PARALEGAL SPECIALIST

Program Description

A paralegal, or legal assistant, works confidentially alongside lawyers who delegate many tasks that they, themselves might undertake.  At InterCoast College, the Paralegal Certificate Program concentrates on developing familiarity in and around major aspects of the legal profession so that you may be a marketable candidate in a competitive field of interest and have the best employment opportunities. 

Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 28 percent between 2008 and 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations.* Right now is the best time to take advantage of the anticipated growth, and get a head start in reaching your goals of becoming a paralegal.

In the program, you will be given study in specialized areas of the law, with those designated areas pertinent to paralegals, such as preparing documents for trials and other legal proceedings, researching legal precedence, and investigating specifics in laws pertaining to a particular case.  You will also need to gain the knowledge to prepare written reports, legal arguments, and motions for trial.  

Organizational habits are essential, as well; you will need to maintain and file documents in an orderly fashion so that attorneys have easy access to them.  Finally, because you will frequently work with the public, you will need to be courteous and uphold the ethical standards of the legal profession.

What can I expect to learn in Paralegal Certificate Programs or in an Online Paralegal School?

You may be coming to InterCoast Colleges already having earned a degree in another field of study.    Some enter the program having experience in tax preparation, criminal justice or nursing.  Or perhaps you are just leaving high school and desire to increase your experience in law.  In any situation, we can help provide you with the paralegal program that ultimately satisfies demand in the industry and suits your personal preferences.  Overall, this will prove advantageous in the labor market.

By the end of your studies, you will have a good grasp of legal terminology, have good research and investigative skills, and will be familiar with the operation and applications of computers and those programs utilized in legal research and litigation support.  These critical education requirements will provide the road map to your destination in any number of different legal organizations of your choosing.

Program Objectives

As the law grows more perplexing, so does the need for more formally trained, experienced paralegals.  The InterCoast Colleges Paralegal Certificate Program is designed to provide students with a complete understanding of the legal system, from the law office, through the State and Federal Court Systems, and local agencies.

You will develop an extensive knowledge in interviewing, investigation and trial preparation from the initial client interview through post-trial procedures.  Legal research will piggyback much of the core curriculum.

With the possibility of financial aid qualification, you may find your initial paralegal specialist education easier to obtain.  Take that first step toward a vast realm of paralegal opportunities available by placing the call that gets you rolling with your new legal education endeavors!  

 
Where can a Paralegal Certificate Program or Online Paralegal Education take me?

InterCoast Colleges' graduates will be qualified for entry-level positions in the law field as a Paralegal, which can be found in varying organizations, but primarily in law firms—accounting for about 71 percent*—legal departments, and government offices.

Advancement opportunities in the paralegal field lie in wait for those who wish to pursue them, including that of supervisory and managerial positions, where you could be privy to supervising and delegating duties to other paralegals and clerical staff.  Other law-related positions within legal departments may present their own opportunities for advancement.  Once your paralegal certificate program is completed, there’s no telling how far you can climb.

 
Your Future Within Reach

You need a quality paralegal education if you want to compete in today's economy. Let InterCoast Colleges help you achieve your career goals of becoming a paralegal.  Courses are now available online.  You may even qualify for financial assistance.  We welcome your phone call today.  Call 877-227-3377.
 

Occupational Objectives

With a projected growth that’s much faster-than-average, paralegal employment opportunities are at their prime.  That’s why InterCoast Colleges offers a Paralegal Certificate Program that you can complete within one year!   

During a 10-year span from 2008-2018, occupations of paralegals are expected to soar to 104,000 individual job openings, as an expanding population will increasingly require legal services.*  Those that act now, gaining the  proper education necessary, may effectively assist employers in the offices of:

• Private law firms

• Public defenders

• Attorney generals

• Corporate legal departments

• Legal aid organizations

• Government agencies

• Community organizations

• Banks

• And more!

Within these legal organizations, you can use the paralegal education and training received at InterCoast Colleges in many different areas of the law:  litigation, personal injury, corporate and criminal law, real estate, labor law, bankruptcy, immigration, and family law.  

  

Ultimately, the well-educated and trained paralegal can earn a salary, possible bonuses, overtime pay, vacation, paid sick leave, a savings plan, life insurance, personal paid time off, dental in surance, and reimbursement for continuing legal education.*

When can I expect to finish my Paralegal Studies?

For over 26 years, InterCoast College has been helping career-focused individuals achieve their educational goals in the shortest time possible.  

 For those paralegal students who actively pursue their education with consistent effort and application, passing the mandatory requirements for graduation, a well-deserved diploma will be presented in a mere 40 weeks or 900 hours.  Be sure to check out the positive data below for graduation success rates in paralegal studies.

 

CIP CODE: 22.0302                                              O*NET: 23-2011.00                                SOC CODE: 23-2011

 

Click on this link for more detailed information about Paralegal Specialists from the U.S. Department of Labor.  http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.00

 

Educational Requirements

The InterCoast Colleges online paralegal school—or paralegal certificate program available on campus—is devoted to staying abreast of the many day-to-day changes in the legal field.  We take pride in being able to offer you the exact educational courses that will enable you to make a difference in the legal profession, prepare for certification testing, and be the best employee you can be.  

Today’s busy adult requires more options, and that gives InterCoast Colleges ample reason to respond.  You can attend class at one of our many convenient locations during the week in the morning, afternoon or evenings—some classes are even offered during weekends.  Now with the additional choice of Online Paralegal Education, you can work on obtaining your certificate through the Internet at your own pace, anytime, day or night.  

To top it off, evidence shows that with small student-teacher ratios, you will be taught more thoroughly and be better trained to meet the highest expectations of future employers.  When you decide to let us point the way, your success as a Paralegal Specialist could be waiting right around the corner!

Caring Instructors
The InterCoast Colleges faculty is comprised of experienced industry veterans who possess superior job-related knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm in teaching.  They are sensitive to your needs as a student and concerned for your progress.  You will work with the most current resource materials inside an atmosphere conducive to learning—all in a friendly, non-competitive environment.  Now it can be that much easier to obtain success in your Paralegal courses.

What specific Paralegal Certificate Courses are required?
InterCoast College has you in mind with its outlined paralegal courses.  They take clock hours into account, as well as credit hours, so you can maximize your education efforts.  Out in the field, you’ll find the classes you’ve completed match the career specifications, and that you are sufficiently prepared for the challenging and rewarding work that lies ahead.

Class Title                      Total Clock Hours     Credit

 

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11.

For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, visit www.intercoast.edu

Home | Programs | Locations | Financial Aid | Career Services | Employment | School Calendar / Upcoming Events

Copyright 2011 Intercoast, All Rights Reserved