Scholarships For Paralegals

Written by admin on May 11th, 2011

Today, the use of paralegals, also referred to as legal assistants, has increased among law firms as it is cost effective to hire these individuals. Paralegals are specialized professionals and help law firms to conduct research, file and document important papers and also get involved in all the legal action taking place in these law firms.

Generally, these legal assistants have an undergraduate degree or an Associate degree of two years. However, whatever college you select, it is necessary to ensure that the program is recognized by the American Bar Association.

People who want to be a paralegal may wonder what options are available to get a scholarship in their field of study. Some of the options available for paralegal scholarships are as follows:

1.      Professional Organizations

2.      State Bar Associations

3.      Educational Institutions

Professional Organizations

The best source to obtain private scholarship for your paralegal study is through private organizations. Many legal associations offer some money to fund a part of the college education for a paralegal student.

The National Federation of Paralegal Associations offers 8 scholarships. These scholarships are funded by leading organizations such as Thomson Reuters. However, to qualify for this grant, the applicant must be enrolled into a paralegal program and be a student member of the firm sponsoring the scholarship.

The Orange County Paralegal Association offers eligible members an opportunity to win 0 as scholarship money to fund the education cost. However little, this may prove to be useful in funding for living expenses.

In order to gain a good scholarship, you may need to contact the paralegal association in your area and inquire about different scholarship options available.

State Bar Associations

Paralegals form an important part of the legal industry as they work with the lawyers and carry out important legal research for them. Moreover, since they work as assistants and lawyers do not have the time to do the paperwork, without these paralegals, the work would slow down and cases would keep on piling. Because of their important role in the legal industry, many Bar Associations offer scholarships designed especially for paralegals.

The Paralegal Department of the Bar Association in North Carolina provides numerous scholarships to students depending on their funds. Similarly, the Paralegal Division of the Bar Association in Maricopa County Bar takes special measures to provide financial help to its member paralegal students. It provides these scholarships to many students every year.

Educational Institutions

Many institutions offering paralegal courses also provide scholarships. However, before enrolling, ensure that the college is recognized by ABA.

 

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