B.S. in Paralegal Studies
Prepare to Play a Pivotal Role Through Regent’s Paralegal Studies Degree Program
You’re passionate about the law and helping those in need. Regent’s Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies will equip you with the research, communication, organization and technology skills needed to pursue a meaningful career in the field of law.
Increasingly, legal work in the United States is being undertaken by paraprofessionals who are trained in the law but are not J.D.-holding, practicing attorneys. Regent University has positioned itself to equip the next generation of paralegals, who will exhibit competence and professionalism, operating in the context of a Christian, ethical worldview. The paralegal studies program will prepare you to play a pivotal role as a paraprofessional in law offices, government units, and other law-practice settings. It will also equip you if you are looking to become a legal aid advocate, clerk of court or judiciary clerk, administrative assistant in court or litigation support analyst.
You will gain an overview of the most common practice areas of law, including marriage and family, real estate, personal injury and contracts—all from a Christian worldview. This paralegal studies major will be enhanced by its integration with Regent’s ABA-approved School of Law.
ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE
Regent has been ranked among top national universities by the U.S. News & World Report for two consecutive years – 2019 and 2020. Our programs have also been ranked by it as the #1 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Virginia for eight years in a row. Experience the Regent difference, a combination of excellence and integrity, as you take the next step in your career.
GAIN EXPERTISE THROUGH THE PARALEGAL STUDIES PROGRAM
Grow your research and writing skills, legal terminology, and clerical and management skills. Build your knowledge and skill set to match your career requirements through courses that cover legal research and writing, investigation in litigation, civil litigation, contract law and more.
BUILD ON A STRONG FOUNDATION
Anchor your knowledge and skill on Christian principles and values.
LEARN FROM THE BEST
Be mentored by faculty in Virginia Beach who hold the highest degrees in their field.
|
|
|
|
On completing the Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies program you will be able to:
- Draft motions, briefs, pleadings and other documents
- Interview clients and witnesses and manage case files
- Conduct fee arrangements, time tracking, basic accounting and records management
Career Opportunities:
- Paralegal
- Legal Assistant
- Legal Aid Advocate
- Clerk of Court or Judiciary Clerk
- Administrative Assistant in Court
- Litigation Support Analyst
Christian and historical foundations as the basis of American jurisprudence. Paralegals' role in the law office. Survey of U.S. law; importance of research, legal writing and ethics.
Analysis of the case law and statutory law systems. Writing of legal memoranda. Utilization of online law libraries, and other resources and tools. Create a complaint to initiate a lawsuit.
Structures and operations of courts, and their jurisdictions, procedures; history and introduction to judicial processes.
Basic legal principles with ethical approaches to investigations. Utilization of federal, state and local regulations governing rules of evidence. Interviewing techniques and investigation plans. Sourcing of witnesses and rules governing admissibility in court.
Clerical and management skills of law firms; fee arrangements, time tracking, billing, basic accounting, handling client funds, and records management; etiquette, and marketing.
Litigation protocols in organization of law offices, time management, fact investigation, flow of litigation, court systems, commencement and defense of lawsuits, discovery, evidence, motions practices, and trial preparation. Settlement and post-trial practices.
Various sources of law regarding professional responsibilities and legal ethics; practical applications; Christian worldview perspectives.
Comprehensive, including marriage, divorce, annulment, division of property, child custody and support, spousal support and adoption. Preparation and filing of requisite documents/pleadings.
Bodily injury/property damage and requirements for tort liability and compensation; worker’s compensation systems. Practical aspects of PI practice from plaintiff’s and defense perspectives.
Substantive knowledge, practical skills and competencies, and ethical guidelines needed to work in criminal law area; criminal investigation (prosecution/defense) and evidence.
Law of formation, legal construction, execution, and enforcement of and remedies under contracts.
Drafting real estate contracts, deeds, mortgage instruments, foreclosure notices, mechanic's liens, leases and listing contracts. Legal concepts of real estate documents related to estates in land, homestead, fixtures and easements. Title searches and closings.
Admission requirements vary based on the stage you’re at in life. Select a link below to learn how to apply.
