• Paralegal Specializations
• Paralegal Programs by State

How to Become a Patent Law Paralegal

Paralegals of any specialty generally gain entry into the field by earning a degree or post-degree certificate in paralegal studies. Patent paralegal education in the form of an associate's degree in paralegal studies can be earned from a community college, or through more intensive post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate training programs after having earned a bachelors degree. Admission requirements for paralegal programs can vary, with some requiring a bachelor’s degree or related college courses, and some only requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Because there are no official licensing requirements for patent paralegals, some companies and firms may hire and train applicants without any paralegal education. Earning the certificate from an accredited paralegal program, however, can give one a competitive edge in the job market. Additional patent law training for paralegals would also provide an advantage to gain entry into this specialty.

A common way to gain patent law experience is to intern while attending school. Most firms or agencies specializing in patent law are more than happy to hire unpaid interns for 20 to 30 hours a week. This is a great way to gain patent law experience as well as network for jobs upon graduation.

Patent Law Paralegal Job Descriptions and Duties

Legal assistants or paralegals are performing more and more tasks that have traditionally been completed by patent law attorneys. They do most of their work in a law office or law library, and because they are not legally able to practice law, they can only perform the work under the supervision of an attorney. Mirroring the trend toward even more specialization in law, paralegal positions are becoming more specialized as well. As is the case with the patent paralegal profession.

Intellectual property law can be complex, but much of the legal work in patent law can be done by a paralegal. They cannot give advice to a potential client, but they can conduct research about copyright law, help with patent applications, and assist with patent infringement litigation. They will need computer skills and familiarity with intellectual property law. Because patent law often involves litigation, they will also need familiarity with litigation.

Salary and Job Outlook for Patent Paralegals

According to Legal Assistant Today, the average patent paralegal salary in 2007 was $67,300, and increased 3.3% in the same year. However, paralegal salaries will increase with experience, and will vary greatly depending on the employer and region. Intellectual property and patent law is a specialty field that is growing and becoming one of the higher paid specialties for paralegals.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for all paralegals have been projected to grow 22% between the years of 2006 and 2016. This growth is in part due to employers attempting to cut costs and delegate more basic legal work to legal assistants instead of lawyers. It is also in part due to an expanding population that will need more legal assistance in such fields, including intellectual property.

The online paralegal programs below can help prepare you with the foundational skills necessary for a career as a patent paralegal. Learn about school's accreditation and request information about their paralegal program. Find a program that fits your personal and professional needs or browse paralegal programs by state to find a paralegal school near you.

Accredited Online Paralegal Programs

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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. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Graduates with work experience are eligible to sit for the NFPA Pace exam.

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

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. Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

A.S. Paralegal 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! Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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

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

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: Request information from the online paralegal program today. Accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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

Post University: Post University is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), a national accrediting agency recognized by the United States Board of Education.

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

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

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