West Virginia Paralegal Schools

West Virginia paralegal schools aren’t numerous, but they do offer good opportunity for aspirants considering a career in the legal sector but who don’t want to become attorneys. Shorter programs focus on key law studies and research capabilities, preparing graduates for a paralegal degree and a career in one of the United States’ fastest growing sectors through 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How to Become a Paralegal in West Virginia

Legal subjects aside, one of the key skills that West Virginia paralegal aspirants develop is strong writing and research capabilities. Two-year associate’s degree programs place a heavy emphasis on finding relevant case law and writing effective arguments. In addition, West Virginia paralegal schools place emphasis on learning corporate and real estate law, as well as economics and legal administration coursework. Some programs also offer internships and independent study courses for application of these concepts.

Paralegal Schools in West Virginia

There is just one program certified by the American Bar Association, Mountwest Community and Technical College in Huntington, which offers associates degree programs in legal assistant studies for West Virginia residents. Others may appreciate the wealth of online options that are available for both two-year and four-year programs. Some online paralegal schools available to West Virginia residents, including Post University and Herzing University, as well as Keiser University and Rasmussen College.

West Virginia Paralegal Salary and Job Outlook

Thanks to a low cost of living relative to other states, West Virginia paralegals can do more with the $36,000 annual wage for legal assistants in the state. Salaries are flatter than in other states, but a paralegal in West Virginia can find opportunities at public sector agencies or corporate legal departments, as well as supervisory roles at law firms.

Online and West Virginia Paralegal Schools