Can I fit paralegal school into my busy schedule?

How much time will paralegal school take?

Step 1

There are so many people that wish they could go to paralegal school. Do you sometimes wish you could go back and pick a different job and career? Or maybe you are ready to start your first career and don’t know what to choose and have been tossing around the idea of paralegal school. We often have dreams and goals that don’t become a reality. Sometimes you just need to take that first step. You have heard a lot about the many paralegal opportunities, but you know that you will have to go to paralegal school to pursue that career. The first step is to realize that you may need to make a change or major decision in order to be successful.  That first step is searching for what it takes to go to paralegal school and earn your paralegal certificate.

Step 2

Now that you are ready to investigate paralegal schools, your next step is putting aside your fear of working and attending class at the same time. It can be done and there are many paralegals that can attest to it!   For example, the program at the American Institute for Paralegal Studies can be completed by either taking one course or two courses per month. One course per month is ideal for the full time worker. It allows you to work full time and still meet the demands of your studiesl. Since AIPS does not require that you sign on at a certain time, you have the flexibility to make a schedule that fits your life while meeting the course and program requirements. Two courses per month works well for the part-time worker or someone who may have time on his/her hands to devote to completing paralegal school quickly and efficiently.  AIPS has an 8 course Paralegal Certificate program that can be completed in 8 or 4 months and a 12 course Paralegal Certificate and Litigation Specialty program that can be completed in either 12 or 6 months.

Step 3

Finally, you are ready and excited to start your paralegal school adventure! All of your hard work returning to school is going to pay off. You are not going to keep asking whether you should have pursued additional schooling or regretting that you never took that leap of faith and followed your dreams of a paralegal education.  Good luck and enjoy that trip in higher education!

To find out more information on paralegal school visit the American Institute for Paralegal Studies website by clicking here.

Janet Russeth, J.D. AIPS Faculty