The paralegal profession has been ranked by the U.S. Department of Labor as one of the most stable and fastest-growing careers for 2006 and beyond. Due to the increasing number of legal case filings and expanding client demands, paralegals are performing more challenging duties and are assuming greater responsibilities in law firms.
Paralegals have become virtually indispensable in the cost-effective delivery of legal services. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of paralegal positions will increase by 62 percent by 2008, making it the sixth fastest-growing occupation in the country. Currently, the national average salary for paralegals is $37,950, while the average salary for an entry-level paralegal in the Seattle area is about $40,647.
North Seattle Community College's continuing education department, in conjunction with the Center for Legal Studies, is offering a paralegalcertification course via correspondence, online and live lecture this spring term. This curriculum has been offered nationwide since 1980 and is consistently modified to keep up with relevant changes in state and federal law.
The program is taught and monitored by Seattle area attorneys and includes 84 hours of intensive curriculum, WESTLAW training, a voluntary internship program for top graduates and job placement assistance. Course tuition is $989. Students attend classes on weekends, prepare homework assignments and take regularly scheduled quizzes.
To register, call the Center for Legal Studies, 1-800-522-7737. The course begins Jan. 21. For more information, visit www.legalstudies.com.
