Virginia Paralegal Schools

A wealth of federal and state government agencies require the services of paralegals to ensure the legality of contracts and policies. Virginia paralegal schools offer specialized training for aspirants to earn a paralegal degree and enter positions at these agencies, and Virginia law firms and medium and large firms also have openings in this field, one of the fastest growing in the United States until 2018.

Profiles of Well Known Schools

Marymount University: Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia offers an American Bar Association approved Master of Arts in Legal Administration, a Graduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies, a Bachelor of Arts in Paralegal Studies, and an Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies. The Undergraduate Certificate is 30 credit hours, the BA is the standard four years, and the MA is 36 credit hours. Masters students must choose between two tracks: Legal Specialty Training and Paralegals Moving into Paralegal Administration. Individuals enrolled in the Graduate Certificate program are required to complete 24 hours of pro bono legal work for an approved community organization such as the Florian Foundation or Catholic Charities.

Northern Virginia Community College: An American Bar Association approved Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies is available at the Northern Virginia Community College. This 65 hour course of study takes two years to complete and 33 hours are dedicated to major courses. Fundamental Paralegal Studies courses include Introduction to Law and the Legal Assistant, Family Law, Legal Research, and Legal Writing. The internship course is an elective, but few students forgo the opportunity to obtain hands-on law office experience.

How to Become a Paralegal in Virginia

Virginia paralegal aspirants will want to focus on legal research and developing strong writing skills. Many two year associate’s degree programs begin with introductory legal ethics and structure courses, as well as basic English composition classes. From there, courses focus on criminal and civil litigation, using legal databases and computer systems to find applicable case law, before moving on to more specific aspects of the legal system. Like first-year law students, paralegal aspirants in Virginia also learn about contracts and tort law, as well as family law.

Paralegal Schools in Virginia

There are two American Bar Association certified Virginia paralegal programs: J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond that offers two-year associates degree programs focusing on either litigation or general practice, and Marymount University that offers four-year bachelor’s degree programs and post-baccalaureate certificates. Marymount University also offers post-grad coursework and continuing education programs. Northern Virginia Community College is also an option in Alexandria, but online options may offer more flexibility and are available from a number of institutions including Kaplan University and Virginia College.

Top Law Firms for Paralegal Graduates in Virginia

Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen, P.C., also called The Allen Law Firm, has eight offices across the state of Virginia. A personal injury law firm, The Allen Law Firm has been recognized by US News as a top tier firm, and has also been ranked as one of the best places to work in Virginia. The firm has an excellent reputation and provides competitive salaries and benefits to its staff. Albo & Oblon, LLP has five offices in Virginia, from which it provides a full spectrum of legal representation to businesses and individuals. The firm is looking to expand its practice areas, and as a continually growing firm regularly recruits for paralegals. Woods Rogers PLC is one of the largest law firms in Virginia west of Richmond, and specializes in business and litigation. Woods Rogers offers paralegals the opportunity to work in a sophisticated office in a local environment that contributes to a high quality of life.

Virginia Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

Three out of every four Virginia paralegals make more than $36,700, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Paralegal aspirants can find a number of government openings throughout the state, especially near Washington, D.C. and Hampton Roads. With the average salary close to $50,000, opportunities for advancement exist, as do lateral moves to other law firms, corporations or agencies, as well as supervising aspects of the department or firm.

Online and Virginia Paralegal Schools

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.