Online Paralegal Degrees

The original concept of paralegals started with the Attorneys Assistants of the United Kingdom, where paralegals may be found today, acting as assistants to fully qualified solicitors. The role of a paralegal in the USA is similar: an administrative person who works under the direct supervision of a lawyer. Paralegals and legal document assistants (LDAs) are often mistaken for one another; however, in most jurisdictions, paralegals are not permitted to contract directly with consumers for the preparation of legal documents.

U.S. Paralegal or Legal Assistant courses of study have long been available in associate's degree or certificate programs at community colleges and private universities. There is also a growing trend in similar four-year programs being offered at universities. More and more prestigious universities offer bachelor's degrees and post-baccalaureate certificates in the subject.

In the United States, there is no such thing as a 'licensed paralegal'. Paralegals can be registered or certified. Certification or registration is voluntary in most US states, it prepares a paralegal for the profession. In many prospective roles, registration or certification of the Paralegal may increase the likelihood of hire or promotion, serving to identify a person as capable of work that is on par with certain standards.

A large proportion of paralegals are commissioned as notaries public (an officer who can administer oaths and statutory declarations, witness and authenticate documents, and perform certain other acts).