What Is An Online Paralegal Associates Degree Actually Worth?



Posted: Monday, March 06, 2006

by
Mansi gupta

Students who are considering getting an online Associates Degree as a paralegal may be wondering how much it is worth, or how much they will earn upon graduation. In this article I want to go over this, and other issues related to being a paralegal.





While attorneys assume the primary responsibility over their legal work, they often choose to hire paralegals to assist them. The paralegal field is growing at an astonishing rate, and more law firms are in need of paralegals in order to assist them. While paralegals perform many of the functions of lawyers, they are not allowed by law to perform certain duties such as setting fees or giving any legal advice.





This is very good news for students who are considering getting an online degree or certificate as a paralegal. One of the most important tasks a paralegal will learn is how to assist attorneys in preparing for trials and meetings. Paralegals investigate cases and make sure that all relevants facts have been considered.





Paralegals prepare reports, and help prepare documents important to the lawyers they assist. Paralegals may also assist in planning estates and preparing tax forms and documents. The vast majority of paralegals work with law firms, while a smaller number work for government agencies and corporations. Most paralegals work long hours, and are rewarded by the firm with extra time off and bonuses.





An Associates Degree as a paralegal is worth it when you look at the demand for this type of work. Students who choose to become paralegals will find that there are many jobs available, in both large and small cities.





The amount paralegal students will earn upon graduation varies. The salary you can expect to earn will depend on your level of education and location. Paralegals working in large cities for big law firms will earn more than those who work in smaller cities for small firms.





Students can expect to earn between $25,000.00 to $59,000.00 a year as a paralegal. Most earn between these two amounts. Paralegals working for the federal government can expect to earn the most, while those who choose to work for the state government of law firms may earn the least.





Paralegals who work for law firms will receive bonuses, and this will increase their income. While most paralegals work forty hours per week, some only work temporarily. Law firms will hire paralegals during busy seasons, and release them once things have slowed down.





The paralegal field is expected to grow much faster than normal, and will continue to increase for the next eight years. This presents an excellent opportunity for those ready to take online classes. Students have plenty of time to gain the skills necessary to be employed in this field.



Mansi gupta recommends that you visit http://www.opldg.net/2005/12/online_paralega.html for more information on Online Paralegal Associates Degree.

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Anonymous 3 years 57 days ago.
This is nice to do if you're 17 years old, plan on being single for a while, and want to work in a law office, etc.. But in the long run, it's just another 2-year program that is *generally* a waste of time (akin to majoring in Criminal Justice). Instead of wasting two years in a narrow field of study that has limited viability, get a 4 year degree (in anything) and go to law school. It's nuts to work your a** off for $30,000 per annum, when the 23 year old tort attorney you're pushing papers for, is making $130,000 or more per annum from settlements alone. Wake up people... get a calculator and put this down: $1,500 rent/mortgage, and another $1,000 per month for bills and such if you have a family. Now, look at the median paralegal's salary and tell me what's wrong with that picture! duh! What's left over for savings, trips, school supplies, computers, emergencies, etc..on a paltry paralegal's salary?
There are only a few 2 year programs that are "worth it". . . and all of them are medical related! RN (registered nurse), Dental Hygienist, etc. A RN who spends 5 years in the mil. is making over $60k.... Nurse anesthesia $130-220k. If people would quick screwing around with these tinny-anny 2 year programs, then they wouldn't be as jacked up financially in life. If you're 20, and you like law, get this while you work, while going to school to get your BA/BS and study for the LSAT. After that- quit your job (on good terms) and go to law school.

.. And remember, never waste your time studying for any field that has "assistant" in the title (few exceptions: Professional jobs like Physician Assistant, etc..) ;)
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