Paralegals perform a number of critical functions in legal offices.

These courses will give you the education you need to begin a paralegal career or to advance an existing one in the legal field. Through a online format students will not only gain a comprehensive understanding and thorough knowledge of paralegal responsibilities, they will also develop their  intellectual, communication and literacy skills. Web based programs meet the highest standards of academic study, and are suitable for both beginners as well as experienced legal workers.

Online courses are a superb solution for students who, because of their location or work conflicts, are unable to attend a campus based university.

Online paralegal degree overview

There is a strong focus on those core skills that are in high demand by law firms and legal departments. This course is not as easy as it sounds, and with much to learn, students are expected to spend a certain amount of time every week reading and completing writing assignments. It goes without saying that students must successfully complete and pass all course requirements before they will be awarded a degree certificate.

All study and support material like lecture notes, mock exams, and library services will be provided through online platforms. Teaching will usually include real-time, interactive seminars, along with easy access to direct contact with instructors. Seminars are usually always archived, allowing them to be so they can be viewed online at different times. Some courses also assign students their own unique online tutor.

Typical modules and subjects available on a online paralegal degree

  • Administrative law
  • Business law & bankruptcy
  • Criminal law
  • Civil Law
  • Essential Skills for Paralegals
  • Evidence and Legal Investigation
  • Employment law
  • Immigration law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Internet Law
  • Litigation
  • Legal Research
  • Legal writing
  • Legal Document Preparation
  • Legal Transactions and Remedies
  • Patents, Trademarks & Copyright
  • Technology and the Paralegal
  • Tort law

Students will learn about

  • The sentencing powers of the courts.
  • The ethical context in which the law operates.
  • Client relations
  • Interviewing
  • Negotiating
  • Professional Conduct
  • Legal Writing & Drafting
  • Legal terminology.

Students will learn how to

  • Assist trial attorneys.
  • Research the law.
  • Become an effective legal assistant.
  • Conduct client interviews.
  • Maintain general contact with the client.
  • Draft legal documents and correspondence.
  • Attend court hearings.
  • Assist in preparing cases for courtroom litigation.
  • Work under the supervision of an attorney.
  • Locate and interview witnesses.
  • Maintain and organise files.
  • Carry out legal research.
  • Become a valuable asset in any law office.
  • Increase their efficiency and productivity.
  • Focus on achieving positive outcomes.

Career opportunities for paralegal graduates
For those who complete their study there are a wide range of roles in law firms, government agencies and corporate legal departments. Graduates will be qualified to apply for relevant positions such as Legal Clerks, Legal Secretaries, and Court Clerks etc.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the United States the employment levels for paralegals and legal assistants is expected to grow by 18% between 2010 and 2020. Click here Bureau of Labor Statistics for more detailed information about this profession.

About this page
This is a resource page that will give you useful information about what you can expect to learn on an accredited online paralegal degree course. It also lists links to a selection of popular and relevant online degrees that are run by established US and UK universities. We have focused on these two countries because at present most English language online courses are run by academic institutions based in the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Through the links on this page you will find out about the:
Admission requirements
Course costs
Course length
Enrolment dates
Financial aid available to students
Modules

 

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