An online associate degree in paralegal studies prepares students for paralegal jobs, earning an average of $56,610 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Online paralegal associate degree programs are a great option for a couple of reasons:
Students with full-time jobs and other responsibilities can earn their degrees from home
They offer students with time constraints an accelerated curriculum
They offer a much cheaper pathway to a bachelor's degree
Read on to learn what to expect from an online associate paralegal degree program and the careers and further education options available.
What Will You Learn in a Paralegal Associate Degree Online Program?
A typical online associate degree program includes foundational legal principles and general education subjects. Students can also choose from electives in their areas of interest, such as:
Criminal law
Employment law
Family law
Tax law
Common Courses
While course titles and content vary by program, the list below outlines typical classes students take in an accredited online associate paralegal degree program.
- Introduction to Law
This class teaches students about the American legal system and introduces legal language. Students gain big-picture knowledge of the legal field and learn the terminology used in law offices. They also become familiar with the skills they need on the job, such as interviewing clients and reading cases.
- Legal Research and Writing
Students learn daily skills paralegals use, including:
Researching statutes and case law
Analyzing and summarizing court decisions
Employing correct citation style
Drafting documents using the requisite format, terms, and language
- Civil Litigation
In this course, students learn about federal and state court systems, along with the rules that govern them. Students review evidence and draft court documents, such as pleadings, discovery requests and responses, pre-trial motions, and appeals.
- Legal Practicum or Capstone
Practicums allow students to apply the knowledge they gained during the program through field experience (under the supervision of a practicing attorney). Weekly classroom seminars often supplement the onsite work. Capstones consist of an academic paper or project that integrates what students have learned.
Core Skills
An online associate degree in paralegal studies provides students with skills and competencies needed to succeed either on the job or within a bachelor's or master's degree program:
- Critical Thinking and Analysis
Paralegals must often complete their work quickly and accurately. Learning to apply the correct law to the facts presented enables paralegals to assist attorneys in a timely manner.
- Communication Skills
Part of the paralegal job includes interviewing clients and synthesizing results. Paralegals must employ active listening and accurate notetaking skills, along with the ability to communicate orally and in writing.
- Time Management and Prioritization
Paralegals often work for several attorneys and/or on multiple projects with competing deadlines and must hone the skills to manage and prioritize their workload under pressure.
What Can You Do With a Paralegal Associate Degree Online?
While many employers may require bachelor's degrees, jobs do exist for entry-level paralegals and other support staff. Law firms and legal departments may also hire associate degree-holders working toward a higher degree so they can gain experience and take on more responsibilities over time.
[category-tab-list title="Potential Careers and Salaries" description="Read on for a summary of opportunities, along with a listing of specific positions, typical duties, and average entry-level salaries.
" theme="primary"]
These professionals assist attorneys in law offices by:
Performing legal research
Filing court documents
Interviewing clients
Drafting, reviewing, and editing memoranda, pleadings, briefs, and other documents
Coordinating trial logistics
Average Annual Salary: $42,450
In corporate legal departments, these professionals help attorneys prepare for corporate meetings by:
Drafting contracts
Reviewing government regulations
Assisting with annual reports, shareholder agreements, and stock-option plans
Average Annual Salary: $51,240
As their title implies, legal assistants help lawyers with caseloads by:
Researching
Organizing evidence
Drafting memoranda
Scheduling interviews
Taking meeting notes
Preparing summaries and reports
Screening calls
Average Annual Salary: $38,230
Entry-level legal secretaries perform a number of secretarial and legal support duties:
Filing court documents
Scheduling meetings
Screening clients
Typing and editing documents
Accompanying attorneys to court
Assisting at hearings and trials
Average Annual Salary: $38,590
Legal administrative assistants support lawyers and paralegals by:
Conducting research
Ordering office supplies
Making travel arrangements
Managing calendars
Maintaining filing systems
Average Annual Salary: $39,320
Getting Your Bachelor's After a Paralegal Associate Degree Online
Students may decide to use their associate degree in paralegal studies as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree.
A bachelor's degree in paralegal studies may open doors to positions with more responsibility and pay. For example, a bachelor's degree in legal studies can serve as a stepping stone to law school, and a degree in political science can lead to jobs in policy, legislation, and consulting.
Bachelor's in Paralegal Studies
This degree builds on skills and knowledge one acquired in an associate degree. Courses include advanced research and writing, and students may usually specialize in a particular area of law.
Bachelor's in Legal Studies
A legal studies degree can lead to higher-paying legal assistant or paralegal jobs, or it can lead to careers in arbitration and mediation. Many legal studies students earn this degree to prepare for law school.
Bachelor's in Political Science
These bachelor's degree graduates work in political campaigns, policy analysis, and government agencies. They also may run for public office or apply to law school.
