• Paralegal Careers by Specialty
• Paralegal Programs by State

How to Become a Litigation Paralegal

While there are no official licenses are requirements for becoming a paralegal, to be competitive in the field one usually earns an associate degree in paralegal studies or a paralegal certification. The latter is a more intensive program, and can be earned after earning a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in a related field, although a prior degree is not necessary. Additional training or education in the area of litigation would help in gaining entry into this specialized area of paralegal work. Online paralegal certification programs are increasing and can help you gain the necessary training for this growing field

Litigation Paralegal Duties and Job Description

While paralegals are forbidden from performing tasks that are considered practicing law, such as administering advice or setting fees, they can complete a variety of tasks under the supervision of lawyers, and the scope of their work is growing. The tasks are varied according to the organization and field of specialty, but increasingly paralegals are being delegated more work that was previously completed by an attorney.

Under supervision of a lawyer, a litigation paralegal may gather facts and investigate for a case, summarize depositions, do legal research, search files for legal research on similar cases, locate and interview witnesses, manage documents, or help with many other aspects of trial preparation. Good research skills are imperative, as is a thorough understanding of the litigation process. Additionally, because they may be preparing so many documents and writing various summaries, good writing and analytical skills are very important for the litigation paralegal.

Salary and Job Outlook for Litigation Paralegals

While a paralegal’s salary can vary greatly according to region and experience, litigation paralegals are among the higher paid specializations. According to the publication Legal Assistant Today, the average litigation paralegal salary in 2007 was $62,223 in a corporate legal setting, and $53,615 in a law firm.

The legal industry has grown tremendously, and paralegal jobs have mirrored this, as their employment is more cost-effective for companies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities for all paralegals have been projected to grow 22% between the years of 2006 and 2016.

Below you will find a number of reputable online paralegal programs which can help adequately prepare you for a career as a litigation paralegal. Request information from the schools that interest you to learn more about their online programs. If you are looking for campus based programs, you may search here for paralegal programs by state to find a school that best fits your needs.

Accredited 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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