An Introduction to Law Programs

Law is a field that requires frequent retraining because precedents, statutes, cases, and legislation constantly change. While this often requires additional work on your part, you can be relatively certain that no two days are going to be the same. As local, state, and Federal laws continue to evolve, you have opportunities to take on new and exciting challenges. What was legal yesterday could become illegal tomorrow, and vice versa. Whether you're more creative or more analytical, it's possible to thrive in this field. The best lawyers, paralegals, and legal academics, however, exhibit both qualitative and quantitative abilities.

Which Type of Law Degree Program Is Best for You?

Although lawyers are the most popular occupations in the field, there are numerous professions under the larger law umbrella. If going back to school to earn a 3-year law degree, but passing a bar exam doesn't appeal to you, consider some of the following occupations instead:

• Paralegals assist lawyers and judges with research, writing, and various administrative duties. While no formal educational requirements exist for this field, having an associate's or bachelor's degree is highly recommended
• Academics study the law from historical or theoretical perspectives. Usually having bachelor's training or higher, they write articles, papers, books, and, in some cases, new laws
• Bailiffs help maintain order in the court, acting as on-site law enforcement agents during trials. Much of your training can be learned on-the-job, although having an associate's degree or higher can be advantageous
• Stenographers record and transcribe courtroom proceedings using shorthand notations and special typing (stenographic) machines. Associate's training usually takes one to two years to complete

Attending an Online Degree Program in Law

You can complete most if not all of your law training through online education. While working from home or the office, you can take classes, research, and interact with fellow-students. The advantage of an online degree program is that you don't have to commute to class, nor are you limited to programs in your neighborhood. Anywhere you have access to the Internet, you have access to online education.

Career Outlook after a Law Degree Program

Salary ranges and growth potential vary considerably within the larger law industry. Lawyers typically earn the largest sums, making a median salary of $100,000 a year. However, demand for their skills probably won't be able to keep pace with demand for paralegals and court reporters. These two groups are expected to enjoy 22 percent and 25 percent job growth from 2006 to 2016, respectively.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Correctional Officers
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Court Reporters
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lawyers
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Paralegals and Legal Assistants