Master in Paralegal Studies: The Ideal Degree for Legal Careers

The decision to pursue a master’s degree in paralegal studies is an important one. In this article, we’ll explore the most common reasons why students choose to do so. Find out what a Master in Paralegal Studies means for your career. and also Explore the benefits of completing a master’s degree in paralegal studies.

What is a Master’s Degree in Paralegal Studies?

The educational opportunities and certifications for paralegals are expanding as more and more states, including Texas, recognize the role paralegals play in the legal field. According to the ABA, by 2020, the number of paralegals in the U.S. will reach 800,000. Here’s the full article.

Section 2: 6 common reasons for earning a master’s degree in paralegal studies

In the six main reasons you may be considering getting a master’s degree in paralegal studies, we highlight six of the most common:

In response to a nationwide shortage of paralegals.
To get ahead in your career, which requires multiple certifications.
To pursue a specialty in your field, such as elder law.
To learn the legal code and help customers navigate the law.

Benefits of pursuing a master’s degree in paralegal studies?

Becoming a paralegal gives you the chance to help your clients achieve the best possible outcomes for themselves and their businesses. Many of today’s laws affect everyday life.

Whether you’re an attorney, a paralegal, or an administrative assistant, a paralegal degree can be your ticket to a rewarding career in law. Consider the growing need for legal services: Americans spend $12 billion per year on legal services. And as the economy has improved, demand for legal services has also increased.

Doing a master’s degree in paralegal studies can help you find new career opportunities and keep pace with the demand for legal services.

Get to know the Accredited Programs

Most law schools have a program in paralegal studies. Typically, you can either earn a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies, or you can complete your paralegal studies toward a paralegal certificate.

You can choose to earn your certificate in a matter of months, or you can take an in-depth program that will take longer.

The certificate program typically prepares you for a paralegal position, whereas the degree program is designed to prepare you to lead a paralegal practice. Either way, you will need a paralegal license to practice.

Become a practicing attorney

Many students believe that a degree in paralegal studies is limited to clerical work. That’s not true.

Reasons why people pursue a master’s degree in paralegal studies?

1. Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Paralegal Studies Will Have the Best Impact on Your Career Path

Perhaps the most important reason you should consider completing a master’s degree in paralegal studies is so that you can have a more impactful career. By getting a master’s degree in paralegal studies, you will earn more advanced skills that will prove to be valuable and valuable in your current and future employment.

For example, if you are hired for a paralegal position in the legal field, you may already be required to conduct some research, send out notices, make invoices, and perform data entry. These are all very important tasks that need to be completed in the legal field, yet you might not have the necessary skills to do these tasks effectively and efficiently.

The Chance for Career Growth

Is your career going nowhere? Many professions require that you take certain steps to advance. In the paralegal field, students may complete graduate degrees to get certified and gain credentials in the specialty they’ve chosen.

Although there are some specialties that require specific types of certifications, others, like law, require only a basic level of knowledge, meaning that no certification is required.

Of course, you don’t want to go into a law career without ever getting a formal education. But a career in paralegal studies has many benefits, including growth opportunities in various fields. One of the most common roles in this field is assisting attorneys in the courtroom, which can lead to more broad and diversified work.

A Path Towards Higher Education

Getting a master’s degree in paralegal studies may seem like an intimidating task, but it is an excellent way to increase your professional status. Once you have your bachelor’s degree, you will have received a certain level of education and you’ll be prepared to enter the workplace.

Once you’ve completed your master’s degree, you will have a certificate that will allow you to enter the workforce and work toward becoming a paralegal. You can earn a nice salary with your master’s degree, and it’s an excellent way to prepare yourself for a future career.

You will work in a variety of different fields

Since paralegals are often hired by law firms to work in different areas, it makes sense to earn a master’s degree in paralegal studies.

The Academic Credential

The legal field is fast-paced and ever-changing. Students are entering the workforce with fewer skills than they had prior to school. A master’s degree can prepare you for a wide range of opportunities. You’ll be able to:

Know how laws apply to a particular area of law
Attend more industry-related events
Receive industry training and accreditation
Take higher-level certification exams
Meet and network with high-level business professionals
Apply for a variety of jobs with an advanced degree
The salaries

The higher paid the job, the more you can expect to make. As stated earlier, there are many paralegal jobs and a master’s degree can help you get the job that you want.

The Increase in Demand for Skilled Professionals

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of employed paralegals in the U.S. will grow by 42% by 2024. That’s a large increase, and it’s due to the needs of both large corporations and small businesses.

One of the main reasons for this is that “a new generation of managers has grown up accustomed to working with paralegals and is moving to train their own,” according to Technology Review.

In fact, according to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, the average age of a paralegal is 47. That is a concern for those employers looking to hire individuals with the skill set to handle a broad range of legal matters, especially since millennials have a reputation of turning to paralegals to do legal work.

According to the U.S.

A Step up from Associate’s Degree Programs

A paralegal program prepares students for a variety of careers and offers the ideal option for those students looking for an additional credential to obtain. A paralegal certificate program, for instance, is an entry-level credential to demonstrate that the candidate has successfully completed the work. Therefore, a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies is generally a stepping stone to a master’s degree or other certification.

A top-notch education

Most programs for paralegal studies are offered at a top-notch academic institution. For instance, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale offers a master’s degree in paralegal studies. New York University, DePaul University, and the University of Kansas offer master’s programs in paralegal studies, too.

Subsection

There are several distinct advantages to completing a master’s degree in paralegal studies. From a young age, the idea of working as a paralegal can be an appealing prospect. Although, paralegals can, and do, work in a wide range of fields, the skills they develop and the educational background they attain are easily transferable to other careers and areas of practice.

Careers

Survey the current job market in your area. Choose a field that involves interpersonal interaction with clients and with other professionals in that field. Paralegals may work in banking, family law, and most kinds of legal firms, among others. And while many paralegals pursue graduate programs in paralegal studies, many also choose to study to become an attorney.

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