Paralegal Studies

Stark State College has begun the first phase of its new Paralegal Studies program. 

DEGREE EARNED
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies

WHAT DO PARALEGALS DO? 
Paralegals assist attorneys in the preparation of legal documents, conduct legal research, interview clients, and perform a variety of other tasks in a law office.  Paralegals may be employed by private law firms or work in government offices.

HOW IS A PARALEGAL DIFFERENT FROM A LEGAL ASSISTANT? 
Legal assistants perform some of the same duties as paralegals, such a conducting research or assisting in drafting documents.  However, legal assistants also perform more “office oriented” administrative duties, such as filing and scheduling. Consequently, legal assistants usually need to possess a secretarial or clerical background in addition to their legal training.  In contrast, paralegals are more directly involved with legal case work than legal assistants.  Their career preparation requires a more extensive legal background, as well as in-depth training in legal research and case resolution; most paralegals have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

ARE THERE JOBS OUT THERE?
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for paralegals are growing faster than average compared to other occupations.  In fact, in 2008, the Bureau projected a growth of twenty-eight percent in jobs for paralegals and legal assistants by the year 2018.  The average salary for a paralegal is about $46,000 annually.

WANT TO LEARN MORE? 
Contact Angela Smith Alder, coordinator of the Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies programs, at (330) 494-6170, Ext. 5282, or via email at asmithalder@starkstate.edu