With an increase in the use of computers and the Internet, it is now convenient for many people to further their education or obtain their degree online. Due to busy schedules, many people are unable to take the time to attend traditional classes on a university campus. They may be unable to follow a semester-based system, or they can only work on projects at certain times of the day. Online classes allow students to work toward their degree at their own pace and schedule. Students may take online classes at universities located in other states or even those in other countries. The availability of Internet classes has expanded the educational system to afford degrees to many who do not have time for traditional classes.

Legal Studies

A career in the legal system can be very broad: many different jobs are available that work within the criminal justice and legal systems. For someone who is interested in one of the various careers of these industries, many online programs are available to obtain a degree.

Legal studies incorporates far more than becoming an attorney, although a degree in legal studies can provide a job as a lawyer for those who are interested in that field. Legal studies incorporate the work of attorneys, court reporters, judges, and legal assistants, among many others. The legal system means working with people who are involved in civil, family, or criminal cases. These cases are researched and may or may not include some form of discipline or ruling. Some cases are never taken to court and are settled. Others follow through a court system and are tried before a judge and jury. There are many different types of legal cases that occur, and just as many people are involved in the development and work of the legal system.

A person that is interested in pursuing a degree in legal studies should begin by taking classes that provide a basic foundation for what information they will be using. Background courses in English, history and social sciences are necessary to provide a fundamental base for continuing in legal studies. There are various types of online programs that will provide degrees in legal studies, depending on the level of education and the ultimate career goal.

Legal Careers and Job Outlook

Court reporters are those who have been trained in the transcription of words that are being said through court cases. Court reporters appear at any proceeding and record all of the words and conversations that take place, usually by typing or stenography. All of these words are put into a record for the case, to be used if anything needs to be checked later. Court reporters receive training in legal terminology and word usage. They must be able to type and use their machines proficiently. They may provide captioning for those who are deaf or hard of hearing to be able to read words on a screen. Training to become a court reporter takes anywhere from one to three years at the college level, depending on the type of equipment needed and the job performed. There are various online programs available to become a court reporter. The average salary for court reporters is $48,000 per year.

Legal assistants are people who work with attorneys to assist them in building cases. Also called paralegals, legal assistants do much of the work behind the scenes. They may do research about past investigations to build a case that a lawyer is working in. They draw up reports and contracts for cases and situations that require agreement. Some legal assistants do office and paperwork to free some time for the attorney they are working for in order to focus on their case. Legal assistants are invaluable assets for many attorneys, providing much work and services in order to save them time. A person who is interested in becoming a legal assistant can obtain an Associate’s Degree through an accredited program. These programs are usually offered at community colleges, and many are available online. For someone with a Bachelor’s Degree in a different field, a Paralegal Certificate can also be obtained with a shorter course of education. Legal assistants average $36,000 to $60,000 per year for salary.

Lawyers work with people to represent and assist them during court proceedings or any activity where a potential breach in the law occurs. Lawyers, also called attorneys, provide counsel for people to assist them in making decisions during cases. They also represent them and are their advocate to ensure they receive the best outcome. Lawyers build cases according to the facts they have on hand, as well as historical data, and present these facts before a judge or jury who is hearing their client. Lawyers also advise those involved with potential legal issues as to what their rights are. Lawyers work in various industries, such as healthcare issues, insurance and taxes, and criminal cases, among many others. A lawyer has obtained a professional Juris Doctorate Degree after attending law school and taking the Bar examination. There are various online programs available that provide a Juris Doctorate Degree and to prepare students for the Bar examination. Lawyers must also maintain a license to continue practice. The average salary of a lawyer is $75,000 to $165,000 per year, depending on the area of practice.

A judge is a person who has a law degree and has practiced as a lawyer. Judges oversee cases, listen to testimony, and make decisions about discipline for guilty parties. Judges are familiar with the court system and the history of many cases, and they use this information when making rulings. Judges have worked in the criminal justice system and must usually be elected to their position. They can serve for a term of a specific period of time and must be re-elected to continue in their post. A judge must have a law degree of a Juris Doctorate. There is usually not any further education to become a judge, but many have served time as lawyers for several years before becoming elected. The average salary of a judge is $150,000 per year.

The job outlook for legal studies is very promising. As the judicial system continues to evolve, there is a need for lawyers and those who work within to court system to bring cases through. A degree in legal studies can provide a promising career.

Online Programs for Legal Studies

There are various opportunities available for those who are interested in obtaining a degree in legal studies through online programs.

College of Court Reporting

The College of Court Reporting provides an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Court Reporting. The program is offered entirely online for students to work at their own pace, and can be completed in 28 months. It offers basic information about legal terminology, and practice at various stenograph and transcription machines for use in the court system. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.

College of Court Reporting
Associate of Applied Science in Court Reporting
Telephone: 1-866-294-3974
Website: http://www.ccr.edu/index.htm

Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University offers an online program for an Associate of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies. The program prepares students for working in the legal system by teaching the tasks of a legal assistant to work in law firms and community legal service programs. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Colorado Technical University
Associate of Science Degree in Paralegal Studies
Telephone: 1-800-416-8904
Website: http://www.coloradotech.edu/

Concord Law School

Concord Law School, a division of Kaplan University, offers a Juris Doctorate Degree online for those interested in becoming an attorney or judge. The program is part time and can be completed in four years. Students must already have a Bachelor’s Degree in a similar field to be admitted into the program. The Juris Doctorate education prepares students to take the Bar examination to receive licensure. The Concord Law School is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) and is registered with the California Committee of Bar Examiners.

Concord Law School
Juris Doctorate Degree
Telephone: 1-800-439-4794
Website: http://www.concordlawschool.edu/

The University of Connecticut

The University of Connecticut School of Law offers an online program specializing in insurance law. The program is directed for students who already possess a Juris Doctorate degree and who wish to specialize in the specific principles of insurance and financial services. The program is offered online and can be completed within four years. After completion, students will have obtained a LL.M (Legum Magister) Degree and will be able to work in the specific areas of insurance law. The University of Connecticut School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association.

University of Connecticut School of Law
65 Elizabeth Street
Hartford, CT 06105
Telephone: 1-860-570-5000
Website: http://www.law.uconn.edu/

There are many degrees available for those who wish to work in the legal system. An online degree in legal studies can be obtained while continuing to work at a full time job or while handling a busy schedule. The legal system provides many different jobs that are interesting and will help others as they proceed through the court process. A degree in legal studies provides a student with an interesting and challenging career.

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