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Paralegal Programs in Virginia
There are not any specific regulations governing paralegals in the state of Virginia at this time. However, the Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations has established educational standards for paralegals that are recognized by the state bar. They are intended to be used as guidelines for those hiring paralegals to help determine if an individual is qualified for employment.
That being said, getting a formal paralegal education can be beneficial, particularly when seeking employment. The educational standards set forth by the Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations deems a paralegal qualified if he or she has graduated from an ABA approved program or a paralegal program that is institutionally accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and follows ABA guidelines. You can read more about these and additional educational standards at www.vaparalegalalliance.org.
There are three ABA approved paralegal programs in Virginia as well as a number of online and campus based programs that are institutionally accredited on a national or regional level. Below you will find a number of schools offering a variety of paralegal programs, each of which should meet the standards formulated by the Virginia Alliance of Paralegal Associations.
- Find Nationally and Regionally Accredited Online Paralegal Programs
- Find Campus Based Paralegal Programs in Virginia
Choosing a Paralegal Education Program in VA
Paralegals today are utilized just about anywhere that legal work is performed. They are employed by law firms, corporations, title companies, government agencies, banks, hospitals, and more. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, those paralegals with a formal degree or certificate combined with experience will have the best career opportunities. In conjunction with this, Salary.com states that starting salaries for paralegals in Virginia range from $30,000 to $55,000 depending upon education, experience, and location. It seems sufficient to conclude that graduates of paralegal programs and those with legal experience will qualify for higher compensation.
Some schools offer paralegal programs with specific concentrations, but the majority offer more generalized programs. It is a good idea to choose a program that offers courses in litigation, legal writing and research, critical thinking, ethics, and contracts. This type of curriculum coupled with experience gained from an internship or practicum should give you a strong foundation and adequately prepare you to become a paralegal. Remember to consider choosing a program that is either ABA approved or institutionally accredited and follows American Bar Association guidelines. This will help ensure that you receive a high quality paralegal education in the appropriate areas of study.
Remember to inquire about the additional services that will be offered to you as a student. Many schools offer free services such as academic and career counseling, internships, access to computer labs, law libraries or other research facilities, financial aid, and job placement at graduation. Such services are generally offered to students enrolled in distance learning programs as well as on campus programs.
Below you will find a number of accredited paralegal programs offered online or on campus. Explore your options and request information from the schools that interest you to learn more.
Paralegal Degree Programs Offered Online in Virginia
= Editor Recommended Program
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
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
Paralegal Degree Programs in Virginia - Campus Based
Request Information from the School(s) by selecting a campus location
Bryant & Stratton College: Bryant & Stratton College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies
Everest College: Everest College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award diplomas and associate's or bachelor degrees. ACICS is a recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal Studies
National College: The National College campus in Roanoke Valley, VA is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools and is a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE)
Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal
South University: South University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's| Paralegal Studies, Legal Studies
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College: ABA approved program, AAfPE member school
Programs Offered: Associate's | Legal Assisting
Parham Road Campus
Post Office Box 85622
Richmond, VA 23285
PH: 804-371-3265
Marymount University: ABA approved paralegal program and the school is a member of the AAfPE.
Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal
2807 North Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22207
PH: 703-284-5934
Northern Virginia Community College: ABA approved program
Programs Offered: Associate's | Paralegal / Legal Studies
3001 North Beauregard
Alexandria, VA 22311
PH: 703-845-6214
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Program outcomes vary according to each institution's specific curriculum and employment opportunities are not guaranteed.