Washington D.C. Paralegal Schools

Washington D.C. has a huge legal community and paralegals play a key role at thousands of law firms, government agencies, and corporations in the area. Paralegal schools in the Washington D.C. area offer specialized training for individuals interested in the interesting and always changing legal field without having to spend several years and many thousands of dollars on a law degree.

How to Become a Paralegal in Washington D.C.

To become qualified to work as a paralegal, a common path is to earn a paralegal degree at an accredited college. Coursework for paralegal degree programs can include introductory courses on how the legal system functions and the fundamentals of contract law and tort law before drilling down into advanced courses on specialized areas of law. Associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs include additional required courses outside of legal studies. Earning a degree can also help you attain a national paralegal certification such as the Certified Paralegal or Registered Paralegal certification which can help you secure a job. Individual employers have varying levels of education requirements for job candidates.

Paralegal Schools in Washington D.C.

There are several options for those interested in attending a school that offers paralegal training in the District of Columbia. The only ABA Approved Paralegal Education Program is provided by Georgetown University. An alternative to attending an on-campus program is to enroll in one of the online paralegal degree programs available including the paralegal certificate program at Boston University, an associate’s in paralegal at Everest University Online or a bachelor’s in paralegal studies at Kaplan University.

Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

While some new law school grads have struggled to find employment during the economic downturn, the market for paralegals has been more favorable due to factors like the lower cost to employers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for full-time paralegals and legal assistants was $46,120 in 2008 and employment for paralegals is expected to grow 28 percent between 2008 and 2011. Several factors are contributing to demand for paralegals including retiring baby boomers, a growing population that will need legal services, and the growth of prepaid legal services.

Online and Washington D.C. Paralegal Schools