The body of knowledge required to effectively perform legal support services can only come from a formal education in paralegal studies. As attorneys, corporations and government agencies work within an increasingly complex legal framework, the level of responsibility they expect paralegals to be able to take on has also increased. Law offices and other employers in West Virginia have come to rely on paralegals with the kind of expertise that can only come from earning a certificate or degree in paralegal studies.
West Virginia has the highest concentration of paralegals of all states in the nation, a pretty cool claim to fame for anybody in the legal industry. In fact, paralegals account for about one out of every 325 jobs statewide according to 2016 figures from the US Department of Labor.
Despite the high saturation, demand for skilled paralegals is still strong here, but with so many currently working in the field, you better believe the job market is competitive. If you want to make it to the top you’ve got to develop your skills and gain the kind of credentials that help ensure you stand out from the crowd. This holds true whether you’re looking to land a job with one of the top firms in Charleston, or have your sights set on a job with a corporate legal department or government agency. Expectations are high for paralegals here, but so are the chances at success if you’ve got the right education.
From certificate programs that can be completed in a matter of weeks to degree programs that require a more significant investment of time and money, you’ll find convenient, online options available in West Virginia.
Alderson Broaddus University
BS/BA in Legal Studies – Campus
Legal Studies Minor – Campus
American Public University System
AS in Legal Studies – Campus
BS in Legal Studies – Campus
MA in Legal Studies – Campus
Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Legal Office Assistant Certificate – Campus
BridgeValley Community and Technical College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Mountwest Community & Technical College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
Certificate of Proficiency in Legal Support – Campus
New River Community and Technical College
Certificate of Applied Science, Legal Office Assistant – Campus
AAS in Legal Assisting – Campus
Pierpont Community and Technical College
AAS in Paralegal Studies – Campus
West Virginia Junior College
Associate Degree in Legal Office Assisting – Campus and online
Certificate in Legal Office Assisting – Campus
West Virginia University
Master of Legal Studies – Online