Becoming a paralegal is an excellent option for individuals who are interested in legal issues but do not want to practice law.  Paralegals, also called legal assistants, offer support to lawyers by preparing documents, researching case precedents, drafting contracts, and keeping case files organized.   Paralegals are being increasingly called upon in an ever widening number of fields, and for this reason, many paralegals specialize in a particular area of law.

Online schools are a reputable and convenient option for aspiring paralegals.  There are many creditable online choices, and because online programs tend to be self-paced, students can fit a paralegal education into their busy lives.  In general, paralegal programs might take from a few months to two years to complete.

Online training programs usually award a certificate or diploma upon completion.  Certificates and diplomas are not always required for employment, but they can be a big plus in a competitive job market.  Many working paralegals have a Bachelor’s degree (sometimes in a different field), while others have an Associate’s degree in paralegal studies.

The job outlook for paralegals is very good, and employment growth is expected to be much faster than average.  The demand for paralegals is high when employers try to both cut costs and maintain legal services.  Also, a growing population and a rapidly changing society contribute to the need for legal services in such areas as intellectual rights, environmental law, and healthcare.

Wages vary among paralegals, and variables like training, education, experience, and geographic region affect salary ranges.  In May 2008, the middle 50 percent of paralegals or legal assistants earned between $36,080 and $59,310.  For a more detailed description of wages, see the salary information available on the Bureau of Labor and Statistics website.

Although most (71%) of paralegals work for law firms, others work for corporations who maintain their own legal teams, government offices, or nonprofits.  Really, paralegals can be found in almost all types of organizations. Becoming a paralegal can be a rewarding career choice with a lot of potential for growth.  Fortunately, paralegal training is widely available, and students can take advantage of numerous online opportunities.