• Paralegal Specializations
• Paralegal Programs by State

CORPORATE LAW PARALEGAL

There are a few ways to become a corporate paralegal, but most entrants in the field obtain an associates degree in paralegal studies, and those who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree often earn a certificate in paralegal studies. Applicants with a bachelor's in Paralegal will have the greatest opportunities with top firms. Although some employers will provide on the job training to an applicant straight out of high school, obtaining at least an associate's degree in paralegal studies from an accredited paralegal program would offer a competitive advantage in the labor market.

While a corporate paralegal’s duties can vary greatly depending on the employer, their list of tasks is increasing as lawyers delegate more and more duties to their legal assistants or paralegals. Some of the duties that corporate paralegals may perform include monitoring government regulations, helping prepare financial reports, assisting with employee contracts, shareholder agreements, and employee benefit plans.

Corporate paralegals also generally need to have good interpersonal skills, and be able to utilize technology for basic legal research. Additionally, successful paralegals should stay abreast of basic developments or changes in the area of corporate law.

Job Outlook for Corporate Paralegals

According to studies conducted by Legal Assistant Today, an independent resource for the paralegal profession, the national average corporate paralegal salary increased 3.9% in 2007. Corporate paralegals are one of the highest paid in the paralegal profession, with a 2007 average national salary of $61,000.

Paralegal jobs have been projected to grow 22% between the years of 2006 and 2016, which is much higher than average job growth. Many corporations will hire paralegals to do work formerly hired out to lawyers as a way to cut costs. Job openings are also projected to increase as many people leave the profession due to retirement and other factors. Additionally, corporate paralegals can potentially fare better than other professions during periods of economic downturn. While corporations and individuals might halt discretionary litigation, there may also be a surge of needed corporate paralegal services for an increase in bankruptcies, divorces, or foreclosures, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Take the first step toward a career as a corporate paralegal by researching the online paralegal programs below. Online paralegal programs offer a more flexible schedule for students that want more of a work, life balance while pursuing their education. If a campus based or ABA approved program is preferred, then visit the Paralegal Programs by State page to find a local or ABA approved paralegal program.

Online Paralegal Programs

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Bryant & Stratton College : Bryant & Stratton College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

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.

Associate's in Paralegal Studies

Kaplan University - School of Legal Studies: The Kaplan University School of Legal Studies is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which is recognized by the NFPA and NALA. In addition to meeting the NFPA and NALA work experience requirements, graduates of the Kaplan University paralegal programs will be eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam. Request no obligation information from these paralegal programs today.

AAS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Paralegal Studies
BS in Legal Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Pathway to Paralegal Certificate
Advanced Start in BS 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

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. Colorado Technical University paralegal programs are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam, with the required work experience.

A.S. Paralegal Studies

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

Minnesota School of Business: Request information from the online paralegal program today.

Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Everest University Online: The Everest College Online paralegal associate and bachelor degree programs are widely recognized for graduating some of the most qualified and successful paralegals in the country. Everest College, formerly known as Florida Metropolitan University, ranked in the top 100 paralegal schools by www.paralegal100.com. Everest College Online is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, which with the required work experience, makes graduates eligible to sit for the NFPA-PACE Exam and the NALA CLA Exam.

Paralegal Associate's Degree
Paralegal Bachelor's Degree

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

South University: South University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The University is also a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE)

Associate's in Paralegal Studies
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

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