How can I become a paralegal online

 If you’re wondering how to become a paralegal, you’re not alone! Many prospective students are hesitant about getting their degree online, which can seem like an obstacle standing in the way of your goal. But it doesn’t have to be! The flexibility of an online education can fit into your busy schedule and give you access to all the resources that could help you on your journey toward becoming a paralegal with ease. You just need to know how to choose the best option and where to look! Here are some helpful tips on how to become a paralegal online.

 

What is a paralegal?

A paralegal is an entry-level professional with specialized knowledge and skills in legal areas, such as research and organizing evidence. A paralegal assists lawyers with their cases, but cannot provide legal counsel or advice to clients themselves. In order to work in these roles, most states require paralegals to have a college degree or postsecondary certificate. If you’re interested in being an online paralegal, enrolling in online classes is one way to get started. However, you may also be able to gain experience by working as a paralegal for a law firm or government agency first before pursuing further education. To learn more about what it takes to become an online paralegal, check out our guide on how to become a paralegal online.

 

What are the requirements?

A background in social sciences is preferred, especially if you want to work as a litigator. If you're working on an online paralegal degree, though, you may not have to start from scratch. Most schools allow students to transfer in credits from other accredited universities, whether or not those credits pertain directly to your program of choice. Once you've earned your diploma, take note of these requirements for admission into law school: You must be at least 18 years old and have completed two years of college-level coursework (or three years if you're earning a bachelor's). Once admitted, you'll need to pass two exams—the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and the Multistate Bar Exam (MBE)—to practice law.

 

Is a high school diploma enough?

There are also advantages to earning an online paralegal degree. Earning your diploma from one of these schools will not only provide you with in-depth knowledge about paralegals and their duties, but also teach you how to research cases, build your case preparation skills, and develop valuable client relationship skills. On top of all that, some schools allow you to earn credit for prior work experience—which means you can accelerate your degree even further! Many students have already taken advantage of distance learning courses while they’re still working at their jobs; they’ll finish school more quickly than if they had chosen a traditional program, while saving thousands on tuition costs in the process.

 

Do I need to have previous experience?

Just like with becoming a medical assistant, you will not need to have previous experience in order to get an online paralegal degree. You do, however, want to make sure that you are choosing a reputable program and university. This will allow you to be sure that your education is legitimate and that your hard-earned money is going towards something worthwhile. It’s also important to make sure that your chosen program has courses on legal research and writing, as well as legal ethics. These classes will help prepare you for working in a law office or court system.

 

Do you need to go to school?

The simple answer is no. You do not need to attend school to become a paralegal or legal assistant. By taking advantage of your library’s resources and researching different options, you can gain access to all of the training necessary through self-study. The great thing about choosing self-study is that you get all of your materials in one place, at your fingertips! You can also set your own schedule. If you want to go back over something again, there’s nothing stopping you from doing so. Self-study also allows for more flexibility than going back to school full time – some people find it easier to balance their family life with their professional life if they are able to study on their own schedule.

 

Is there an alternative route to becoming a paralegal?

If you don’t have an undergraduate degree or don’t want to go to law school, becoming a paralegal may be right for you. In addition to working under attorneys and lawyers, you may also be able to find work within corporations or organizations. The most important thing is that you get experience in your field. There are many ways to do that without going through formal schooling: internships, volunteering, apprenticeships and on-the-job training are all viable options. Don’t let not having a traditional education hold you back from getting into your desired career path!

 

What if my schedule won’t let me attend classes in person?

Attending paralegal school in person is ideal, but we understand that many people have schedules that make it impossible for them to do so. If you’re among them, don’t despair! You still have options. Online paralegal schools are becoming more and more popular as technology makes it easier to learn without ever having to leave your home or office. Many programs offer both live and online classes, giving students greater flexibility than ever before. While there are some drawbacks (such as not being able to ask questions in real time), most students find that they enjoy learning from home just as much as they would if they were sitting in class. To find an accredited program near you, visit our Accreditation page or contact us directly by emailing us at [email protected] . We look forward to helping you get started on your career path!

 

Can I still get certified as a paralegal if I work full-time?

If you have full-time work and would like to pursue an education in paralegal studies, then you may be wondering if there is any way to fit school into your busy schedule. If so, you’re not alone! Many people with full-time jobs are interested in studying for a career in legal assistance but simply aren’t sure how they could possibly find enough time outside of their daily duties to devote themselves to such an endeavor. Luckily, many schools offer distance learning programs that allow students to complete coursework at home while still maintaining their current positions. This means that even if you work full-time, you will still be able to get certified as a paralegal while continuing to support yourself financially. It is important to note that these programs do require some self-discipline and motivation on behalf of the student because there will most likely be assignments that need to be completed on your own time rather than during normal business hours.

What about community college courses? Are they any good for me?

Community colleges are also a great place to begin exploring your legal options. Many community colleges offer certificate programs in areas such as Paralegal Studies and Legal Studies, which provide foundational courses in areas like research, case law, trial practice, and ethics and professional responsibility. From here you can decide if you want to continue on to an associate degree program or go straight into a bachelor’s degree program.

 

Are on-campus programs any better than an online program?

On-campus programs are often better than an online program. An on-campus program will give you direct access to instructors and peers that cannot be replicated in an internet classroom. A face-to-face environment has its benefits, so try and see if you can attend classes on campus before enrolling in an online program. If attending classes on campus is not feasible, then go with an accredited online school like Career Step College.

 

Can an employer refuse to hire me even with certification or if I have all my courses completed?

It is unlawful for an employer to refuse to hire you simply because you are certified or have completed your courses. Generally, employers are required by law to make hiring decisions based on job related factors like qualifications, experience and past performance. Employers should not refuse to hire you simply because of certification or course completion.

 

Where do I start with looking for schools, prices, etc.?

First, start by looking up paralegal programs or legal assistant schools. There are many colleges that offer such programs. From there, you can research prices and decide which school is best for you based on your budget, location, curriculum and more. It’s important to know exactly what you want from a program before applying; otherwise, it’s likely that you’ll end up at a school that doesn’t meet your needs. If you don’t know what type of job you want after graduation, then it might be wise to go with an associate degree versus going all in with a bachelor's degree—especially if cost is an issue.

 

Conclusion

The process of becoming a paralegal is not difficult. The easiest route is to obtain your high school diploma or GED and then enroll in an accredited paralegal training program. You'll learn about law and be trained for a career assisting attorneys with legal matters. Once you complete your education, you'll be ready to work as an entry-level member of any organization that handles legal matters, including law offices, corporate departments and government agencies. The quickest way to become one is to enroll in an online accredited college program.