Legal Assistant/Paralegal

After completing the Paralegal Career Training Program, students will be able to:

If you want to become a paralegal and enjoy working in a rewarding, respected profession, Blackstone’s accredited paralegal training program can help you achieve your goals. Earning your paralegal certificate can provide the edge you need in your career as well as help you obtain professional certification.

Paralegals, sometimes referred to as legal assistants, are skilled professionals who serve in a variety of capacities in the legal community. They provide valuable services, typically while working under the supervision of lawyers. Paralegals are often responsible for conducting research, drafting legal documents, working with clients, and assisting in trial preparation.

Are there paralegal job opportunities out there? And what about job security?

When you become a paralegal, you’ll benefit from a high level of job security. A steadily increasing need for paralegals in the private sector as well as in various government offices means even when other elements of the economy slow down, the need for paralegals will continue to grow. This is because paralegals can provide many of the same services as lawyers, but at a lower cost.

In recent years, the number of new jobs in the national paralegal market outpaced the growth rate for most other jobs. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates employment for paralegals will grow up to 18% through 2020.

Choosing to become a paralegal opens up a wide range of employment opportunities at private law firms, large corporations, insurance companies, and government agencies. Some paralegals choose to work in community legal aid offices, helping to bring legal services to those who wouldn’t normally have access to such help.

What kind of salary could a paralegal earn?

You can expect to earn an attractive salary when you become a paralegal. According to the 2012-2013 Occupational Outlook Handbook, top paralegal pay was over $74,870 in 2010, while the middle 50 percent of paralegals earned between $46,680.

When I become a paralegal, where can I work?

Paralegals fill an assortment of positions in almost every locale in law firms and a multitude of other entities. Often, paralegals choose positions based on unique interests and skills, previous work experience, or future goals for specialization and advancement.

When you become a paralegal, you may work in a corporate legal department handling employee benefits and contracts, or performing necessary regulatory research and analysis. Or, you could work for a small law firm and use your knowledge of all aspects of law, or a large law firm where you will specialize in areas such as criminal law or real estate law.

Organizations that employ paralegals include:

Paralegals also work for federal, state, and local government. Large numbers of paralegals work for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

No matter what your interests, the paralegal field—with its unlimited variety of employers, specialties, and positions—likely holds the perfect opportunity for you and your dreams for the future.

Are you ready to become a paralegal and enter a respected profession with a competitive salary, high job security, and rewarding job responsibilities? Get started now with Blackstone’s accredited paralegal training program.

Enroll online or call 1-800-826-9228 to speak with an admissions advisor.

Our accredited online Paralegal Career Training Program provides foundation-level knowledge and skills in general law which prepares you to work in a law firm, bank, court, government agency, or one of dozens of organizations who are depending more on legal assistants/paralegals today. You will acquire entry level skills needed to:

Start your path to success … Obtain your online paralegal certificate! Once you enroll in the Blackstone Paralegal Training Program, you’ll receive the following paralegal course materials—all included in your tuition:

Blackstone Modern American Law Series

This set of 14 e-volumes will become a valuable lifelong reference. E-Texts average 155 pages, with almost 2,150 pages in all.

Blackstone Law Glossary

This extra e-volume gives a concise definition of legal terms and phrases that the law student is likely to encounter, plus the phonetic pronunciation of words—an invaluable tool when going through the Blackstone course.

 Legal Research and Writing – Part 1 Study Unit

This e-volume provides a solid foundation in legal research, covering an introduction to the U.S. legal system; primary and secondary sources; computer-assisted legal research; conducting, updating and verifying legal research; and legal analysis.

Legal Research and Writing – Part 2 Study Unit

Building on the information presented in Part I, this e-volume focuses on the skills paralegals need to perform on-the-job professional legal writing. The e-volume covers the preparation of legal letters, legal research memorandums, trial court legal memorandums, and appellate briefs.

How to Find a Job as a Paralegal Study Unit

This e-volume provides readers with the vital information necessary to begin an exciting career in the legal field. Candidates learn about the various legal work environments and specialty areas for which paralegals are in demand. In addition, the e-volume covers crucial information about starting the job search, guidelines for resumé and cover letter writing, and some rules for having a successful interview. Tips for succeeding on the job are also presented in this unit.

Ethics for Paralegals Study Unit

This e-volume covers the evolution of the paralegal profession; job responsibilities; confidentiality, conduct, and ethics; working as a freelance or independent paralegal; and lifelong learning.

Access to Blackstone’s Online Student Center

Along with your traditional course items, you will gain unlimited access to Blackstone’s Online Student Center, where you can chat real-time with other students, participate in online discussions, take exams at your convenience, and receive instantaneous Grade Reports, and receive up-to-the-minute news about Blackstone Career Institute.

LexisNexis® Student Membership

Blackstone Legal Assistant/Paralegal students will receive a four-month membership to LexisNexis®, the premier online research tool of legal professionals. Learn the research skills you’ll need to perform in the workplace!

In addition, Blackstone will also provide you with:

Testing Throughout the Course

We support your success with 31 exams (approximately 120 pages in all), and six writing exercises to assist you and the Blackstone staff your understanding of the concepts.

Documents

You will receive an official transcript and a Legal Assistant and Paralegal certificate upon successful completion of the entire program. A copy of your transcript will also be on permanent file with Blackstone and is available for a nominal fee.

Ample Time to Complete Your Online Course

You have up to one year to complete the Blackstone Legal Assistant and Paralegal Program and earn your Paralegal Certificate. Take charge of your paralegal training!

Individual Grading

Your mailed or e-mailed assignments will be individually graded by Blackstone’s team of qualified instructors. When you submit your exams through the Online Student Center, you will receive an electronic Grade Report instantly.

Support

Your success is important to us! Any time you need assistance, please contact us. We will be more than happy to assist you with any questions or problems you encounter with the course materials or exams.

Affordable Tuition

Your tuition cost covers your entire program, including all e-volumes, e-study guides, exam evaluation services, access to the Online Student Center, LexisNexis® Student Membership, and your certificate upon graduation.

Financial Assistance

Blackstone’s financial assistance programs include Military Tuition Assistance, Military Spouse MyCAA and GI Bill Education Benefits for veterans. BCI also offers its own payment plans, which are interest-free.

*All Materials included in tuition price.*

Blackstone Career Institute makes it easy for you to receive a quality education at an affordable cost. Choose the payment plan that best fits your needs and get started today!

Available Payment Plans

Remember: Use the promo code “TAPP” when you are enrolling!

All tuition plans are interest FREE! Choose affordable education on your terms. Speak with an Admissions Advisor at 1-800-826-9228 or enroll online now.