Accredited Colleges and Universities.
Online Associate Degree in Legal Services - Introduction to Legal Assisting
An associate degree in legal services can prepare you for a career as a legal assistant such as a legal secretary or paralegal. Although legal assistants are explicitly prohibited form carrying out duties that are considered to be the practice of law, they do have several duties delegated to them. Legal assistants help lawyers prepare for hearings and trials by researching and investigating facts, organizing and tracking files and other documents, writing summaries and rough arguments, and preparing legal documents such as briefs and pleadings. Legal assistants also assist in handling many procedural duties.
An Associate Degree in Legal Services Many community and junior colleges offer associate degree programs in legal services. These programs are designed to prepare you for entry-level professional positions in the legal services field by helping you to learn to communicate effectively within the legal environment, and to learn concepts from areas of legal specialization. They will also help you to develop ethical decision-making skills. Associate degree programs in legal services are usually two years in length, and include a background in legal fundamentals such as contracts, legal research techniques, and criminal law.
Online Associate Degree in Legal Services
Many accredited institutions now offer an associate degree in legal services online as well as an alternative to traditional on-campus study. These programs are ideal if you have work or other commitments that keep you from being able to attend an on-campus program as they allow you to do the coursework on your own time from your own home. By working toward your associate degree in legal services online, you can also often control how long it will take you to complete your degree, which may be beneficial if you are simultaneously working full-time.
Career Opportunities
With an associate degree in legal services you will be qualified to pursue entry-level positions with a law firm, the legal department of a large company, or a government agency. Salaries for legal assistants vary, but are usually based on the amount of education you have, your training, and experience.
Associate of Science (A.S.) in Legal Studies
The Associate of Science in Legal Studies Degree at Post University prepares students to work as a member of a professional team delivering legal services. Students become familiar with the American legal system, including federal and state courts, statutes, codes and treaties as well as with legal theory and its practical applications in various disciplines, including legal research, real estate and estates and civil litigation.Lawyers are often assisted in their work by paralegals or legal assistants. The paralegal profession is expected to rank among the 20 fastest growing occupations in the economy as employers recognize that paralegals perform many legal tasks for lower salaries than lawyers. Not all legal work requires a law degree.The emphasis is on learning by doing.Paralegal programs include general courses on the law and legal research techniques; courses covering specialized areas of the law such as real estate, family law, estate planning and probate, litigation, contracts and criminal law, as well as courses introducing students to the legal applications of computers. Many employers prefer applicants with specialized training. Students can also do internships in which they gain practical experience by working for several months in a law office, corporate legal department or government agency. This experience is an asset when seeking a job after graduation.You will study in highly interactive, small classes in 8-week accelerated modules. Familiarity with the operation and applications of computers in legal research and litigation support is increasingly important. Students learn to handle legal problems logically and communicate, both orally and in writing, their findings and opinions to their supervising attorney. Paralegals must understand legal terminology and have good research and investigative skills.
