Esther
What are the Benefits of having a minor
I have a minor in paralegal studies , I want to know what the benefits of having that major are.
#law #criminaljuatice
2 answers
Kim Igleheart
Kim’s Answer
Esther,
The answer is, it sort of depends on what career path you might take! Paralegal Studies will hone your thinking, research, and writing skills to a level far superior to most people's! This is of course, useful in many different areas. For example, if you become a law enforcement officer, it will help you to write arrest reports that are better able of withstanding prosecutorial scrutiny. If you go into management, law enforcement or otherwise, it will help you in submitting proposals - suppose you want to go to 10-hour shifts rather than the traditional 8-hr shifts. You will need to be able to support your position, AND, anticipate what arguments those who oppose it might make. Depending on what classes you take, you will have a stronger background in things such as Family Law and Contracts. While serving as an officer you will not be able to give legal advice, but just possessing this knowledge will be able to help you as you try to settle disturbances!
Beyond that, if law school is in your future, it will help you to prepare. Or, you can get a job as a paralegal working in the police department, District Attorney's office, working with crime victims, etc.
I think because of the broad application of the skills acquired, this is an awesome minor to have! I wish you the best of luck!
Kim
Stacey Rearick
Stacey’s Answer
I majored in Government with an emphasis in Legal Assistance at a Texas college. I went straight to work as a Legal Assistant right after college. I worked in a law firm doing litigation work. I learned a lot, was paid well, and had a great benefit package with medical and dental health insurance, 401k benefits and paid time off. Since then I have worked in patent and trademark law, marketing law and contracts law. I have worked in law firms and in corporate legal departments. You'll find work as a Paralegal is sometime called Legal Assistant. Many employers use the terms interchangeably. Also you'll find some Paralegal roles are nothing more than a glorified secretary, and other are mostly doing everything the attorney would do, except represent the client in court.