Are you thinking twice about pursuing a paralegal online program? You shouldn’t doubt this field of study. It provides you with multiple opportunities to learn more about different kinds of laws and their applications in various industries.
It provides insights and experience of what life could be like as a lawyer or working in a law firm. If you doubt your career choice as a paralegal, here are reasons to keep pushing.
Career Longevity
There will always be a need for lawyers regardless of the industry; these lawyers will need reliable paralegals to assist them. There will be more than 40,000 available jobs for those with a paralegal degree by the early 2020s. You don’t have to worry about looking for a job when you get into this program.
Connection with Clients
Paralegals require multiple skills; one of these is an ability to communicate and connect with people. Lawyers manage the work and make decisions, but their paralegal will directly meet with or discuss the viability of a case with a client.
They’ll make phone calls, have meetings and assess the documents and merits of a case presented to the firm. Other than these responsibilities, they’ll have to collect data and work with their counterparts throughout the process.
Easy Career to Enter
Lawyers have to go through almost a decade of schooling and must take and pass the bar exam. They will then compete for limited positions in law firms against some of the best students in the country. This stiff competition makes it difficult to enter the profession or get a job in a high paying firm.
On the other hand, paralegals have plenty of opportunities. This career doesn’t require you to go through years of school and pass the bar. You can become certified in less than a year; there are several online programs that get you this.
The Chance to Help
Earning a living is the goal, but you also want to help others. A career as a paralegal provides you with this opportunity. The kind of help you can provide depends on the industry you are in. You can help someone get compensation from a personal injury case or help others protect their patents and ideas.
You can also help settle a divorce and resolve child custody battles.
More Challenging Work
The job of a paralegal is evolving; they are no longer just assistants. They are now doing more challenging work. Successful professionals in this industry are analytical, problem solvers that can think outside the box. They can gather data and analyze them until they find possible solutions.
They also have to deal with and negotiate with clients. They must keep abreast of changing laws in their chosen practice area.
Preparation for Law School or Job as a Lawyer
A paralegal will develop the skills necessary for law school or a planned career as a lawyer. The exposure to different practice areas will provide you with insights you won’t get in a classroom. You’ll also meet clients that you can leverage as future connections.
These are just some of the reasons to consider a paralegal career. There are many opportunities out there for you, once you have the experience in your chosen practice area.