The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Employment Projections predicts a growth of over 33 percent in the legal assistant profession during the first decade of 2000. The median annual salary for full-time paralegals and legal assistants as of May, 2004 was $39,130. Online paralegal programs make it simple to learn the necessary skills for employment in this growing, lucrative profession.

Paralegals assist lawyers in the delivery of legal services by performing a wide variety of tasks such as research, drafting formal documents, preparing for real estate closings, preparing for court hearings and gathering information from pertinent parties. Paralegals are prohibited from giving legal advice, which can only be given by an attorney. However, through formal education and field experience, paralegals gain enough knowledge and expertise to handle legal matters under the supervision of an attorney. Much like attorneys, many offices bill hourly for the work performed on a file by a paralegal, only at a lower rate.

Over 1,000 schools offer formal paralegal programs and more than 600 different paralegal programs exist. About 260 paralegal programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), the governing association for attorneys. Although ABA approval is not necessary, graduation from such courses may enhance possible employment opportunities for the student. Requirements for admission to paralegal online schools is as varied as the number of courses currently available and may include a high school diploma, bachelor's degree or completion of a standardized test. Online paralegal courses enable students to get experience in a legal environment while learning essential skills to progress in their field.

Online paralegal programs include 2-year associate's degree programs, 4-year bachelor's degree programs and certificate programs, usually geared for students with a degree that want to specialize in paralegal studies. A few universities even offer master's degree programs in areas such as paralegal studies, legal studies and legal administration. Online paralegal programs can be completed in as little as six months or can take up to four years, depending on the course of education the student chooses. Online paralegal courses are offered through written coursework, reading assignments, email, online chats and virtual lectures.

Seven out of ten paralegals are employed by law firms and the rest work for government agencies and corporate legal departments, with a small number offering their services on a freelance basis to attorney and agencies. The United States Department of Labor states that the largest employers of paralegals within the Federal Government are the U.S. Department of Justice, the Social Security Administration and the Department of Treasury. The agency that offers certification and ethical guidelines to paralegals is the National Association of Legal Assistants, along with the National Federation for Paralegal Associations.

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