Top Paralegal Schools
Seeking paralegal training is a smart career move. Although some employers fully train their own paralegals, this option is become very rare. This segment of the legal field is growing rapidly and, with this growth, comes competition for the best jobs. In order to remain a viable candidate for these top jobs, therefore, you should have formal training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “formally trained paralegals should have the best employment opportunities” in the coming years.
But this creates a challenge.
What paralegal training program is best for you? How do you find such a school? What qualities distinguish top paralegal schools from the mediocre ones?
No Licensing Requirements = No Educational Standards
Finding a good paralegal training program is not an easy process. Because there are no licensing rules for paralegals—in any state—there are no uniform educational standards for paralegal schools.
As a result, the educational requirements of paralegal schools vary widely as does the quality of their training programs. This leaves you with a big decision. Which schools—out of the estimated 600 paralegal training programs in the United States—should you put on your list of the top paralegal schools?
Narrow the List
The best way to narrow your list of paralegal schools is to find out which ones have been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA).
Although schools do not need ABA approval to operate, having such an endorsement is an indication that their training programs have met some standards of quality. In order for a school to be approved by the ABA, it must submit appropriate documents along with a self-evaluation report for the ABA’s consideration. In addition, an evaluation team from the ABA will visit the campus to assess its worthiness for approval.
There are approximately 250 ABA-approved paralegal training programs around the county.
What is Quality Paralegal Training?
Although there are no uniform educational standards for paralegal training programs, the American Association for Paralegal Education has recognized the necessary ingredients for a quality paralegal education. They are:
- Facilities
- Faculty
- Curriculum development
- Paralegal instruction
- Marketing and promotion
- Student services
- Related competencies
Facilities
Paralegal training programs should have the appropriate facilities needed to provide their students with the best learning tools. Although this might cover a broad area, it basically means that the classroom environment should be conducive to learning. This also means that, among other things, their students should have access to a law library for training in legal research methods
Faculty
The faculty of top paralegal schools should consist of knowledgeable instructors who have graduate degrees in their fields. A majority of their instructors should be legal professionals who are also experienced teachers.
Curriculum development
A quality paralegal training program should constantly monitor the changes within the legal field and adjust their curriculums accordingly.
Paralegal Instruction
Top paralegal schools should offer instruction in the following areas:
- The American legal system
- Ethics
- Delivery of legal services
- Substantive and procedural law
- The paralegal profession
- Law offices and related environments
- Legal research and writing
- Law-related computer skills
- Legal interviewing and investigation
Marketing and Promotion
All advertising and marketing of top paralegal schools should be ethical and should fully disclose all facts about the course of study, its statistics of successful job placement, employment opportunities for paralegals, etc.
Student Services
Top paralegal schools should offer its students a full range of career counseling services, career placement assistance, and opportunities to participate in honor societies.
Related Competencies
A quality paralegal school should provide its students a general educational environment that fosters such qualities as:
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Organizational skills
- Computer skills
- Understanding ethics
- Computational skills
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Everest University Online
Everest University Online, a Division of Everest University makes career-training convenient and accessible. With courses tailored for working students and others who need a more flexible class schedule, Everest University Online allows students to learn from home and offers the same well-respected curriculum available at a traditional campus.
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Kaplan University Online
Kaplan University is an accredited university, offering more than 200 degrees and programs. Choose from graduate, undergraduate, certificate, and diploma programs in fields ranging from business and technology to health sciences, fire sciences, legal studies, nursing, education and more.
Our professors, many of whom have real-world experience, can help you develop your talent and achieve your goals. We give you multiple options for starting your education. Learn online, on campus, or at one of our learning centers. Becoming a Kaplan University student can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to complete your education on your terms.
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Keiser University eCampus Online
For over 35 years, Keiser University has provided student-centered, quality career education. Keiser University Online offers degree programs online to prepare students for in-demand professions. Degrees are offered with a curriculum that is in pace with technology and workforce demand trends in business, criminal justice, healthcare and computer technology. Our “one-class-at-a-time” approach allows busy students to focus on their education and balance the demands of work and family.
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South University Online
Welcome to South University, delivering quality education and personalized attention to students since 1899. Our online degree programs are designed to provide you with the freedom to attend class any time – day or night – from anywhere you connect to the Internet. At South University, you are in control of your education.
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Bay State College
Bay State History & Mission
For more than 60 years, Bay State College has been guided an enduring set of core values—Quality, Respect and Support. Over time, these values have brought us growth and success, and continue to do so today for our students.Mission Statement
Bay State College is a private college whose mission is to provide students with a quality education that prepares them for professional careers and increasing levels of higher education. Bay State College accomplishes this mission by providing a learning environment where teaching excellence and student services are blended to support the uniqueness of individual students, preparing them to achieve their full potential as ethically and socially aware citizens.
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Penn Foster Career School
Having the right skills is vitally important in today’s super-competitive job market. With online training from Penn Foster Career School, students are assured of learning up-to-date career skills that will prepare them for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Students at Penn Foster Career School can get the training they need quickly, conveniently, and affordably.
Penn Foster is one of the world’s largest and most respected online education providers. Their programs are job focused, and they offer training for employment in the fastest-growing fields in business, technology, health care, and the trades.
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Vista College Online
As a student of the 21st century, Vista College Online prepares you with the knowledge and training necessary to excel in our global economy. The ability to learn new information and obtain real-world skills wherever you want and whenever you want removes any barriers to pursuing your dream.
Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Vista College Online offers an interactive learning environment. Inside the virtual classroom you will find lecture notes, images, videos, and more designed to provide you with the same quality of education you would receive in the classroom. Discussion boards with your classmates and instructor and email exchanges keep you constantly connected and engaged in the online community. By taking advantage of the flexible scheduling option with Vista College Online, you are committing to a quality online learning experience designed to meet your educational needs.
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Globe Education
At Globe University and Minnesota School of Business we prepare students for exciting careers in high-value fields. Imagine getting paid for what you love doing. It all starts with career-based training at any one of our Globe University or Minnesota School of Business campuses. We offer master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees, diplomas and certificates. Our graduates are prepared for careers in business, health science, technology, legal science and creative media.
Here you will find a dynamic learning environment, with hands-on training that gives you the experience you need to succeed in the real world. We’re committed to helping you succeed, not only in your training, but in your chosen career.
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Everest College
Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities provides postsecondary education programs that prepare students for careers in some of America’s fastest growing industries, including health care, business and technology. Everest takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Everest’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
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Heald College
Heald College provides hands-on educational programs that can help students prepare for careers in healthcare, business, legal and technology. Heald takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Heald provides career services assistance for life. We help locate employment opportunities anytime throughout our graduates’ careers. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. High school diploma or GED required.