lake City, UT, Springfield, MO, Thornton, CO, Vancouver, WA

Brown Mackie College:

Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's | Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, Paralegal

Click a Location to Request Program Information => Tucson, AZ, Indianapolis, IN, Miami, FL

Eagle Gate College:

Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's | Criminal Justice, Paralegal

Click a Location to Request Program Information => Salt Lake City, Layton and Online.

Fremont College:

Programs Offered: Associate's of Arts in Paralegal Studies American Bar Association (ABA) Approved

Click a Location to Request Program Information => Cerritos, CA.

Hesser College:

Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's | Criminal Justice, Paralegal

Click a Location to Request Program Information =>
Concord, Portsmouth, Manchester, Nashua

Institute of Business & Medical Careers: IBMC is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.

Programs Offered: Associate's, Certificate (for students with an AA or BA) | Paralegal

Click on a Campus Location to Request Program Information ==>

Fort Collins, Greeley

Keiser University:

Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's | Criminal Justice, Crime Scene Tech, Criminal Justice, Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies

Click a Location to Request Program Information =>
Tampa, FL, Daytona Beach, FL, Sarasota, FL, Tallahassee, FL, Port St. Lucie, FL, Kendall, FL, Lakeland, FL, Melbourne, FL, West Palm Beach, FL.

Platt College:

Programs Offered: Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Click on a Campus to get Program Information=> Los Angeles and Ontario

South College:

Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's | Criminal Justice, Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies

Click a Location to Request Program Information => Asheville, NC, Knoxville, TN (ABA Approved)

South University:

Programs Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's | Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, Legal Studies

Click a Location to Request Program Information =>
Montgomery, AL, Savannah, GA, West Palm Beach, FL, Columbia, SC

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