Paralegal 11000 Law & Paralegal associate sub_topic An online degree in Paralegal studies is designed to comprehensively cover theory and applications of procedures used in law offices by paralegals; enabling graduates to assist attorneys in areas such as research, reporting, and preparation of legal documents, agreements, exhibits, and other relevant tasks prior to trial. Post-graduate employment primarily targets private law offices, but placement opportunities also exist in bank trust departments, insurance companies and government at all levels. 0 0 0 11120 <ul><li> An associate's paralegal degree can be used to get into the work force or to transfer to a four year university.</li> <li> Many law firms are trying to reduce costs by hiring paralegals to do tasks that lawyers used to do.</li> <li>Most paralegal professionals with an associate's degree will get an entry level position in a smaller law firm. </li> </ul> <p><b>How does one earn an associate's paralegal degree?</b></p> <p>An associate's degree is an undergraduate degree that usually requires 60 semester credit hours, or two years, to complete. A paralegal associate's degree, also known as an Associates of Applied Science in paralegal work (A.A.S), is offered through many online schools, as well as through traditional community colleges and junior colleges. A paralegal associate's degree can be used to transfer to a 4-year university, but some professionals with this degree go straight into the paralegal workforce. An associate's in paralegal work is not nearly as marketable in the job field than having a bachelor's degree.</p> <b>What career opportunities are available for a paralegal?</b> <p>Many employers are trying to reduce costs by hiring paralegals to perform tasks formerly carried out by lawyers. Competition for jobs with bigger law firms is tough and only the more experienced paralegals will get an opportunity at these higher paid positions. Private law firms are the largest employers of paralegals, but a growing array of other organizations, such as corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate and title insurance firms, and banks hire paralegals. Paralegals who specialize in real estate, bankruptcy, medical malpractice, and product liability will likely have the first pick of jobs. </p> <b>How much money does a paralegal with an associate's degree make?</b> <p>The average salary for paralegals depends on education, training, experience, the type and size of employer, and the geographic location of the job. In general, paralegals who work for large law firms or in large metropolitan areas earn more than those who work for smaller firms, in less populated regions. The average yearly salary is $39,130, with a range between $$25,400 and $61,400. </p> <b>What are the advantages and disadvantages of earning an associate's degree online?</b> </p>Earning an associate's degree online lets a student have the freedom to take classes from home. Online classes also allow students the flexibility to have a job, or pursue other interests, while earning their degree. Some programs offer their classes exclusively over the Internet while others split class time between Internet collaboration and in-person collaboration. Checking with a specific program to find out how they run their programs is the best way to learn which one will work best for your lifestyle. While online learning allows a lot of freedom and flexibility for students, they also require much more self discipline to succeed. Most classes have a pre-scheduled list of assignments and due dates, which students are expected to complete. There is usually less teacher-student interaction in online learning, so a student must possess the self-motivation to succeed and complete the course independently. </p> associates-paralegal Associate in Paralegal Associate Degree in Paralegal 11140, 11160, 11190, 11170, 11100, 11180 Paralegal Associate Degree - AA/AAS Degrees in Paralegal 1 0