• 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

= Staff Recommended

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

Back to Top