2019-20 Tuition Rates
| Program Type | Tuition |
|---|---|
On-Campus Student
|
|
Online Student (enrolled in 8-week classes)
|
|
RN to B.S. in Nursing Tuition |
|
Student Fees
Fee | Amount | Description |
Application Fee (On-Campus & Evening/Online Students)
| $50 | One-time fee, nonrefundable |
Enrollment Deposit (On-Campus Students) Enrollment Deposit (Evening/Online Students) | $150
| Fee is deducted from tuition costs |
Graduation Fee(On-Campus & Evening/Online Students) | $60 | One-time fee upon submission of graduation application |
University Services Fee(On-Campus Students) | $700/semester | Contributes to university academic and administrative operations |
Optional Fees
Late Payment | $100/Session | Incurred per session in the event of late tuition payment |
Course Fees | Varies, | Some courses in theater, animation, cinema television or science labs carry an additional fee |
2020-21 Tuition Rates
| Program Type | Tuition |
|---|---|
On-Campus Student
|
|
Online Student (enrolled in 8-week classes)
|
|
RN to B.S. in Nursing Tuition |
|
Student Fees
Fee | Amount | Description |
Application Fee (On-Campus & Evening/Online Students)
| $50 | One-time fee, nonrefundable |
Enrollment Deposit (On-Campus Students) Enrollment Deposit (Evening/Online Students) | $150
| Fee is deducted from tuition costs |
Graduation Fee(On-Campus & Evening/Online Students) | $60 | One-time fee upon submission of graduation application |
University Services Fee(On-Campus Students) | $750/semester | Contributes to university academic and administrative operations |
Optional Fees
Late Payment | $100/Session | Incurred per session in the event of late tuition payment |
Course Fees | Varies, | Some courses in theater, animation, cinema television or science labs carry an additional fee |
What is paralegal studies?
* Paralegal studies is a program designed to prepare you for a career as a paralegal or legal assistant in a corporation, government office or not-for-profit organization. If you’re looking to become a legal aid advocate, clerk of court or judiciary clerk, administrative assistant in court or litigation support analyst, this degree is for you as well. The courses cover legal terminology, drafting motions, briefs and pleadings, and encourage you to excel in writing, interviewing and case managing skills.
What do paralegals or legal assistants do?
**Paralegals and legal assistants assist lawyers by examining facts, researching precedents, and preparing legal documents, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. ***In such a role, you would contribute toward the groundwork for trials, hearings and meetings.
Your responsibilities would include gathering the facts of a case, researching laws, writing reports, gathering evidence and documents for the attorney to review, and drafting legal documents. Filing documents with the court, scheduling meetings, taking notes during a trial and reviewing transcripts would also be part of your responsibilities.
Having said that, your specific responsibilities would depend on the area you work in, the specialization you choose, or the law firm’s size.
How would the paralegal studies program equip me for such a role?
The paralegal studies program at Regent is designed to help you excel in the field. We have a two-pronged approach for preparing you for your career – knowledge and practical, real-world skills.
We will introduce you to the basics of paralegal studies with a Foundations of Paralegal Studies course and then build on it with courses that cover legal research and writing, investigation, civil litigation, and criminal and contract laws. Through these, you will learn about writing legal memoranda, utilizing online law libraries and other resources, investigation plans, interviewing techniques, sourcing witnesses, and more. We will also look at different areas of law, including real estate law, family law, and personal injury law.
Presented from a Christian worldview, the program prioritizes accuracy, efficiency, and integrity. You can pursue your Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies online at a university that has consistently been recognized for offering excellence and support. Regent’s programs have been ranked as the #1 Best Online Bachelor’s Programs in Virginia for eight years in a row by the U.S. News & World Report. Experience the difference.
How much is a paralegal’s salary?
** The mean annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants is $55,020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2019. The median annual wage is $51,740, according to the same source.
What is the job outlook for paralegals?
**** The projected growth in employment for paralegals and legal assistants from 2019 to 2029 is 10 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. How does that compare to the average? BLS deems it “Much faster than average,” given the 4 percent average growth rate for all occupations.
References:
*”Paralegal Program Comes to CAS,” Regent University, May 1, 2015, https://www.regent.edu/news-events/paralegal-program-comes-cas/
** Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2019, 23-2011 Paralegals and Legal Assistants, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm (visited September 18, 2020).
*** Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, What Paralegals and Legal Assistants Do, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-2 (visited September 18, 2020).
**** Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: Summary, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-1 (visited September 21, 2020).