Masters in Paralegal Studies

Paralegals and legal assistants usually work behind the scenes and form the support staff of lawyers; assisting them daily in preparing for trials, hearings and corporate meetings. Their main duties include carrying out legal research, maintaining and organizing files as well as drafting documents. While lesser credentials such as associate or bachelor’s degrees may be enough to pursue a career as a paralegal, a master’s degree in paralegal studies can give students a distinctive edge in the competitive job market.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of paralegals and legal assistants is estimated to grow by 17 per cent from 2012 to 2022, a rate that is faster than the average of all other occupations. Paralegals and legal assistants are much in demand and many are seeking higher qualifications. Many accredited universities and colleges are thus offering masters in paralegal studies degree programs to cater to this demand for advanced degrees.

Admission Requirements

Generally, in order to enroll in masters degree programs in paralegal studies, students need to have at least an associate or bachelor’s degree. The exact admission requirements may vary from school to school. Some schools might also conduct admission tests followed by interviews.

General Curriculum

A masters in paralegal studies can typically be completed in two years. Students have the option of pursuing a full time on campus or an online degree program. While the curriculum may vary from program to program, generally, students in masters in paralegal studies degree programs get to study courses such as:

• Litigation
• Legal research and writing
• American jurisprudence
• Corporations and contract law
• Government contracts law
• Administrative law
• Elements of intellectual property law
• Prosecution on intellectual property law
• Litigation in intellectual property law
• International litigation
• International  trade and finance

Masters degree programs in paralegal studies may require students to undertake an independent research and present a final thesis or dissertation. Masters degree programs are usually designed in such a way that students get a good grasp on the philosophical, historical, theoretical and practical study of law. Students in master’s degree programs benefit from good analytical and critical thinking skills learnt during the course of the program and are able to utilize their knowledge in the best possible manner, in any legal professional setting.
Many paralegal master’s degree programs offer internship opportunities for students, in which students can gain valuable practical experience by working in offices of public defenders, private law firms, corporate legal department s or government agencies.

Specialization Areas

Master’s degree students in paralegal studies can specialize in areas such as:

• Personal injury,
• Litigation
• Criminal law
• Corporate law,
• Intellectual property
• Family law
• Immigration
• Bankruptcy
• Real estate

Online Masters Degree in Paralegal Studies

 Many accredited universities offer online masters degree programs in paralegal studies. The course curriculum is usually the same as on campus programs. Online programs are usually more flexible and affordable than on campus programs. Working professionals and career changers can easily pursue online master’s degree programs in paralegal studies and enhance their legal knowledge. They can study wherever they want and wherever they want without disrupting their normal working routines. Online programs also tend to be cheaper than on campus programs and students get to save on stationary and transport costs.

Pay

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $46,990 in May 2012.