Interested in a Career in the Legal Field? Paralegal Studies Can Help.
March 6, 2009
•Brian Brooks
•SBC-Hazelwood
• 0 Comments
Many students are enrolling in paralegal studies classes with the goal of pursuing a rewarding career in the legal field. According to the Department of Labor, approximately 238,000 jobs were held by paralegals in 2006 Source: http://www.bls.gov/k12/law05.htm#jobs. Most were at law firms, while other paralegals worked for private companies and governments. The legal industry is vast and, luckily for emerging professionals, is continuing to grow. Let's take a look at how the industry is growing and why so many students are seeking paralegal studies classes designed to prepare them to enter the field.
Why Paralegal Studies?
The number of jobs for paralegals and legal assistants is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016.Source: http://www.bls.gov/k12/law05.htm#future. Law firms will hire more paralegals to help lawyers prepare their cases, and more people and businesses will require legal assistance. At the same time, many people are interested in paralegal positions, and there is likely to be competition for them. While employers may not require a paralegal studies degree, completing paralegal studies classes will likely provide advantages in this competitive job market. Source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm#training.
Paralegal studies programs are essential for success in a paralegal position as they offer prospective paralegals the opportunity to learn about legal writing and research. Paralegal courses provide students with other essential training as well. In addition to superb research and writing skills, paralegals need to have excellent computer skills. They are also expected to be ethical, disciplined, and polite. All of these important skills can be honed in a paralegal studies course.
As the legal industry continues to grow, paralegals are assuming more and more tasks in legal offices. In many cases, they perform some of the same tasks as lawyers. According to the Department of Labor, paralegals assist lawyers by drafting contracts, mortgages, and separation agreements, as well as helping to prepare tax returns, establish trust funds, and plan estates. Additionally, some paralegals are responsible for coordinating the activities of other office employees and maintaining financial records. Source: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm#nature. Paralegal studies programs provide the knowledge necessary to handling these various tasks, and those interested in pursuing a career in the legal field are enrolling in paralegal studies classes throughout the country for the competitive edge they need to be considered for these highly coveted positions.
If you are interested in receiving the training you need to prepare for a career as a paralegal, paralegal studies classes are available. Our Paralegal Studies Program is designed to help prepare students to pursue an exciting career as a paralegal. To enroll in paralegal studies classes or to learn more about our other healthcare program areas, click here.
Sanford-Brown - Hazelwood is close to many locations:
Ballwin, MO - approximately 22.2 miles
Saint Peters, MO - approximately 17.6 miles
O'Fallon, MO - approximately 22.3 miles
St. Louis, MO - approximately 20.8 miles
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook
, 2008-09 Edition, Paralegals and Legal Assistants, on the Internet at
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos114.htm (visited
January 23, 2009).