Specialize in the Paralegal Field

Why Specialize?

1. Broaden your skill set in a specific area of law to enhance and build on your general paralegal training. Consequently, this may increase your advancement opportunities and earning potential.
2. Sharpen your paralegal resume with advanced industry-related knowledge in a legal specialty. Therefore, additional credentials show initiative and may contribute to your resume standing out to potential law firms.
   
3. Possible increase in your pay rate. Generally speaking, the more education you gain, the more you qualify for advancement which typically leads to a higher salary.
4. It increases your opportunities for employment. Larger law firms tend to hire paralegals with a specialization, while smaller firms typically hire Paralegals with general knowledge. Thus by continuing your education in a specialized area, you are more likely to be considered for a position at any firm.  The more job opportunities you qualify for, the greater your chances for employment.
5. It’s an expansion – not a limitation. To specialize in a Paralegal field is different than “concentrating” in a job area. As a result, specializing in a particular area of the law will expand your skill set and could open doors that may otherwise be closed.
6. Love what you do. Research which specialty areas are currently in high demand while also considering a specialization. Furthermore, determine the area of law you would like to specialize in based on what you enjoy, find interesting, or that which best utilizes your talents.

 

Specialized Online Paralegal Programs at Blackstone Career Institute:

Because of this, all of Blackstone’s advanced paralegal courses focus on a specialized area of law. Above all, we provide you with in-depth information to expand your legal knowledge and prepare you for a paralegal certification. Ready to learn how to become a paralegal with a specialty focus? Specialize in one or more of the following law specialties:

Civil Litigation: 

A balanced mix of legal theory and practical legal skills designed to gain a deeper understanding of the litigation process. Includes the relevant rules and procedures and the role a paralegal plays in a litigation trial. It is important to memorize the legal terms of litigation and to learn how to draft documents commonly used in litigation.

Business and Corporate Law: 

Important topics related to business law include: traditional and online dispute resolution, sales and leases, warranties, product liability, consumer law. Also: e-contracts, negotiable instruments, corporations, financing, investor protection, online securities offerings, real and personal property, agency and employment, and international law in a global economy. According to a study performed by the National Association of Legal Assistants, approximately 30% of all paralegals identify their specialty as corporate law.

Criminal Law:

The predominance of criminal law cases within the legal system has caused an increasingly high demand for paralegals trained in this field. Prepare to participate in trial preparations and procedures. This specialization challenges those to apply their legal reasoning skills to realistic case scenarios and analysis problems.

Family Law:

Family Law uses articles, cases, and examples to describe a paralegal’s role in matters of family law. Paralegals will be able to assist attorneys as they draft premarital and cohabitation agreements and help clients start or end their marriages. Similarly, paralegals set up a mutually agreeable child custody arrangement, clarify paternity, adopt a child, litigate tort cases, and more.

Real Estate Law:

Different forms of ownership of real property, aspects of real estate finance and title insurance, and special circumstances surrounding the ownership of condominiums and cooperatives. A paralegal’s role is to assist the attorney with the reading and preparation of various real estate documents. Consequently, these may include encumbrances, easements, licenses, contracts, deeds, titles, closings, surveys, land descriptions, and leases.

Personal Injury/Torts:

The area of law primarily responsible for making citizens whole after they have been injured by the wrongs of others. Likewise, a specialist in this field should be knowledgeable of specific torts such as battery, assault, negligence, strict liability, and torts within and against family members.

Wills, Trusts, and Estates:

Paralegal specialists in Wills, Trusts, and Estates will assist attorneys as they plan estates, explain rights, draft wills,  and set up trusts. Yet, tasks may also consist of appointing personal representatives, probating wills, filing estate taxes, and representing clients in probate court.

Practical Bankruptcy Law:

Understand the building blocks of bankruptcy law by explaining cases from the perspective of the debtor, the trustee, and the creditor. Also, discuss the special rules and procedures that must be followed in each type of case. Be expert in how cases are commenced, converted, dismissed, and closed.

 

How to Specialize:

Interested in learning how to become a Paralegal? Are you looking to specialize in a specific area of the paralegal profession? Choose to advance your education and increase your experience by contacting our helpful faculty and staff directly, today! Contact us at (800) 826-9228 to learn more and enhance your education with Blackstone!