Distance Learning – The Way of the Future for Busy Paralegals

By Loni Morganelli
American Paralegal in London

In today's busy world with our hectic work schedules, family commitments, and endless pressures, it's hard to find the time to stop and go to school.  But whether you're a fully qualified paralegal or working towards your certificate, continuing education is a vital part of our profession.  Fortunately today, there are many options out there that allow you the possibility to keep working, care for your family and receive a quality education without having to go out of your way or take time off.  With the help of the vast Internet, distance learning degrees have continued to increase in popularity over the years.

Despite all of the negative press going around about distance learning degrees and online education in general, there are still plenty of legitimate universities and colleges offering well-prganized, exciting online programs. In an effort to change the negative perception, the U.S. National Education Board has established 6 accreditation agencies to evaluate and provide accreditation to high learning institutions.  One such agency is the Distance Education and Training Council which provides accreditation for those institutes solely dedicated to online degree programs.  The agency is recognized the by the US Dept. of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Well known schools such as The George Washington University, University of California at Irvine, South University, and the American Institute for Paralegals Studies (AIPS) all offer outstanding online paralegal programs to fit your distance learning needs.  AIPS, for example, offers intensive one-month courses from Litigation, Corporate, and Immigration law to Bankruptcy, Foreclosure, and IP.  This school has seen numerous, proud graduates enter the paralegal workforce through welcoming employers.  The old adage that online education is not accepted by employers is fast becoming old news! Today, many employers recognize and appreciate the demands on employees and are becoming well-tuned to the work/life balance.

If you've taken a number of paralegal courses in the past with your undergraduate university, for example, I would recommend looking into one of the above schools to finish your certificate.  In this demanding, yet job suffocating economy, it is vital for you to prevent yourself from being made redundant [the UK term for layed-off, say goodbye or mere memory]. A paralegal certificate from an accredited university or a specialist certificate from tuition-friendly AIPS will surely put the pizzazz in your professional profile to help keep your position secure.

PS:  Don't forget to read, read, read! We've launched our first issue of SUE, For Women in Litigation (www.suemagazine) and the reviews are terrific! And don't forget to sign-up for KNOW, The Magazine for Paralegals (www.knowparalegal.com) that is receiving excellent reviews.  We appreciate your continued support.  The e-mails and phone calls supporting us have been overwhelming!