These two terms sound similar, but they are for two very distinct roles in the legal system.
Paralegal studies and legal studies are both part of the legal field.
However, paralegal studies prepare students to become paralegals; legal studies are a broad overarching term that can include many paths, including studying to become a lawyer, or paralegal programs, or both. Understanding the nuances between legal studies vs paralegal programs is crucial for students deciding their career paths in the legal field.
Because law school is a long and arduous process, some students begin their legal career by earning a paralegal certificate, with the option to pursue law school afterwards.
To learn more about the distinctions between legal studies and paralegal studies, read onwards, as we explore the similarities and differences of each.
What is a Paralegal?
Paralegals do legal preparation work under the supervision of an attorney, but a paralegal is not allowed to give legal advice or practice law.
The supervising attorney is responsible for the work the paralegal does for them. Usually, the paralegal does various clerical, legal preparation, and administrative work that help attorneys prepare for a case or to file documents with the court.
According to the American Bar Association,
“A 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.”
Paralegal vs Lawyer
There is some overlap in what lawyers do and what paralegals do on a daily basis. They both can do legal research, prepare legal documents, or write reports.
The distinction between lawyer vs paralegal roles can significantly impact the type of work and responsibilities assigned in a legal setting. Typically, paralegals do much of the preparation work, while only lawyers are allowed to practice law or advise clients.
Lawyers can appear before judges in hearings, select and present to jury members, or examine witnesses. Paralegals cannot do any of these things. This delineation is part of the broader legal studies vs paralegal studies debate, which often centers on the scope of practice and educational requirements.
Paralegals do the majority of their work behind the scenes, preparing documents and conducting research for a case. The supervising lawyers are responsible for the work the paralegal does, so this offers some protection to the paralegal if a negative outcome occurs.
Lawyers are also allowed to sign legal documents and set fees, while paralegals are not.
Differences Between Paralegal Programs and Law School
The path to becoming a paralegal is much quicker than the journey towards becoming a lawyer.
Paralegal studies programs are usually no more than two years. Law school is usually a minimum of three years, on top of the four years it takes to earn an undergraduate degree.
Law school students must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) after earning their Bachelor’s degree in order to attend law school.
Lawyers are also required to pass the bar examination after law school to practice as an attorney.
Paralegals must graduate from an accredited paralegal studies program and pass a certification exam. It usually takes about two years to become a paralegal, and at least seven years to become a lawyer.
Paralegals vs Legal Secretaries
It is important to distinguish the roles of a legal assistant vs paralegal, as the former primarily focuses on clerical support while the latter may handle more complex legal tasks. Paralegals can perform a wide range of legal preparation duties, as well as clerical and administrative tasks. Legal secretaries usually only perform clerical duties.
Another key difference between paralegals and legal secretaries is that paralegals usually have an Associate’s degree or higher, while legal secretaries can work with only a high school diploma in most states.
Because of these differences, paralegals usually earn more than legal secretaries. In contrast, the earnings gap might not be as wide when comparing a legal assistant vs paralegal, given their overlapping duties.
Coursework for Paralegal Studies
Some of the things that students learn in Paralegal Studies include:
- Legal Terminology
- Legal Analysis and Writing
- Ethics
- How Litigation Works
- Personal Injury Torts
- How to Conduct Legal Research
- Contract Law Principles
- Administrative Law
Is Paralegal Studies a Difficult Program to Complete?
The requirements to become a certificated paralegal may vary from state to state.
In California, paralegal studies students must complete a Paralegal Studies program of at least 24 credits, finish an ABA-approved paralegal program, or have one year of paralegal experience after earning a Bachelor’s degree in any field.
Most paralegal studies programs are about two years in length, as there are many things to learn, but four year paralegal programs are uncommon. During these programs, students explore the practical differences in responsibilities and legal boundaries, similar to those found in a lawyer vs paralegal comparison.
What Are Some Things You Can Do with a Paralegal Studies Certificate?
Earning your paralegal certificate allows you to work as an entry level paralegal in the licensing state. Most paralegals work in law offices, with a substantial number also working in government, corporate law, or real estate law.
Take The First Steps Towards Becoming a Paralegal
The A.A. Online Paralegal Studies program at Campus, formerly known as MTI College, is now open to eligible students. This fully online program will let you fast track your education to becoming a paralegal.
For more details, or to talk directly to our friendly Admissions department, call (916) 339-1500 or fill our contact form today. A representative from Campus will be in contact with you shortly afterwards.