What can you do with a Master of Laws? There are many career opportunities for those who earn an MLS degree. BLS groups all these positions under its general umbrella of legal professions: The career prospects for paralegals are excellent. Thanks to SWIC`s well-rounded study curriculum, you are not only ready to work in any type of law firm, but also in public authorities, banks, hospitals, insurance companies and the private sector. SIUE is committed to providing information and support to students who are wondering if a legal career is right for them or who have already decided to pursue this professional degree after graduation. To do this, SIUE has established two contact areas for students, College of Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Advice and the Pre-Law Mentor. SIU law students receive rigorous legal training in a supportive learning environment. All students have a uniform curriculum for the first year. In the second and third year, a wide range of courses is offered. Many Illinois professionals whose professions regularly overlap aspects of the law can benefit from legal training.
If you do not intend to take the bar exam and become a practicing lawyer, a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) may be a suitable option for you. This degree program is aimed at non-lawyers, but will give you a good understanding of the legal issues that arise regularly in your work. The two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies is designed to provide you with knowledge in the various areas of law. Students must complete PARL 300A, PARL 300B and PARL 310 with a grade of C or better. A minimum of 15 credit hours of coursework, defined as legal specialty courses, must be completed at SIU Carbondale, of which at least 9 credit hours must be PARL 300A, PARL 300B, PARL 310, PARL 320, PARL 330, PARL 350, PARL 360, PARL 370 or PARL 380. Nine credit hours must be completed with synchronous courses (i.e. face-to-face or live online). Courses used to complete the certificate program may be credited to the Bachelor of Paralegal Studies program if a student subsequently elects to pursue a Bachelor of Paralegal Studies. Unlike the Bachelor of Science program, the certificate program is not currently approved by the American Bar Association. Under the agreement, Tougaloo students complete the application for the work-study program no later than the end of their first year of study and maintain at least 3.4 GPAs. Applicants to the program must complete three-quarters of the courses required for a Tougaloo College bachelor`s degree and all of their major and final work by the end of their first year.
Students can count up to 30 credit hours from the SIU towards their bachelor`s degree. 1 Students must complete four 300/400 level courses in Paralegal Studies, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, English, History, African Studies, Mass Communication and Media Arts, Journalism and/or Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, at least one of which must be selected from the following list: PARL 315, PARL 325, PARL 335, PARL 340, PARL 345, PARL 355, PARL 375, FIN 380, PHIL 310, or other 300/400 level law/paralegal option approved by the PARL coordinator. In the state of Illinois, judges earn the most of all legal professions with an average salary of $190,450, and title examiners, astrators and plaintiffs earn the lowest, with an average of $49,610. Tougaloo students also have access to SIU Law`s Diversity Prelaw Summer Institute, which helps high-achieving juniors and seniors at colleges across the country better understand legal careers and prepare for law school. Whether you`re considering a career as a paralegal or preparing for law school, the SIU`s paralegal program provides students with the tools they need to succeed in the complex world of the legal system. Each faculty member is a licensed lawyer who uses their courtroom experience and working knowledge of the justice system in their classroom. In addition to the 34 credit hours of the basic requirements for legal specialty courses, the major requires at least 12 credit hours of electives. There are two ways to meet this requirement: the general option and the statutory specialization option. The general option is an excellent choice for students who plan to work in a legal profession after graduation. The Pre-Law specialization is an excellent path for students who plan to study law after graduation. For the general option, students must complete at least 12 credit hours of selected courses in the list of paralegal skills courses.
For the pre-law specialization, students must complete 12 credit hours at the 300-400 level in paralegal studies, criminology and criminal justice, political science, psychology, sociology, philosophy, English, history, African studies, mass communication and media arts, journalism and/or women, gender and sexuality studies, of which at least 3 credit hours must be selected from a list of law-related courses provided by the becoming. Armed with knowledge of advanced legal research and writing and a solid foundation in law, students with a privileged specialization are better prepared for the intense demands of law school. SWIC has an articulation agreement with Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Webster University that allows students to begin the Bachelor of Paralegal Studies program with junior status. A minor in Paralegal Studies requires 15 credit hours at SIU Carbondale, of all core paralegal studies courses except PARL 405. The Paralegal Minor is not endorsed by the American Bar Association and is not intended to prepare a student for a career as a paralegal. Learn more about moving to the SIU to obtain your Bachelor of Paralegal Studies after completing your studies as an AAS paralegal at Harper College. The Advanced Practicum course in the Paralegal Studies program provides students with the unique experience of gaining real-world expertise over the required 150 hours of practicum. According to the American Bar Association, „a paralegal is a person qualified by education, training, or work experience, employed or owned by a lawyer, law firm, corporation, government agency, or other entity, and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which a lawyer is responsible.” Paralegals are not permitted to provide legal services unless permitted by law. The law degree program is designed to provide specialized knowledge and skills to prepare students for employment as paralegals. Paralegals cannot provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.
