What is a legal assistant / paralegal?

As per the ABA, a legal assistant or paralegal is a person, qualified by education, training, or work experience who is employed or retained by a lawyer, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.

The Pioneer Pacific College degree program in paralegal studies is designed to prepare students to enter the rapidly expanding and exciting legal field as a legal assistant / paralegal. The curriculum emphasizes the learning of practical skills and knowledge utilized in common legal specialties and is taught by legal professionals. Students will be qualified to meet the rigorous demands and expectations of the legal community.

It means you're working with others to see justice prevail. It means you care enough to work on behalf of those in need. It means you're standing up and making a difference.

These days, more and more people need legal representation, especially in the areas of intellectual property, health care, eldercare, sexual harassment, and environmental law.

As society continues to demand for justice for all, regardless of income level, it's expected that the legal profession will see major changes. As part of this trend, paralegals are projected to rank among the fastest growing occupations.

Private law firms will continue to be the largest employers of paralegals, but other organizations need paralegals, too, including corporate legal departments, insurance companies, real estate and title insurance firms, and banks.

The public sector will be another area of great opportunity for paralegals, including agencies that assist the poor, the aged, low and middle-income families and minorities. Additionally, federal, state and local government agencies and the courts should continue to hire paralegals in increasing numbers.

The paralegal profession provides a rewarding experience to those who are interested in the law and want to actively participate in the exciting field of law. While a paralegal cannot give legal advice nor represent a client in court, the paralegal can play an instrumental role in providing quality legal services to all segments of our society.

At Pioneer Pacific, our Legal Assistant/ Paralegal Program prepares graduates for a successful career in the legal profession.

Ready to take the next step? Call our friendly admissions team toll free at 1-866-772-4636, or request more information online.