Legal Studies Bachelor's Degree

If you would like to have a career in the legal world, but you feel that law school isn't for you, then maybe you should consider obtaining your bachelor's degree in legal studies. If this sounds like an appealing educational avenue to travel, then continue reading below to find out what is involved in this degree program. A bachelor's degree in legal studies can provide you with the skills and knowledge you will need to pursue a career in law enforcement, government, business, or a similar field. Of course, before you can begin working on your bachelor's degree in legal studies you will need to obtain your high school diploma, or the equivalent.

Becoming a paralegal is one possible option that a bachelor's degree in legal studies makes possible. A paralegal, sometimes referred to as a legal assistant, works alongside a lawyer to help with trials, hearings, closings, or conferences. This career path provides you with the option of working within a company's legal department, a governmental agency, or a law firm of any size. In this capacity, you will likely spend your time recording notes from a meeting, researching applicable case law, organizing documents pertaining to a case, fact checking, and drafting legal documents. In order to train to become a paralegal, students should complete bachelor's course work that focuses on legal ethics, law office management, legal research, and civil practices and procedures.

Many individuals who obtain their legal studies degree work as a probation officer. Should you decide to seek employment in this position you will probably work in the corrections systems. Whether you work in an administrative capacity, a law enforcement position, or a public relations area, you will likely be responsible for following up with offenders to check their progress, verify their activities and their rehabilitation status. If becoming a probation officer is a career goal of yours, then you will want to focus your course work on areas such as: criminal policy, victimology, criminal justice systems, strategies for correctional treatment, communications, and police policy. This course work is important since most probation officers have to complete a certification exam to become gainfully employed.

If becoming a social worker sounds like a good plan to you, then a degree in legal studies is definitely the path for you to follow. Although your job responsibilities will vary depending upon your employment venue, you will likely have to tasks such as: handling family conflicts, teaching workshops, setting up support groups, and developing social service policies for an organization. Your degree, paired with your knowledge and skills set will make it feasible for you to seek employment through a clinic, a legal aid office, an educational institution, or other non-profit organizations. To obtain your bachelor's degree in legal studies and work as a social worker, you will need to complete course work like: social movements, human behavior, counseling and interviewing techniques, research design, family therapy, and the sociology of social conflicts. Also, most social workers have to successfully pass a certification exam to gain licensure.

Tasks and Objectives You’ll be Taught

Congratulations on taking the first step toward a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies. A degree in legal studies will help you in your career and give you lots of opportunity for advancement. You’ll learn in-depth about law and explore areas of legal history during your training. Your degree can also lead to other employment opportunities since you’ll also learn about paralegal and legal researching techniques.

- Conducting legal research
- Edit legal documents according to law
- Be able to use LexisNexis to conduct research
- Help interview witnesses
- Assist with preparing briefs and legal requests
- Conduct legal Research to solve legal problems
- Investigate facts pertaining to a legal issue
- Write legal memoranda and documents for attorney to reviews

Courses Taken During Training

You’ll learn critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate with others regarding legal issues. Learn to apply legal theory into real-world situations during your Bachelor’s degree training. During your degree you’ll usually cover areas including:

- Contracts
- Foundation of Law
- Legal Document Preparation
- Criminal Law and Legal Research
- Intro to Psychology
- Litigation Courses
- Torts
- Communications
- Domestic Relations
- Law and Criminal Evidence
- Environmental Law

Is a Legal Related Career Right for you?

The legal industry can be very demanding and face paced. You’ll need to really understand all aspects of your career to be successful. Are you ready for the challenge?

Pressure – How do you handle pressure? If you are calm, can think clearly and come up with solutions to problems then this could be the right career for you. Tasks that you are given are often needed to be completed in a short period of time.

Teamwork – In a legal environment everyone works as a team. Are you a team driven individual who works well with others and strive to help others accomplish a goal?

Professional – Without a doubt the legal field is very professional. Clients are often in the office you’ll be working in and being professional with all of your work and duties is a must.

Communication – You’ll need to have great oral and written skills if you want to work for a law firm.

Research – Since most of the time you’ll be dealing with cases and doing research it will be important that you can conduct the research quickly and efficiently.