Expert: Bryan Chant, Esq. - 7/29/2009

Question
I am looking into becoming a paralegal. I already have a BS in Biblical Studies and a
minor in Business Administration. Will a post degree certificate be accepted or should I
go for an Associates or Bachelors? Also I have read a lot of information that says there
are few ABA approved online paralegal programs. I am hoping that information is outdated since the closest traditional school is over an hour away and I work full time. I have heard Colorado Tech and Herzing College Online recommended. Are they 100 online and ABA approved?

Answer
Dear Beth,

I would say that the details of your degrees are not the crucial item.  What is crucial, however, is your fundamental training and experience.  Prospective employers want to see that their new-hire is going to be able to hit the ground running and not require a lot of on the job training.  Therefore, I would say that for most jobs a certificate would be fine given that you already have an undergraduate degree.  I would mention that obtaining a job at a highly competitive firms (e.g. top 100 firms) might be more difficult with just the certificate.  

I am not sure about Colorado Tech or Herzing.  I would recommend contacting their admissions offices or the American Bar Association.

Good luck in your future career!