Many paralegals in Arizona apply for national certification, although this is not required by the state. National organizations that certify paralegals include the National Association of Legal Assistants, the American Alliance of Paralegals and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations. Employment of paralegals and paralegals is expected to grow by 12%* from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. When students earn an AAS degree in paralegal studies, they can get a job as a legal assistant, legal secretary, or paralegal. Description: Offers 100% online CAPA approved paralegal programs that give you the knowledge, tools and training you need to work in the legal field. The Associate degree program will provide you with the fundamental knowledge of legal terminology, procedural law, preparation of legal documents, and research skills necessary for professional success. The certificate program is designed for graduate students who wish to pursue a career in law and/or experienced professionals who wish to make a career change in the legal industry. Students must complete 16 quarters of an hour of special legal courses through synchronous instruction. ANU`s high-tech/high-touch learning approach gives you the ability to attend real-time classes from anywhere. Our instructors have hands-on experience in the legal field, allowing them to bring up-to-date expertise to academic paralegals working to assist lawyers in joint legal tasks. A paralegal can gather evidence of cases, prepare legal documents, contact people associated with a case, and help lawyers during a trial by taking notes and reading process records to get relevant information. Paralegals in Arizona cannot practice without the Legal Document Preparer designation.
Maricopa County Association of Paralegals (MCAP) (formerly Legal Assistants of Metropolitan Phoenix (LAMP)) – MCAP is affiliated with the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) and offers three levels of membership: National certification is offered by national paralegal associations. Its purpose is to increase the professionalism of paralegals by certifying that they are proficient in national legal information requirements and are competent in their field. As the paralegal profession becomes more accepted, it has become necessary for candidates to distinguish themselves. One way to stand out from the competition is to take courses in paralegal studies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the careers of paralegals and paralegals are expected to grow much faster than average — with a rate of 12% by 2030. International – Open to corporations residing outside the United States Description: Arizona Western College is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education. Their mission is to transform lives through education and partnerships to create thriving communities. Arizona Western College has 12 campuses over 10,000 square miles, 2 county service areas, and they host all three state universities on their main campus for face-to-face instruction. Arizona Western College`s paralegal program prepares students for entry-level employment at law firms. It provides students with practical legal skills that enable them to write legal documents. Arizona Western College`s paralegal program exposes students to fundamental concepts in material areas such as tort liability, business law, legal writing, legal research, law firm IT support, and legal procedures. They also offer several specialties to choose from such as criminal procedure law, real estate law, inheritance, bankruptcy and family law.
The NALA-affiliated Arizona Paralegal Association (APA) was founded in 1977 and today has more than 400 members. One of its goals is to promote the legal professional, which it does by supporting professional development, promoting high standards and ethics, advocating for the profession to local and state bar associations, and serving as an information clearing house for paralegals. The APA strives to keep its members informed by offering “Learn at Lunch” seminars, annual legal seminars, and numerous online resources such as updates to federal regulations. NOTE: Phoenix College also offers a Certified Paralegal (CP) Review Course. The course is a five-week course that takes place on Saturdays. To learn more about this course, visit: www.pc.maricopa.edu/legalstudies/cp/ Description: Phoenix College is a member of Maricopa Community Colleges. Phoenix College`s paralegal program has been training paralegal students since 1973. We offer day and night classes in a classroom taught by experienced community lawyers and paralegals.